sings.The second text, which is actually the latter sections of the Vedas, is known as the Upanishads. The Upanishads is considered to be inspired writings by the Hindu faithful and also plays a big part in the development of the Hindu concept of the divine. The Upanishads is where the Hindu religion strays from multiple gods and instead focuses on the Brahman. The Brahman is an ultimate reality beyond our comprehension and is impersonal in nature. The Upanishads also mention the Atman, which is best described as the core of one’s being as well as a more personal ultimate reality for the Hindu. A popular phrase to Hindus is “Atman is Brahman”.The doctrinal beliefs for the follower of Islam can be found in the Koran. The Koran can be thought of as the Christian Bible or the Jewish Torah. The Koran is basically the end all reference guide for the person of the Islamic faith. Within the pages of the Koran one can find the Five Pillars of Faith as well as the central doctrines of faith known as the Five Articles of Faith. The Five Pillars consist of the creed, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage. The creed is used to testify that “there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet”. This creed must be professed for one to both become and remain a follower of Islam. Prayer is done dutifully and respectfully five times daily while facing Mecca, the most holiest of cities in Islam. Almsgiving is required in the Islamic religion and as such followers give one fortieth of their income in the name of Allah. Fasting is observed during the month of Ramadan to pay tribute to the month that Mohammed performed his meditation. Finally, the pilgrimage to Mecca is a duty that all Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so.For the ethical portion of Hinduism we once again turn to the Vedas and Upanishads. These two works give examples by which Hindus should l...
