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to God (bhakti maarga). For inner realisation, Hinduism prescribes the various disciplines of yoga, austerities (saadhanaa) and meditation.
Most Hindus believe in a Supreme God, whose qualities and forms are represented by the multitude of deities which emanate from him. God possesses three aspects: creator, preserver and destroyer, the creator is Brahma, the preserver is Vishnu and the
destroyer is Shiva (Mahesh); these three constitute the Trinity of Hinduism. The general duties prescribed for all Hindus are the practices of ahimsaa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmcharya (celibacy) and aparigraha (detachment). Hinduism emphasises the virtues of love, compassion, purity, self-restraint and philanthropy, charity and social service
Islam
Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. The 2001 census recorded 1,591,000 Muslims in the UK, around 2.7% of the population. Muslims believe that there is only one God (Allah).
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The five essential duties of a Muslim are known as 'Five Pillars' of Islam:
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Muslims are divided into many sects, for political rather than doctrinal reasons. Main among them are: Sunni (about 90%) and Shi'as (about 10%) that include Ismaili Khojas, Zaidis, Wahhabis, and Ahmadiyas. Sufis represent a mystical trend in Islam.
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Six main beliefs of Muslims are: Belief in Allah as the one and only God; Belief in angels; Belief in the Qur'an; Belief in the Prophets, Muhammad as the final Prophet; Belief in the Day of Judgement ; and Belief in Pre-destination.
Sahadah: repetition of faith in the absolute oneness of 'Allah' and Mohammed as his messenger
Salat: observance of five daily prayers
Zakat: giving alms to the poor, as a religious tax, usually two and half percent of annual income
Ramadan: a month of fasting and spiritual discipline in the ninth month of the lunar calendar
Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca and the Ka'bah (the house of God) at least once in a lifetime
Muslim ethics are mainly social: such as hospitality; obedience to parents; avoidance of
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