Paper: Comparative Study of Major Religions
Marks: 100
Category: Alternative to Compulsory Islamic Studies
This paper is designed for non-Muslim candidates appearing in the CSS Competitive Examination. It covers the history, doctrines, scriptures, rituals, sects, and modern trends of the world’s major religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Candidates are expected to critically analyze similarities, differences, and the role of religions in shaping human civilization.
Syllabus Breakdown
I. Introduction
- Definition(s) of religion
- Emergence of religion as an academic discipline
- Theological vs. academic study of religion
- Overview of the global religious landscape
II. Hinduism
- Historical background: Indus Valley Civilization, Aryan Invasion Theory, Vedic Dharma, Brahmanism
- Scriptures:
- Sruti: Vedas, Upanishads
- Smriti: Manu Smriti, Sutras, Puranas
- Great Epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata
- Doctrines: Dharma, Vedanta, Karma, Transmigration of Souls, Moksha (Liberation)
- Ways to Liberation: Karma Marga, Jnana Marga, Bhakti Marga
- Hindu Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Trimurti, and other deities
- Major Sects: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism
- Hindu Society: Caste system, Ashramas (stages of life)
- Hinduism in the Modern World: 19th century reform movements, contemporary Hindu tendencies
III. Buddhism
- Historical background: Life of Gautama Buddha, spread of Buddhism, rivalry with Brahmanism
- Scriptures: Tripitaka (Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka)
- Doctrines: Three Jewels, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
- Sects: Theravada (Hinayana), Mahayana, other schools
- Buddhism in the Modern World
IV. Judaism
- Brief history: From Abraham to Moses (AS), Jewish rule, destruction of Jerusalem, Jewish diaspora
- Scriptures: Tanakh (Torah, Prophets, Writings), Mishnah, Talmud
- Articles of Faith: Ten Commandments, Thirteen Principles of Faith (Maimonides)
- Festivals: Yom Kippur, Passover, Sukkot, Purim
- Worship: Daily prayer, Sabbath, fasting
- Sects: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Zionism, Kabbalah, Hasidism
V. Christianity
- Historical background: Jewish roots, life of Jesus Christ (through Gospels), role of Paul, spread of Christianity, Christianization of Roman Empire, Reformation
- Scriptures: The Holy Bible (Old and New Testament)
- Doctrines: Original Sin, Incarnation, Crucifixion & Resurrection, Atonement, Trinity
- Sects: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism (Lutherans, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians)
- Festivals: Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost
- Worship & Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Communion, prayer, fasting, music
- Christianity in the Modern Times: Modernity, theological reforms, missionary movement, interfaith dialogue
VI. Islam
- Historical background: Concept of religion, universality of Islam, diversity of Shari‘ahs, Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), era of Rightly Guided Caliphs
- Scriptures: The Holy Qur’an, Hadith
- Basic Doctrines:
- Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
- Risalah (Final Prophethood of Muhammad PBUH)
- Akhirah (Hereafter)
- Belief in angels, scriptures, predestination, accountability
- Five Pillars of Islam: Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj
- Teachings: Equality, simplicity, hygiene, patience, moderation, justice, Jihad, tolerance towards other faiths
- Sects: Sunni, Shia, Khawarij, Mu‘tazilah
- Contemporary Movements: Ikhwan al-Muslimun, Jama‘at-i-Islami, Tablighi Jama‘at, Salafi movement, Iranian Revolution, Gulen movement, extremism
Suggested Readings
- Approaches to the Study of Religion – Peter Connolly (1999)
- The Penguin Handbook of World’s Living Religions – John R. Hinnells (2010)
- Dunya Kay Baray Mazahib – Imadul Hasan Azad Faruqi
- Hinduism: A Short Introduction – Klaus K. Klostermaier (2006)
- Exploring Buddhism – Christmas Humphreys (2012)
- Judaism: A Short Introduction – Lavinia & Sherbok (1999)
- Christianity: An Introduction – Dan Cohn & Alister E. McGrath (2006)
- The Messenger: The Meaning of the Life of Muhammad – Tariq Ramadan (2008)
- Ideals and Realities of Islam – Seyyed Hossein Nasr (1993)
- Towards Understanding Islam – Syed Abul A‘la Maududi (1992)
Preparation Tips for CSS Comparative Religion Paper
- Concept clarity first: Understand definitions, doctrines, and scriptures of each religion.
- Comparative analysis: Be ready to compare commonalities (e.g., belief in God, rituals) and differences.
- Modern relevance: Link ancient beliefs with present-day interfaith relations and challenges.
- Use examples: Quote scriptures, philosophers, or reformers where possible.
- Practice past papers: FPSC often asks comparative essays like “Concept of salvation in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.”