This will reveal the truth about Islam and Hinduism. The following article is an excerpt from the research paper of Dr.S.Padmanabhan presented at the International Conference on Arts held in New York in 1983 in conjunction with the publication of his book “Hinduism the Universal Religion”.
ISLAM
The contribution of Hinduism to Islam, another great religion of the world is significant. We have abundant references to a very close contact between India and the Islamic world. Long before the advent of Islam, even as early as the third millennium B.C. India had cultural bonds with the Mesopotamia civilization.
The cult and rituals of Western Asia were partly influenced by Indian thought and culture. The knowledge of Indian religion, which had reached the Islamic world, is reflected in many writings of the early period. During the 7th and 8th centuries many Arabs travelled to the western coast and acquired information regarding Indian religion and various other aspects. The existence of Hindu temples in Western Asia and the wide prevalence of Buddhism in the said region are pointed out by several scholars [The Age of Imperial Polity by Dr. R.C. Majundar].
The word Arabia is a Greek version of Sanskrit word Arva or Arvastan famous for the good breed of horses. When the Arabs learnt about our Gaja they call it Alif Hind India’s No.1]. The same was called Elep-hant in European languages. Before the rise of Islam there lived in Arabia many Hindus, who had settled there observing Hindu religious customs including the worship of SHIVA as MAKESHA from which name Mecca is said to have derived.
The word Hindu was considered very sacred by the Islamic world. Several ladies bore name like “Hind Bind” and Alhari Dhal Hind” in the history of Arabia. One of the friends of the prophet was known as Hind Abuharath. The name of one of the wives of the prophet was Hindu Umm Salma. [Spirit of Islam by Syed Amir Ali page 235]. According to Islamic tradition Adam, the first man and prophet descended on Indian soil from heaven and received the first Divine message from GOD [Tafsir-Mansur Siyuti Volume 1 page 55] The Muslims also believe that Adam’s elder son Sheith is lying buried in Ayodhya.
When there was revolution against the idol-breaking declaration of the prophet Mohammad he left Mecca and settled in Medina. When he was strong enough to attack Mecca, he prayed Mahadeva, “ If I shall get victory in Mecca, I shall break all the other 360 gods, but not break you. I shall kiss you, bow before you and perform you Ida [worship] with the date leaves and water of Abe Zam-zam”. [Influence of Indian Culture on Arabia by Dr. H.L. Oberai]. Since the prophet emerged victorious, he actually kissed, saluteed and worshiped the Black stone GOD. Namastha [bowing eight times] has become Namaz. Black stone GOD is called Azwad. Aswad is derived from Sanskrit word Asheeta [Black]. Shiva Ratri has changed into Shabe Barat. The crescent on the crown of Shiva has been accepted as national emblem of Arabia and of all Islamic contries. Their Lunar Calender also testifies to the influence of Shiva worship. During their prayers the Muslims direct their minds towards that central spot, the temple of Ka’aba as called by Syed Amir Ali. The Hajrul Aswad {kaaba, the Black stone] is a form of Shivalinga.
The shaving of heads at the time of performing Haj, taking bath and wearing two spotless white seamless cloths [as Brahmachari does at the time of sacred thread ceremony], seven ambulations round the main shrine called Ka’aba are all vividly Hindu customs. The haj ahs closely resemble the mode of pilgrimage and worship in India. Here we rember the words of the prophet. “ From India comes the divine fragrance to me”, Thus, Christianity and Islam are indebted to Hinduism in several ways.