Islam # Taoism
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Category: Religion - Islam
Forum Name: Interfaith Dialogue
Forum Description: It is for Interfaith dialogue, where Muslims discuss with non-Muslims. We encourge that dialogue takes place in a cordial atmosphere on various topics including religious tolerance.
URL: https://www.islamicity.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=21564
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Topic: Islam # Taoism
Posted By: iAsk
Subject: Islam # Taoism
Date Posted: 14 August 2011 at 11:21am
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First, peace and blessings to all regardless of their gender, race, religion or culture.
I wanted to ask... What's the difference between the purpose of life and the afterlife between Islam and Taoism? (are there any similarities between the two religions on this point?) |
Replies:
Posted By: peacemaker
Date Posted: 17 August 2011 at 2:54am
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Hello iAsk, I suggest you learn Islam here and then find a reliable source to learn Taoism. A search on the internet may also provide you some idea about your concerns. A comparative study of these two subjects requires some effort. Here is a link about how people often approach various faiths and then Islam at the end. It may give you some idea with regards to your relevant concern. http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/understanding-islam/belief/452453-why-islam.html - http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/understanding-islam/belief/452453-why-islam.html
At any rate, please feel free to ask specific questions about Islam, and I hope that these would be addressed appropriately.
May Allah (God) guide us all.
Peace ------------- Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny? Qur'an 55:13 |
Posted By: taoist
Date Posted: 17 August 2011 at 8:22pm
ask, Islam and Taoism are as far apart as east and west. I have studied Taoism for many years , thus my sign in name. In Islam you have a God that is personal and has interest in you. In Taoism the Tao does not hear prayers nor favors any person or thing over another. Totally passive as far as individuals. I would suggest you read the Tao te Ching by Stephen Mitchell if you have not already. Then read the Quran . Also Taoism has many schools of thought and a pantheon of Gods. But not all sects. Get some books by Ding Ming Dao , easy readying very informative. As far as the after life , in the Tao their is no heaven or hell. You basically do not exisit and become whorm food. It is a VERY large topic and i could not possibly answer is on this form . Read and learn . Taoist.
------------- taoist |
Posted By: iAsk
Date Posted: 18 August 2011 at 4:04am
Thank you both for your replies. I learnt new things. 
Take care! |
Posted By: peacemaker
Date Posted: 19 August 2011 at 12:44am
You are welcome.
 May Allah enlighten you with more knowledge and wisdom. May He make
Peace
------------- Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny? Qur'an 55:13 |
iAsk wrote:Posted By: taoist
Date Posted: 19 August 2011 at 7:50pm
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You are welcome iask . If you have any questions in the future feel free to ask and i will do my best to answer them . I am NOT an expert by any means , but have a good general grasp of it .
------------- taoist |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 01 September 2011 at 1:39pm
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Posted By: islamispeace
Date Posted: 02 September 2011 at 5:44pm
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Hi Taiji Tao. If I may ask a question. I thought the Chinese word for God was Shangdi. What is the difference between Shangdi and Tao? ------------- Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. (Surat al-Anaam: 162) |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 02 September 2011 at 6:54pm
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Posted By: islamispeace
Date Posted: 03 September 2011 at 11:23am
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Thanks for the information. I have looked into the meaning of "Shangdi" and it is usually translated as "Emperor of Heaven" which by implication means "God". But I had never heard of "Tao" before. I am very much interested in this subject. Can you recommend any books I can get to learn more? Or should I just read the writings of the philosophers you mentioned? Also, if I may ask, are you a Muslim? If so, are you a convert? If you are not a Muslim, why not? ------------- Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. (Surat al-Anaam: 162) |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 03 September 2011 at 1:02pm
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Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 03 September 2011 at 1:12pm
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Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 03 September 2011 at 1:41pm
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Posted By: taoist
Date Posted: 03 September 2011 at 9:43pm
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Taiji Tao please show me in the Tao De Ching where it shows you how to get to heaven. Also Islam is peace read the Tao de Ching for yourself and see if you find any way they could be compatible . I can,t.
------------- taoist |
Posted By: islamispeace
Date Posted: 04 September 2011 at 1:29pm
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As-salaam alaikum. Thanks for the recommendations. I will certainly look into them. Since you accept the Islamic creed, I guess the next relevant question is do you actually practice Islam as your religion? Do you believe that Islam is the only religion that God (Tao) will accept now that it has been revealed. The Quran states that the prophets who were sent in the past were sent to their own people. Muhammad (pbuh) on the other hand was sent to all mankind, so Islam is a universal religion. Also, taoist has raised some objections to some of your claims. I would be interested in how you respond to them, since this is your area of expertise. ------------- Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. (Surat al-Anaam: 162) |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 04 September 2011 at 4:17pm
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Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 04 September 2011 at 4:22pm
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2nd quote: Section 23: To talk little is natural. High winds do not last all morning. Heavy rain does not last all day. Why is this? Heaven and earth! If Heaven and earth cannot make things eternal, How is it possible for man? He who follows Tao (God) Is at one with Tao (God). He who is virtuous Experiences (God's) Virtue. He who loses the Way (God's Way) Feels lost. When you are at one with the Tao (God), The Tao (God) welcomes you. When you are at one with (God's) Virtue, The Virtue is always there. When you are at one with loss, The loss is experienced willingly. He who does not trust enough Will not be trusted. |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 04 September 2011 at 4:27pm
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I would like to post two more quotes for mutual understanding. Section 53: If I have even just a little sense, I will walk on the main road (Way of God) and my only fear will be of straying from it. Keeping to the main road is easy, But people love to be sidetracked. When the court is arrayed in splendor, The fields are full of weeds, And the granaries are bare. Some wear gorgeous clothes, Carry sharp swords, And indulge themselves with food and drink; They have more possessions than they can use. They are robber barons. This is certainly not the Way of Tao (God). |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 04 September 2011 at 4:34pm
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Thank you for your patience. Section 54: What is firmly established cannot be uprooted. What is firmly grasped cannot slip away. It will be honored from generation to generation. Cultivate (God's) Virtue in your self, And (God's) Virtue will be real. Cultivate it in the family, And (Gods) Virtue will abound. Cultivate it in the village, And (Gods) Virtue will grow. Cultivate it in the nation, And (Gods) Virtue will be abundant. Cultivate it in the universe, And (Gods) Virtue will be everywhere. Therefore look at the body as body; Look at the family as family; Look at the village as village; Look at the nation as nation; Look at the universe as universe. How do I know the universe is like this? By looking! |
Posted By: ping_an
Date Posted: 11 September 2011 at 12:37am
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I just wanted to add some insight into "Islamispeace's" question on the translation of "Shang Di"
I am by no means an expert on Taoism or Islam, but both "speak" to me in different ways, though I sway more towards Taoism. Inshallah this will shed some light and I hope that I will be forgiven for any mistakes or inaccuracies in my account. Allahu Allem! Shang Di is indeed mostly "translated" as "The Emperor in Heaven" or somewhere along those lines. In Taoism, God is considered more of a "force." Think about it this way: If you did not have a "Name" for God, like if the words Allah and God did not exist, how would you describe "him" ? As pointed out earlier, in Taoism, God is formless. I believe Islam may agree to that. But regardless, what do you imagine when you hear the word God or Allah? (I am sorry if this is offensive, as I think some people will consider that Haram, to give God an image?) But I am just using this as an example to make my point and not to cause offence. Coming from a Culturally Christian background (I am not actually Christian,) as kids or even adults, when they hear the word "God," they may think of someone sitting on a throne.. maybe with a long beard, something like that right? By doing so, they have personified God. Another example, God is genderless, but many texts will say "He," when referring to God, even when you speak many people will do this. Taoism does not say it is neither right or wrong. Because the barrier here is language itself.. we try to refer to "Him" soomehow, without always saying Allah/God. Also pointed out earlier (I don't know the exact quote by Taji) but it's something like "You can describe the Tao, but it is not the true Tao." It is trying to say that you can use all your words to try and describe what God is, but you will never be able to describe God entirely, because God is so great, greater than our language will ever be. But still you must try. So, in Chinese culture, many people will refer to God as "Shang di," and it is when that person has personified the Tao. Others will say "Tian," meaning sky or in this case, Heavens. The "Heaven" in this case, is not limited to Paradise, or what is considered Heaven in the English language. It is referring more to the "Cosmic Energy" (God,) the "Force" which is behind the universe and all creation. As for iAsk's original topic of this thread, I am confident that Taoism indeed mentions a heaven and a hell, though it's definition may vary from Christian or Islamic definitions of them. However, there are several schools of thought in Taoism and unfortunately I do not feel as confident in answering in that department. For example, one school says that it is very possible for your soul to redeem itself and leave Hell, but how I am not sure. As you see, this is contrary to what Islam says on the subject. But in my personal experience, I have found there to be more similarities than not and indeed Taoism and Taoists will welcome anyone to be Taoists, without giving up their religion. As it is the majority view Taoism is not a religion per se, there is no conversion. The only requirement is that you believe in The One, which created the universe and everything in it, whether you call it God or Allah or Shang Di. I say that it is the only "Requirement," but of course you are recommended/Highly Encouraged try your best to follow how Dao De Ching (and other txts) says to lead a good life as a good person. Prayer and Cultivation is also a major part, but I do not wish to get toooo far off topic! Again Allahu Aalem, I hope I did not mislead anyone and be forgiven for any mistake. I hope we all benefit from our discussion! |
Posted By: islamispeace
Date Posted: 11 September 2011 at 11:25am
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Thanks to both Taiji_Tao and ping_an for the explanations. Ping_an, I agree with much of what you have written. However, concerning God and whether He is "formless", in Islamic thought, God does have a "form" and He does sit on a throne. That does not mean He is confined to one space or that He has physical limitations. One of the things Muslims look forward to in Paradise is actually being given the honor of "seeing" God. However, here in this earthly life, God has not revealed Himself because His glory would consume us. For example, in the Quran, the story is mentioned of when Moses (pbuh) requested that he be will look upon God: "And when Moses came [to Mount Sinai] at the time set by Us, and his Sustainer spoke unto him, he said: "O my Sustainer! Show [Thyself] unto me, so that I might behold Thee!" Said [God]: "Never canst thou see Me. However, behold this mountain: if it remains firm in its place, then - only then - wilt thou see Me." And as soon as his Sustainer revealed His glory to the mountain, He caused it to crumble to dust; and Moses fell down in a swoon. And when he came to himself, he said: "Limitless art Thou in Thy glory! Unto Thee do I turn in repentance; and I shall [always] be the first to believe in Thee!" (7:143)So, in our current earthly existence, we cannot possibly look upon our Lord, but in Paradise, it will be a different story: "Some faces will on that Day be bright with happiness, (23) looking up to their Sustainer; (24) and some faces will on that Day be overcast with despair, (25) knowing that a crushing calamity is about to befall them." (75:22-25) Of course, what you said about trying to form an "image" of God is certainly true. We should not do that simply because we don't know what He "looks" like nor has He given us permission to do that. The idolaters are more concerned with "images". A true believer shuns such ideas. ------------- Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. (Surat al-Anaam: 162) |
Posted By: honeto
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 2:58pm
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Salam,
I find this topic very interesting and everyone's input very informative. Taiji, I am very glad to have you here at the forum, as you bring to our knowledge things that are not just new but interesting to a Muslim like myself. In essence and in truth all guidance came from Allah, it was people who made it what it became at the end. Allah kept sending the same guidance complete and pure finally in the form of the Quran. May Allah guide and help us all, in gaining knowledge and thus making better judgement. Hasan ------------- The friends of God will certainly have nothing to fear, nor will they be grieved. Al Quran 10:62 |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 3:37pm
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Posted By: 786SalamKhan
Date Posted: 30 December 2012 at 5:47am
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Asalamualaikum, Taiji_Tao your points interest me but what about Chapter 4 of the Tao Te Ching when it says "It is older than God..." and another statement when it says "The Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three. Three gives birth to all things..." How are they compatible with Islam when it says God came after the Tao and also the Tao Te Ching denies Oneness of the Tao? |
Posted By: nospam001
Date Posted: 04 January 2013 at 9:33pm
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A most interesting thread, thank you. Until now I had completely missed the parallels with Taoism and therefore the significance of Muhammad's many trips to China early in his career. ------------- God has the right to remain silent. For His advocates, however, each resigned shrug is a missed opportunity to win new converts. |
Posted By: Caringheart
Date Posted: 05 January 2013 at 11:38am
Greetings Tom, This was a very enlightening post. Thank you.
This is very clearly the same message that Jesus brought... the message of Christianity.
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Posted By: Caringheart
Date Posted: 05 January 2013 at 12:03pm
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Some thoughts; This to me is all about the wisdom of the ancients... ancient chinese wisdom ancient Egyptian and hebrew wisdom 16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6) I always understood Tao to mean Truth... Truth, Word... God "In the beginning was the Word"... the Word, the Truth, the thing that created and brought into being all matter... Yes, God is not human. God is not anything we with our human minds can describe. God is what... force, energy, Word, Truth, Light... He is all these things is He not? Which is the most ancient of civilizations from which all wisdom flows? |
Posted By: Caringheart
Date Posted: 05 January 2013 at 12:09pm
I am most interested in the answers to these questions, and in learning more in this discussion. |
Posted By: 786SalamKhan
Date Posted: 05 January 2013 at 1:07pm
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Salam,
No one has answered my previous questions about the Tao yet. Also, since when has The Prophet Muhammad ever visited China? |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 05 January 2013 at 6:20pm
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Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 05 January 2013 at 6:23pm
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Posted By: 786SalamKhan
Date Posted: 07 January 2013 at 5:22am
Salam, Jazakallah for your answers. But which Translations of the Tao Te Ching do you use? I also suspected that when it says "The Tao became one, one became two, two became three..." it could mean "The Tao created one etc." I'm still not sure about chapter 4, I think I need a better explanation please. I was also already aware of the hadith to go as far as China to seek knowledge although I do not know how that means that the Prophet himself had been to China. |
Posted By: Taiji_Tao
Date Posted: 05 July 2013 at 6:05pm
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Posted By: truthfull
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 12:23pm
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About islam
Islam contain miracles Islam talk about signs of judgment day Sunrise from west is major sign of judgment day Scientist proved it Gravity will reset in polar reverse so That sun will rise from west �Islam proved to be true religion Jews scholar say islam true http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw5SHH9eQb4 � name prophet muhammad in bible http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wm3sZfPwv1g � jesus confirm he is prophet Luke 13:31 33�But I must go on my way today, tomorrow, and the next day. A prophet of God cannot be killed outside of Jerusalem. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke 13:31-35 � most important grave prove islam only truth path http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FTwEkf_zOKM � death confirm islam truth http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O0U6HQS51Tk � miracle of quran � difference Islam ask to believe in all prophets With no exception Quran is word of god /allah But toesim doesn't have such thing So do we follow human or creator Quran miracle http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kmgY-2gLrk0 |
Posted By: Caringheart
Date Posted: 12 May 2014 at 10:59am
Greetings Taiji_Tao, Wow, I found what you shared to be so interesting. Yshwe(known as Jesus) also said; At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Peace to you on your journeys also,Caringheart ------------- Let us seek Truth together Blessed be God forever "I believe in Jesus as I believe in the sun... not because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else.: - C.S.Lewis |
Posted By: truthfull
Date Posted: 15 May 2014 at 10:45am
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Purpose of life in islam to worship Creator
Allah say in quran : And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. � After life judging The Angel of Death comes to the [dying] believer, sits at his head and says, "O you good soul, come out and receive your Lord's forgiveness and pleasure." Then the soul flows out effortlessly just as water flows from the mouth of a waterskin. And the opposite for disbelievers Prove : Believer. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Tk0wFYRig Dis believer http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9PrQTTMFMR0 Notice: pain nothing to do with Choking both of them injured |