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You can convert to another religion from Hindu, without fear of death.
That's the biggest difference for me.
That's an interesting question. There are some Hindus who say once born a Hindu, one will remain a Hindu till death, regardless of any conversion... Likewise one can't convert to Hinduism.
I'm East Indian and Hindu. I'm clean shaven and don't speak with an accent. Indians like myself can easily distinguish us from Muslims including Pakastani or Persians (Iranians). However, do you know the difference between a Hindu and a Muslim or do you think we have the same religion and views because we resemble each other. The reason I ask is Hindus particularly in India are some of the most anti-Muslim people you will ever meet. In fact, they were anti-Muslim before it became fashionable to be anti-Muslim. I don't advocate those particular views and feel like it's a form of discrimination but I was just curious if people on this forum know the difference between Hindus and Muslims or are we the same to you. It's okay if you answer yes. I would like to hear your views. Just be honest
This would be funny if it weren't so sad.
YES, I can distinguish between Muslims and Hindus--and Sikhs--but I am in NYC where everyone knows the difference because we all know people of these faiths. One my of coworkers is a Jain.
But after 9/11, some Sikhs in NJ were attacked by idiots who thought they were Muslims. As if attacking Muslims was OK anyway...
That's an interesting question. There are some Hindus who say once born a Hindu, one will remain a Hindu till death, regardless of any conversion... Likewise one can't convert to Hinduism.
But you don't get death threats. That's the issue for me.
YES, I can distinguish between Muslims and Hindus--and Sikhs--but I am in NYC where everyone knows the difference because we all know people of these faiths. One my of coworkers is a Jain.
But after 9/11, some Sikhs in NJ were attacked by idiots who thought they were Muslims. As if attacking Muslims was OK anyway...
You can convert to another religion from Hindu, without fear of death.
That's the biggest difference for me.
You don't know much about world affairs I gather ? I suggest you start reading a little more about subjects you are obviously woefully ignorant of.
Hindu fundamentalism has recently been responsible for a lot of extreme violence against Christians, Muslims, women etc... Funny those stories don't make it to the US... Or mainstream Western news. And Hindy violence against non Hindus or "straying" Hindus is on the rise.
Just as extreme as any other religious/political extremists/fundamentalists and just as dangerous. But I guess as long as they don't venture onto American soil to preach hatred they will be ignored. Unless white people are killed who cares seems to be the motto of many people on this forum.
Fundamentalism comes in ALL shapes and sizes and from all quarters. And all of is is dangerous and kills.
BBC - BBC Radio 4 Programmes - The New Hindu Fundamentalists (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00k3zzd - broken link)
Muslims do not have the monopoly on violence. I know it's hard for some to swallow but the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful , law abiding citizens with the same wants and needs you and I have. As are most Hindus, Christians ,etc... A small and very vocal minority of fundamentalists highjack certain issues for political and personal gain . And sadly on ALL sides some people become radicalised for various reasons and we all pay the price.
I'm East Indian and Hindu. I'm clean shaven and don't speak with an accent. Indians like myself can easily distinguish us from Muslims including Pakastani or Persians (Iranians). However, do you know the difference between a Hindu and a Muslim or do you think we have the same religion and views because we resemble each other. The reason I ask is Hindus particularly in India are some of the most anti-Muslim people you will ever meet. In fact, they were anti-Muslim before it became fashionable to be anti-Muslim. I don't advocate those particular views and feel like it's a form of discrimination but I was just curious if people on this forum know the difference between Hindus and Muslims or are we the same to you. It's okay if you answer yes. I would like to hear your views. Just be honest
I can and it's pretty easy.
It probably helps that I have Muslim , Hindu and Sikh friends though so it might be a little like cheating. And most Indian people we see in Europe tend to come from a similar branch ethnically .
And Iranians look nothing like people from the Indian sub-continent. Different facial structures and features. I would have a problem understanding anyone mistaking an Indian person for an Iranian.
Though India is ethnically extremely varied and physical types vary greatly, some Indian tribes being physically "at odds" with the "norm" of Indian physiognomy ( the Andaman Islands spring to mind for example). Ancient migration patterns have made India a wonderfully rich and diverse sub-continent ethnically, socially and linguistically.
Living in the UK especially one gets used to distinguishing between Indian and Pakistani people for example though.
I'm an Anthropologist as well so find it easier to look at people's features, dress, and social rituals and determine the origin.
Many American people are the hardest to fathom as they have so many different racial and ethnic influences ( which is often why I think some of the best looking people are Americans, melting pots make for striking physical attributes more often than not)...
I honestly don't know what a sikh is. I do know the men wear turbans to keep their long hair up and tight and they grow beards and moustach. That's about all I know about them.
Sikhs are Indians from the state of Punjab in northern India. They were originally Hindus that formed their own religion. Think of them as a Hindu denomination but technically they don't consider themselves Hindus but for a general frame of reference, that's how you think of them. They are not supposed to cut their hair. That facet had both political and religious views. That's why they wear a turban and have beards. A lot of second generation Sikhs don't follow the hair growing ritual and shave and cut their hair.
Sikhs and Indians had a feud because the state of Punjab wanted to separate from India. Prime minister Indira Gandhi was assasinated as a result. However, their dislike of Muslims brought Hindus and Sikhs together. Sikhs don't like Muslims because Pakastanis would cross the border and invade the state of Punjab and raid the farms, steal and commit violence.
The reason I ask is Hindus particularly in India are some of the most anti-Muslim people you will ever meet. In fact, they were anti-Muslim before it became fashionable to be anti-Muslim.
boy, ain't that the truth.
as for the question- no, i can't tell them apart on sight with a high degree of reliability, but having had many indian friends over the years i realize there is a huge difference between the two.
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And most Indian people we see in Europe tend to come from a similar branch ethnically . 
