In a world where diverse cultures, beliefs, and philosophies often collide, the profound wisdom contained within ancient texts can serve as a guiding light towards understanding and harmony.
In this article, we embark on a fascinating journey to explore the common threads and disparities between the Bhagavad Gita, Holy Quran and Guru Granth Sahib delving into the heart of their teachings to find bridges of reconciliation amongst some of the world’s most influential spiritual texts.
Join us as we unravel the interplay of these profound scriptures, striving to discover the essence of spirituality that transcends the boundaries of faith.
Futile Rituals
Those with Limited Understanding Engage in Rituals 2:42-43
यामिमां पुष्पितां वाचं प्रवदन्त्यविपश्चित: |
वेदवादरता: पार्थ नान्यदस्तीति वादिन: || 42||
कामात्मान: स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् |
क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति || 43||
Those with limited understanding, get attracted to the flowery words of the Vedas, which advocate ostentatious rituals for elevation to the celestial abodes, and presume no higher principle is described in them. They glorify only those portions of the Vedas that please their senses, and perform pompous ritualistic ceremonies for attaining high birth, opulence, sensual enjoyment, and elevation to the heavenly planets. (Swami Mukundananda Translation)
Pilgrimages, fasts, purification and self-discipline are of no use, nor are rituals, religious ceremonies or empty worship.(Guru Granth Sahib 75:17)
There is no Truth in shaving one’s head; there is no Truth is studying the scriptures or wandering in foreign lands. (Guru Granth Sahib 952:8-9)
The self-willed manmukh performs religious rituals, like the unwanted bride decorating her body. (Guru Granth Sahib 31:9)
You worship stones and sit like a stork, pretending to be in Samaadhi…If you knew the nature of God, you would know that all of these beliefs and rituals are in vain.” (Guru Granth Sahib 470:16-18)
That stone idol, for which you tear off those leaves, that stone idol is lifeless.(Guru Granth Sahib 479-5)
Why worship gods and goddesses, O Siblings of Destiny? What can we ask of them? What can they give us? (Guru Granth Sahib 637-6)
The ignorant fools pick up stones and worship them. But when those stones themselves sink, who will carry you across?(Guru Granth Sahib 556-10)
Those who call a stone their god – their service is useless. Those who fall at the feet of a stone god, their work is wasted in vain. (Guru Granth Sahib 1160-5-6)
Also Read| Guru Nanak’s Teachings: Quotes from Guru Granth Sahib
Their Minds are Deeply Attached to Worldly Pleasures 2:44
भोगैश्वर्यप्रसक्तानां तयापहृतचेतसाम् |
व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धि: समाधौ न विधीयते || 44||
With their minds deeply attached to worldly pleasures and their intellects bewildered by such things, they are unable to possess the resolute determination for success on the path to God. Bhagavad Gita 2:44
And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with God is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason? Holy Quran 28:60
Those who Give Up all Material Desires Attain Perfect Peace 2:71 (al-Islam)
विहाय कामान्य: सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति नि:स्पृह: |
निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: स शान्तिमधिगच्छति || 71||
That person, who gives up all material desires and lives free from a sense of greed, proprietorship, and egoism, attains perfect peace. Bhagavad Gita 2:71
And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with God is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason? Holy Quran 28:60
Material Pleasures are the very Source of Misery 5:22
ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दु:खयोनय एव ते |
आद्यन्तवन्त: कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुध: || 22||
The pleasures that arise from contact with the sense objects, though appearing as enjoyable to worldly-minded people, are verily a source of misery. O son of Kunti, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, so the wise do not delight in them. Bhagavad Gita 5:22
Every soul will taste death. And you will only receive your full reward on the Day of Judgment. Whoever is spared from the Fire and is admitted into Paradise will indeed triumph, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment. Holy Quran 3:185
Strive to be a Yogi superior to a Karmi 6:46
तपस्विभ्योऽधिकोयोगी
ज्ञानिभ्योऽपिमतोऽधिक:|
कर्मिभ्यश्चाधिकोयोगी
तस्माद्योगीभवार्जुन|| 46||
A yogi is superior to the tapasvī (ascetic), superior to the jñānī (a person of learning), and even superior to the karmī (ritualistic performer). Therefore, O Arjun, strive to be a yogi. Bhagavad Gita 6:46
Yogis whose Minds are Always Absorbed in Me 6:47 (Dhikrullah & Tasbihaat)
योगिनामपि सर्वेषां मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना |
श्रद्धावान्भजते यो मां स मे युक्ततमो मत: || 47||
Of all yogis, those whose minds are always absorbed in Me, and who engage in devotion to Me with great faith, them I consider to be the highest of all. Bhagavad Gita 6:47
Follower of Vedic Rituals, Repeatedly Come & Go in this World 9:21
ते तं भुक्त्वा स्वर्गलोकं विशालं
क्षीणे पुण्ये मर्त्यलोकं विशन्ति |
एवं त्रयीधर्ममनुप्रपन्ना
गतागतं कामकामा लभन्ते || 21||
When they have enjoyed the vast pleasures of heaven, the stock of their merits being exhausted, they return to the earthly plane. Thus, those who follow the Vedic rituals, desiring objects of enjoyment, repeatedly come and go in this world. Bhagavad Gita 9:21
Submit & Surrender Exclusively to One Supreme God
Surrender unto him Alone 18:66
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज |
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुच: || 66||
Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto Me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear. Bhagavad Gita 18:6
When his Lord said to him, “Submit,” he said, “I submit to the Lord of all Worlds.” Holy Quran 2:131
Surrender exclusively unto Him with your whole being 18:62-67
तमेव शरणं गच्छ सर्वभावेन भारत |
तत्प्रसादात्परां शान्तिं स्थानं प्राप्स्यसि शाश्वतम् || 18:62||
Surrender exclusively unto Him with your whole being, O Bharat. By His grace, you will attain perfect peace and the eternal abode. 18:62
इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया |
विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु || 18:63||
Thus, I have explained to you this knowledge that is more secret than all secrets. Ponder over it deeply, and then do as you wish. 18:63
Hear again My supreme instruction, the most confidential of all knowledge. I am revealing this for your benefit because you are very dear to Me. 18:64
Always think of Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and offer obeisance to Me. Doing so, you will certainly come to Me. This is My pledge to you, for you are very dear to Me. 18:65
Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto Me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear. 18:66
इदं ते नातपस्काय नाभक्ताय कदाचन |
न चाशुश्रूषवे वाच्यं न च मां योऽभ्यसूयति || 18:67||
This instruction should never be explained to those who are not austere or to those who are not devoted. It should also not be spoken to those who are averse to listening, and especially not to those who are envious of Me. 18:67
मच्चित्त: सर्वदुर्गाणि मत्प्रसादात्तरिष्यसि |
अथ चेत्वमहङ्कारान्न श्रोष्यसि विनङ्क्ष्यसि || 18:58||
If you always remember Me, by My grace you shall overcome all obstacles and difficulties. But if, due to pride, you do not listen to My advice, you will perish. 18:58
Be Steadfastly & Exclusively Devoted to God 7:17
तेषां ज्ञानी नित्ययुक्त एकभक्तिर्विशिष्यते |
प्रियो हि ज्ञानिनोऽत्यर्थमहं स च मम प्रिय: || 17||
Amongst these, I consider them to be the highest, who worship Me with knowledge, and are steadfastly and exclusively devoted to Me. I am very dear to them and they are very dear to Me. Bhagavad Gita 7:17
Surrender knowing him to be all that is 7:19
बहूनां जन्मनामन्ते ज्ञानवान्मां प्रपद्यते |
वासुदेव: सर्वमिति स महात्मा सुदुर्लभ: || 19||
After many births of spiritual practice, one who is endowed with knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be all that is. Such a great soul is indeed very rare. Bhagavad Gita 7:19
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great. Holy Quran 42:4
And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with God is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason? Holy Quran 28:60
Surrender Your Intellect to God 12:8
मय्येव मन आधत्स्व मयि बुद्धिं निवेशय |
निवसिष्यसि मय्येव अत ऊर्ध्वं न संशय: || 8||
Fix your mind on Me alone and surrender your intellect to Me. There upon, you will always live in Me. Of this, there is no doubt. Bhagavad Gita 12:8
Worship God Alone 7:28
येषां त्वन्तगतं पापं जनानां पुण्यकर्मणाम् |
ते द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ता भजन्ते मां दृढव्रता: || 28||
But persons, whose sins have been destroyed by engaging in pious activities, become free from the illusion of dualities. Such persons worship Me alone with determination. Bhagavad Gita 7:28
Those Exclusively Devoted to God get all they Lack 9:22
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते |
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् || 22||
There are those who always think of Me and engage in exclusive devotion to Me. To them, whose minds are always absorbed in Me, I provide what they lack and preserve what they already possess. Bhagavad Gita 9:22
Those who Surrender to God overcome all illusions Easily 7:14
दैवी ह्येषा गुणमयी मम माया दुरत्यया |
मामेव ये प्रपद्यन्ते मायामेतां तरन्ति ते || 14||
My divine energy Maya, consisting of the three modes of nature, is very difficult to overcome. But those who surrender unto Me cross over it easily. Bhagavad Gita 7:14
With Mind & Intellect Surrendered to God, You will Definitely Attain God 8:7
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु मामनुस्मर युध्य च |
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्मामेवैष्यस्यसंशयम् || 7||
Therefore, always remember Me and also do your duty of fighting the war. With mind and intellect surrendered to Me, you will definitely attain Me; of this, there is no doubt. Bhagavad Gita 8:7
Remarks: Invocation of God every now and then by Muslims. (Mashallah, Subhanalah, Alhamdulillah, Jazakallah, Astaghfirullah, Ya Rahmakullah, Nastazir Billah, Nauzbillah, etc)
Remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me, and never be ungrateful Quran 2:152
Those absorbed in God’s Devotion are the Highest of all Yogis 6:47
योगिनामपि सर्वेषां मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना |
श्रद्धावान्भजते यो मां स मे युक्ततमो मत: || 47||
Of all yogis, those whose minds are always absorbed in Me, and who engage in devotion to Me with great faith, them I consider to be the highest of all. Bhagavad Gita 6:47
Those whose Ignorance is Destroyed by Divine Knowledge 5:16
ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मन: |
तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं प्रकाशयति तत्परम् || 16||
For those whose ignorance is destroyed by divine knowledge, the Supreme Entity is revealed, just as the sun illumines everything when it rises. Bhagavad Gita 5:16
Those whose Intellect is Fixed in God reach the state of no Return 5:17
तद्बुद्धयस्तदात्मानस्तन्निष्ठास्तत्परायणा: |
गच्छन्त्यपुनरावृत्तिं ज्ञाननिर्धूतकल्मषा: || 17||
Those whose intellect is fixed in God, who are completely absorbed in God, with firm faith in Him as the supreme goal, such persons quickly reach the state from which there is no return, their sins having been dispelled by the light of knowledge. 5:17
Worship Me with Exclusive Devotion 12:6-7
ये तु सर्वाणि कर्माणि मयि संन्न्यस्य मत्परा: |
अनन्येनैव योगेन मां ध्यायन्त उपासते || 6||
तेषामहं समुद्धर्ता मृत्युसंसारसागरात् |
भवामि नचिरात्पार्थ मय्यावेशितचेतसाम् || 7||
But those who dedicate all their actions to Me, regarding Me as the Supreme goal, worshiping Me and meditating on Me with exclusive devotion, O Parth, I swiftly deliver them from the ocean of birth and death, for their consciousness is united with Me. Bhagavad Gita 12:6-7
Devotion with Minds Fixed Exclusively on Me 9:13
महात्मानस्तु मां पार्थ दैवीं प्रकृतिमाश्रिता: |
भजन्त्यनन्यमनसो ज्ञात्वा भूतादिमव्ययम् || 13||
But the great souls, who take shelter of My divine energy, O Parth, know Me, Lord Krishna, as the origin of all creation. They engage in My devotion with their minds fixed exclusively on Me. Bhagavad Gita 9:13
In the Name of God—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. All praise is for God—Lord of all worlds. The Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help. Guide us along the Straight Path, the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray. Holy Quran 1:1-7
Chanting my Glories & Bowing Before Me 9:14 (Salat & al-Hamd)
सततं कीर्तयन्तो मां यतन्तश्च दृढव्रता: |
नमस्यन्तश्च मां भक्त्या नित्ययुक्ता उपासते || 14||
Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion. Bhagavad Gita 9:14
Remarks: Muslim prayers are all about exclusive surrender before one Supreme God constant bowing and zikr of God. See below for instance Surah Fatiha.
In the Name of God-the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. All praise is for God-Lord of all worlds. The Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help. Guide us along the Straight Path, the Path of those You have blessed-not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray. Holy Quran 1:1-7
Status of those who don’t Surrender to God
Those who don’t listen to God Perish (Vinash) 18:58
मच्चित्त: सर्वदुर्गाणि मत्प्रसादात्तरिष्यसि |
अथ चेत्वमहङ्कारान्न श्रोष्यसि विनङ्क्ष्यसि || 18:58||
If you always remember Me, by My grace you shall overcome all obstacles and difficulties. But if, due to pride, you do not listen to My advice, you will perish. 18:58
Your Lord has proclaimed, “Call upon Me, I will respond to you. Surely those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell, fully humbled.” Quran 40:60
Revolve in Cycle of Birth & Death 9:24
अहं हि सर्वयज्ञानां भोक्ता च प्रभुरेव च |
न तु मामभिजानन्ति तत्त्वेनातश्च्यवन्ति ते || 24||
I am the enjoyer and the only Lord of all sacrifices. But those who fail to realize My divine nature must be reborn. Bhagavad Gita 9:24
Yet they have taken besides Him gods who cannot create anything but are themselves created. Nor can they protect or benefit themselves. Nor can they control life, death, or resurrection. Holy Quran 25:3
4 kind of People don’t Surrender before God 7:15
न मां दुष्कृतिनो मूढा: प्रपद्यन्ते नराधमा: |
माययापहृतज्ञाना आसुरं भावमाश्रिता: || 15||
Four kinds of people do not surrender unto Me—those ignorant of knowledge, those who lazily follow their lower nature though capable of knowing Me, those with deluded intellect, and those with a demoniac nature. Bhagavad Gita 7:15
Those whose Knowledge has been Carried Away Surrender to Celestial Gods 7:20
कामैस्तैस्तैर्हृतज्ञाना: प्रपद्यन्तेऽन्यदेवता: |
तं तं नियममास्थाय प्रकृत्या नियता: स्वया || 20||
Those whose knowledge has been carried away by material desires surrender to the celestial gods. Following their own nature, they worship the devatās, practicing rituals meant to propitiate these celestial personalities. Bhagavad Gita 7:20
Why worship gods and goddesses, O Siblings of Destiny? What can we ask of them? What can they give us? (Guru Granth Sahib 637-6)
Al-Quran 28:60 And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with God is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?
I Steady the Faith of such a Devotee in that Form: 7:21
यो यो यां यां तनुं भक्त: श्रद्धयार्चितुमिच्छति |
तस्य तस्याचलां श्रद्धां तामेव विदधाम्यहम् || 21||
Whatever celestial form a devotee seeks to worship with faith, I steady the faith of such a devotee in that form. Bhagavad Gita 7:21
I Alone Arrange These Benefits: 7:22 (Are Celestial Gods a Chimera?)
स तया श्रद्धया युक्तस्तस्याराधनमीहते |
लभते च तत: कामान्मयैव विहितान्हि तान् || 22||
Endowed with faith, the devotee worships a particular celestial god and obtains the objects of desire. But in reality, I alone arrange these benefits. Bhagavad Gita 7:22
They worship Me but by the Wrong Method 9:23
येऽप्यन्यदेवता भक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विता: |
तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम् || 23||
O son of Kunti, even those devotees who faithfully worship other gods also worship Me. But they do so by the wrong method. Bhagavad Gita 7:23
Revile not those unto whom they pray beside God lest they wrongfully revile God through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do. Holy Quran 6:108
The ignorant fools pick up stones and worship them. But when those stones themselves sink, who will carry you across? (Guru Granth Sahib 556-10)
Those who call a stone their god – their service is useless. Those who fall at the feet of a stone god, their work is wasted in vain. (Guru Granth Sahib 1160-5-6)
Al-Quran 6.74-75 And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, “Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people be in manifest error.” And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain in faith. (See also, Al-Quran 26:69-93)
Al-Quran 19:41-42 He was a man of truth and a prophet. He said to his father, Why do you worship something that can neither hear nor see nor benefit you in any way?
Al-Quran 21:52-54 When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?” They said, “We found our fathers worshippers of them.” Abraham said, ‘Indeed, you and your fathers have been clearly misguided.’
But the Fruits gained by them is Perishable 7:23
अन्तवत्तु फलं तेषां तद्भवत्यल्पमेधसाम् |
देवान्देवयजो यान्ति मद्भक्ता यान्ति मामपि || 23||
But the fruit gained by these people of little understanding is perishable. Those who worship the celestial gods go to the celestial abodes, while My devotees come to Me. Bhagavad Gita 7:23
Quran 28:60 And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with God is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?
They Repeatedly Come Back To This World in the Cycle of Birth & Death 9:3
अश्रद्दधाना: पुरुषा धर्मस्यास्य परन्तप |
अप्राप्य मां निवर्तन्ते मृत्युसंसारवर्त्मनि || 3||
People who have no faith in this dharma are unable to attain Me, O conqueror of enemies. They repeatedly come back to this world in the cycle of birth and death. Bhagavad Gita 9:3
Their hopes for Welfare are in Vain, their Fruitive Actions are Wasted 9:12
मोघाशा मोघकर्माणो मोघज्ञाना विचेतस: |
राक्षसीमासुरीं चैव प्रकृतिं मोहिनीं श्रिता: || 12||
Bewildered by the material energy, such persons embrace demoniac and atheistic views. In that deluded state, their hopes for welfare are in vain, their fruitive actions are wasted, and their culture of knowledge is baffled. Bhagavad Gita 9:12
Those who call a stone their god – their service is useless. Those who fall at the feet of a stone god, their work is wasted in vain. (Guru Granth Sahib 1160-5-6).
Yet they have taken besides Him gods who cannot create anything but are themselves created. Nor can they protect or benefit themselves. Nor can they control life, death, or resurrection. Holy Quran 25:3
Worshipper of Celestian Gods go to Them, My Worshipper Comes to Me 9:25
यान्ति देवव्रता देवान्पितॄ न्यान्ति पितृव्रता: |
भूतानि यान्ति भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्याजिनोऽपि माम् ||25||
Worshippers of the celestial gods take birth amongst the celestial gods, worshippers of the ancestors go to the ancestors, worshippers of ghosts take birth amongst such beings, and My devotees come to Me alone. Bhagavad Gita 9:25
Why worship gods and goddesses, O Siblings of Destiny? What can we ask of them? What can they give us? (Guru Granth Sahib 637-6)
Only one Supreme God
I am the only Lord of all Sacrifices, those who Fail to Realize this, must be Reborn 9:24
अहं हि सर्वयज्ञानां भोक्ता च प्रभुरेव च |
न तु मामभिजानन्ति तत्त्वेनातश्च्यवन्ति ते || 24||
I am the enjoyer and the only Lord of all sacrifices. But those who fail to realize My divine nature must be reborn. Bhagavad Gita 9:24
Yet they have taken besides Him gods who cannot create anything but are themselves created. Nor can they protect or benefit themselves. Nor can they control life, death, or resurrection. Holy Quran 25:3
From Me alone arise the varieties of Qualities in Humans 10:4-5
बुद्धिर्ज्ञानमसम्मोह: क्षमा सत्यं दम: शम: |
सुखं दु:खं भवोऽभावो भयं चाभयमेव च || 4||
अहिंसा समता तुष्टिस्तपो दानं यशोऽयश: |
भवन्ति भावा भूतानां मत्त एव पृथग्विधा: || 5||
From Me alone arise the varieties of qualities in humans, such as intellect, knowledge, clarity of thought, forgiveness, truthfulness, control over the senses and mind, joy and sorrow, birth and death, fear and courage, non-violence, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame, and infamy. Bhagavad Gita 10:4-5
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O God! Lord over all authorities! You give authority to whoever You please and remove it from who You please; You honour whoever You please and disgrace who You please- all good is in Your Hands. Surely You ˹alone˺ are Most Capable of everything. Holy Quran 3:26
Supreme Personality, the Creator and Lord of All, The God of Gods, & The Lord of the Universe! 10:15
स्वयमेवात्मनात्मानं वेत्थ त्वं पुरुषोत्तम |
भूतभावन भूतेश देवदेव जगत्पते || 15||
Indeed, You alone know Yourself by Your inconceivable Energy, O Supreme Personality, the Creator and Lord of all beings, the God of gods, and the Lord of the universe! Bhagavad Gita 10:15
He is the First and the Last, the Most High and Most Near, and He has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things – Holy Quran 57:3
He is God – there is no god worthy of worship except Him: Knower of the seen and unseen. He is the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. Al-Quran 59:22
He is God- there is no god except Him: the King, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Source of Serenity, the Watcher of all, the Almighty, the Supreme in Might, the Majestic. Glorified is God far above what they associate with Him in worship! Al-Quran 59:23
He is God: the Creator, the Inventor, the Shaper. He alone has the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth constantly glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty, All-Wise. Al-Quran 59:23
He reigns supreme over His creation. And He is the All-Wise, All-Aware. Holy Quran 6:18
He ˹is the One Who˺ gives life and causes death, and to Him you will ˹all˺ be returned. Holy Quran 10:56
Supreme Divine Personality 15:18
यस्मात्क्षरमतीतोऽहमक्षरादपि चोत्तम: |
अतोऽस्मि लोके वेदे च प्रथित: पुरुषोत्तम: || 18||
I am transcendental to the perishable world of matter, and even to the imperishable soul; hence I am celebrated, both in the Vedas and the Smṛitis, as the Supreme Divine Personality. Bhagavad Gita 15:18
Those who know Me without Doubt as the Supreme Divine Personality have Complete Knowledge 15:19
यो मामेवमसम्मूढो जानाति पुरुषोत्तमम् |
स सर्वविद्भजति मां सर्वभावेन भारत || 19||
Those who know Me without doubt as the Supreme Divine Personality truly have complete knowledge. O Arjun, they worship Me with their whole being. Bhagavad Gita 15:19
God is Unborn, Imperishable, Changeless & Formless
Unborn, Beginningless, Supreme Lord of the Universe 10:3
यो मामजमनादिं च वेत्ति लोकमहेश्वरम् |
असम्मूढ: स मर्त्येषु सर्वपापै: प्रमुच्यते || 3||
Those who know Me as unborn and beginningless, and as the Supreme Lord of the universe, they among mortals are free from illusion and released from all evils. Bhagavad Gita 10:3
Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute master; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him. Holy Quran 112:1-4
To God ˹alone˺ belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Indeed, We have commanded those given the Scripture before you, as well as you, to be mindful of God. But if you disobey, then ˹know that˺ to God belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. And God is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy. Holy Quran 4:131
Every being on earth is bound to perish. Only your Lord Himself, full of Majesty and Honour, will remain forever. Holy Quran 55:26-27
Without Birth & Changeless 7:25
नाहं प्रकाश: सर्वस्य योगमायासमावृत: |
मूढोऽयं नाभिजानाति लोको मामजमव्ययम् || 25||
I am not manifest to everyone, being veiled by My divine Yogmaya energy. Hence, those without knowledge do not know that I am without birth and changeless. Bhagavad Gita 7:25
Narrated Masruq: `Aisha said, “If anyone tells you that Muhammad has seen his Lord, he is a liar, for God says: ‘No vision can grasp Him.’ (6.103) And if anyone tells you that Muhammad has seen the Unseen, he is a liar, for God says: “None has the knowledge of the Unseen but God.” Sahih al-Bukhari-Vol. 9, Book 93, Hadith 477
Inconceivable Divine Form Brighter than Sun 8:9
कविं पुराणमनुशासितार मणोरणीयांसमनुस्मरेद्य: |
सर्वस्य धातारमचिन्त्यरूप मादित्यवर्णं तमस: परस्तात् || 9||
God is Omniscient, the most ancient One, the Controller, subtler than the subtlest, the Support of all, and the possessor of an inconceivable divine form; He is brighter than the sun, and beyond all darkness of ignorance. Bhagavad Gita 8:9
No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things. Holy Quran 6:103
And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My Lord, show me [Yourself] that I may look at You.” [God] said, “You will not see Me, but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me.” But when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level, and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, “Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first [among my people] of the believers. Holy Quran 7:143
Imperishable Exalted Nature 7:24
अव्यक्तं व्यक्तिमापन्नं मन्यन्ते मामबुद्धय: |
परं भावमजानन्तो ममाव्ययमनुत्तमम् || 24||
The less intelligent think that I, the Supreme Lord Shree Krishna, was formless earlier and have now assumed this personality. They do not understand the imperishable exalted nature of My personal form. Bhagavad Gita 7:24
Imperishable & Eternal 7:13
त्रिभिर्गुणमयैर्भावैरेभि: सर्वमिदं जगत् |
मोहितं नाभिजानाति मामेभ्य: परमव्ययम् || 13||
Deluded by the three modes of Maya, people in this world are unable to know Me, the imperishable and eternal. Bhagavad Gita 7:13
Worship me Alone: 7:28
येषां त्वन्तगतं पापं जनानां पुण्यकर्मणाम् |
ते द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ता भजन्ते मां दृढव्रता: || 28||
But persons, whose sins have been destroyed by engaging in pious activities, become free from the illusion of dualities. Such persons worship Me alone with determination. Bhagavad Gita 7:28
Unmanifest Form: 9:4
मया ततमिदं सर्वं जगदव्यक्तमूर्तिना |
मत्स्थानि सर्वभूतानि न चाहं तेष्ववस्थित: || 4||
This entire cosmic manifestation is pervaded by Me in My unmanifest form. All living beings dwell in Me, but I do not dwell in them. Bhagavad Gita 9:4
Living Beings Do Not Abide in Me 9:5
न च मत्स्थानि भूतानि पश्य मे योगमैश्वरम् |
भूतभृन्न च भूतस्थो ममात्मा भूतभावन: || 5||
And yet, the living beings do not abide in Me. Behold the mystery of My divine energy! Although I am the Creator and Sustainer of all living beings, I am not influenced by them or by material nature. Bhagavad Gita 9:5
All praise is for God Who created the heavens and the earth and made darkness and light. Yet the disbelievers set up equals to their Lord ˹in worship˺. Holy Quran 6:1
No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things. Holy Quran 6:103
Yet they have taken besides Him gods who cannot create anything but are themselves created. Nor can they protect or benefit themselves. Nor can they control life, death, or resurrection. Holy Quran 25:3
Formless, Immortal & Imperishable Brahma 14:27
ब्रह्मणो हि प्रतिष्ठाहममृतस्याव्ययस्य च |
शाश्वतस्य च धर्मस्य सुखस्यैकान्तिकस्य च || 27||
I am the basis of the formless Brahman, the immortal and imperishable, of eternal dharma, and of unending divine bliss. Bhagavad Gita 14:27
Brahma is the Supreme Indestructible Entity 8:3
अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते |
भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्ग: कर्मसञ्ज्ञित: || 3||
The Lord said: The Supreme Indestructible Entity is called Brahm; one’s own self is called adhyatma. Actions pertaining to the material personality of living beings, and its development are called karma, or fruitive activities. Bhagavad Gita 8:3
God is Incomprehensible
I Know All But Me No One Knows 7:26
वेदाहं समतीतानि वर्तमानानि चार्जुन |
भविष्याणि च भूतानि मां तु वेद न कश्चन || 26||
O Arjun, I know of past, present, and future, and I also know all living beings; but Me no one knows. Bhagavad Gita 7:26
No vision can encompass Him, but He encompasses all vision. For He is the Most Subtle, All-Aware. Holy Quran 6:103
None Can Understand Your True Personality 10:14
सर्वमेतदृतं मन्ये यन्मां वदसि केशव |
न हि ते भगवन्व्यक्तिं विदुर्देवा न दानवा: || 14||
O Krishna, I totally accept everything You have told me as the Truth. O Lord, neither gods nor the demons can understand Your true personality. Bhagavad Gita 10:14
Indestructible & Eternal God
Supreme Indestructible Entity is Brahm 8:3
अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते |
भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्ग: कर्मसञ्ज्ञित: || 3||
The Lord said: The Supreme Indestructible Entity is called Brahm; one’s own self is called adhyatma. Actions pertaining to the material personality of living beings, and its development are called karma, or fruitive activities. Bhagavad Gita 8:3
Remarks: Ba-Rahm, Ar-Rahm (Names and attributes of God).
Bismillahi ar-Rahman ar-Rahim. (In the Name of God—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful) Holy Quran 1:1.
Al-Quran 6.74-75 And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, “Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people be in manifest error.” And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain in faith. (See also, Holy Quran 26:69-93)
Also Read–
- Who is Allah? Definition and Attributes of God in Islam
- Prophet Abraham in Islam: A Subaltern Explainer
Imperishable and Eternal 7:13
त्रिभिर्गुणमयैर्भावैरेभि: सर्वमिदं जगत् |
मोहितं नाभिजानाति मामेभ्य: परमव्ययम् || 13||
Deluded by the three modes of Maya, people in this world are unable to know Me, the imperishable and eternal. Bhagavad Gita 7:13
Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute master; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him. Holy Quran 112:1-4
Also Read| Who is Allah? Definition and Attributes of God in Islam
Absolute Master and Abode
Sustainer, Master, Witness, Abode, Shelter, and Friend 9:18
गतिर्भर्ता प्रभु: साक्षी निवास: शरणं सुहृत् |
प्रभव: प्रलय: स्थानं निधानं बीजमव्ययम् || 18||
I am the Supreme Goal of all living beings, and I am also their Sustainer, Master, Witness, Abode, Shelter, and Friend. I am the Origin, End, and Resting Place of creation; I am the Repository and Eternal Seed. Bhagavad Gita 9:18
Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute master; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him. Holy Quran 112:1-4
To God ˹alone˺ belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And God is Most Capable of everything. (Wa Lillahi Mulkus-samawati wal Ard. Wallahu ala kulli shayyin Qadeer) Holy Quran 3:189
To God ˹alone˺ belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And God is Fully Aware of everything. Holy Quran 4:126
To God ˹alone˺ belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And God is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs. (Wa Lillahi ma fissamawati wa ma fil ard. Wa kafa bi Allahi waqeela). Holy Quran 4:132
He ˹is the One Who˺ gives life and causes death, and to Him you will ˹all˺ be returned. Holy Quran 10:56
Eternal, Unborn, and the Greatest 10:12-13 (Shahadat, al-Ikhlas)
अर्जुन उवाच |
परं ब्रह्म परं धाम पवित्रं परमं भवान् |
पुरुषं शाश्वतं दिव्यमादिदेवमजं विभुम् || 12||
आहुस्त्वामृषय: सर्वे देवर्षिर्नारदस्तथा |
असितो देवलो व्यास: स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे || 13||
Arjun said: You are the Supreme Divine Personality, the Supreme Abode, the Supreme Purifier, the Eternal God, the Primal Being, the Unborn, and the Greatest. The great sages, like Narad, Asit, Deval, and Vyas, proclaimed this, and now You are declaring it to me Yourself. Bhagavad Gita 10:12-13
Remarks| See Muslim takbir Allahu Akbar: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Ilallah Wallahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahil Hamd (God is the greatest, God is the greatest. There is no deity (no other god) besides God and God is the greatest. God is the greatest and to God all praises belong.)
Creator of All
Everything Proceeds from Me 10:8
अहं सर्वस्य प्रभवो मत्त: सर्वं प्रवर्तते |
इति मत्वा भजन्ते मां बुधा भावसमन्विता: || 8||
I am the origin of all creation. Everything proceeds from Me. The wise who know this perfectly worship Me with great faith and devotion. Bhagavad Gita 10:8
The originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is. Al-Quran 2:117
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great. Al-Quran 42:4
Exclusive Remembrance of God (Dhikrullah)
Highest Devotee 6:47
योगिनामपि सर्वेषां मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना |
श्रद्धावान्भजते यो मां स मे युक्ततमो मत: || 47||
Of all yogis, those whose minds are always absorbed in Me, and who engage in devotion to Me with great faith, them I consider to be the highest of all. Bhagavad Gita 6:47
Enlightened Souls 7:30
साधिभूताधिदैवं मां साधियज्ञं च ये विदु: |
प्रयाणकालेऽपि च मां ते विदुर्युक्तचेतस: || 30||
Those who know Me as the governing principle of the adhibhūta (field of matter) and the adhidaiva (the celestial gods), and as adhiyajña (the Lord of all sacrificial performances), such enlightened souls are in full consciousness of Me even at the time of death. Bhagavad Gita 7:30
Remembering Me at the Moment of Death 8:5
अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम् |
य: प्रयाति स मद्भावं याति नास्त्यत्र संशय: || 5||
Those who relinquish the body while remembering Me at the moment of death will come to Me. There is certainly no doubt about this. Bhagavad Gita 8:5
Remarks: Recitation of Kalma at time death by Muslims. Innal lilahi.
प्रयाणकाले मनसाचलेन भक्त्या युक्तो योगबलेन चैव |
भ्रुवोर्मध्ये प्राणमावेश्य सम्यक् स तं परं पुरुषमुपैति दिव्यम् || 8:10||
One who at the time of death, with unmoving mind attained by the practice of Yog, fixes the prāṇ (life-airs) between the eyebrows, and steadily remembers the Divine Lord with great devotion, certainly attains Him. Bhagavad Gita 8:10
Note: Islamic Prayer resembles Yoga and Muslims on deathbed recite Kalima-e-Shahdat.
Always Remember & Surrender to Me 8:7
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु मामनुस्मर युध्य च |
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्मामेवैष्यस्यसंशयम् || 7||
Therefore, always remember Me and also do your duty of fighting the war. With mind and intellect surrendered to Me, you will definitely attain Me; of this, there is no doubt. Bhagavad Gita 8:7
Remarks: Invocation of God every now and then by Muslims. (Mashallah, Subhanalah, Alhamdulillah, Jazakallah, Astaghfirullah, Ya Rahmakullah, Nastazir Billah, Nauzbillah, etc)
Constant Rememberance of God 8:8 (Dhikrullah)
अभ्यासयोगयुक्तेन चेतसा नान्यगामिना |
परमं पुरुषं दिव्यं याति पार्थानुचिन्तयन् || 8||
With practice, O Parth, when you constantly engage the mind in remembering Me, the Supreme Divine Personality, without deviating, you will certainly attain Me. Bhagavad Gita 8:8
Note: Dhikr which means remembrance, reminder, or mention is a form of Islamic worship in which phrases or prayers are repeatedly recited for the purpose of remembering God.
Dedicate all Your Works to Me 9:28 (Practice of saying Alhamdulillah)
शुभाशुभफलैरेवं मोक्ष्यसे कर्मबन्धनै: |
संन्यासयोगयुक्तात्मा विमुक्तो मामुपैष्यसि || 28||
By dedicating all your works to Me, you will be freed from the bondage of good and bad results. With your mind attached to Me through renunciation, you will be liberated and will reach Me. Bhagavad Gita 9:28
Say, “Surely my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are all for God—Lord of all worlds. Holy Quran 6:162
Always think of Me, Worship Me 9:34 (Dhikrullah)
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु |
मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायण: || 34||
Always think of Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and offer obeisance to Me. Having dedicated your mind and body to Me, you will certainly come to Me. Bhagavad Gita 9:34
Remarks: Invocation of God every now and then by Muslims. (Mashallah, Subhanalah, Alhamdulillah, Jazakallah, Astaghfirullah, Ya Rahmakullah, Nastazir Billah, Nauzbillah, etc)
Say, “Surely my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are all for God—Lord of all worlds. Holy Quran 6:162
Sinners & God
Even Vilest Sinners are to be Considered Righteous if they Worship Me with Exclusive Devotion 9:30
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् |
साधुरेव स मन्तव्य: सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि स: || 30||
Even if the vilest sinners worship Me with exclusive devotion, they are to be considered righteous because they have made the proper resolve. Bhagavad Gita 9:30
Leave outward sin and inward sin. Surely, those who commit sin shall be punished for what they used to commit. Holy Quran 6:120
That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another. Holy Quran 53:38
If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance Holy Quran 4:31
And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it. Holy Quran 99:8
And it is He who accepts repentance from his servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do. Holy Quran 42:25
All Who take Refuge in Me will Attain the Supreme Destination 9:32
मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य येऽपि स्यु: पापयोनय: |
स्त्रियो वैश्यास्तथा शूद्रास्तेऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम् || 32||
All those who take refuge in Me, whatever their birth, race, gender, or caste, even those whom society scorns, will attain the supreme destination. Bhagavad Gita 9:32
As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, for them will be the Gardens of Refuge as accommodation for what they used to do. Holy Quran 32:19
Bowing before Supreme God
Chanting the Glories of Lord and Bowing before Him 9:14
सततं कीर्तयन्तो मां यतन्तश्च दृढव्रता: |
नमस्यन्तश्च मां भक्त्या नित्ययुक्ता उपासते || 14||
Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion. Bhagavad Gita 9:14
Remarks: Muslim prayer is all about constant bowing and zikr of God.
Best Worshipper
Those Free from Malice, Those who are Friendly & Compassionate 12:13-14
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्र: करुण एव च |
निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: समदु:खसुख: क्षमी || 13||
सन्तुष्ट: सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चय: |
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्त: स मे प्रिय: || 14||
Those devotees are very dear to Me who are free from malice toward all living beings, who are friendly, and compassionate. They are free from attachment to possessions and egotism, equipoised in happiness and distress, and ever-forgiving. They are ever-content, steadily united with Me in devotion, self-controlled, of firm resolve, and dedicated to Me in mind and intellect. Bhagavad Gita 12:13-14
Those who are not a Source of Annoyance to Anyone 12:15
यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च य: |
हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो य: स च मे प्रिय: || 15||
Those who are not a source of annoyance to anyone and who in turn are not agitated by anyone, who are equal in pleasure and pain, and free from fear and anxiety, such devotees of Mine are very dear to Me. Bhagavad Gita 12:15
Those who are Free from Selfishness in all Undertakings 12:16
अनपेक्ष: शुचिर्दक्ष उदासीनो गतव्यथ: |
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी यो मद्भक्त: स मे प्रिय: || 16||
Those who are indifferent to worldly gains, externally and internally pure, skillful, without cares, untroubled, and free from selfishness in all undertakings, such devotees of Mine are very dear to Me. Bhagavad Gita 12:16
“It is difficult to be called a Muslim; if one is truly a Muslim, then he may be called one. First, let him savor the religion of the Prophet as sweet; then, let his pride of his possessions be scraped away. Becoming a true Muslim, a disciple of the faith of Mohammed, let him put aside the delusion of death and life. As he submits to God’s Will, and surrenders to the Creator, he is rid of selfishness and conceit. And when, O Nanak, he is merciful to all beings, only then shall he be called a Muslim.” (Guru Granth Sahib 141:10-12)
Worst People
Those who possess Hypocrisy, Arrogance, Conceit, Anger, Harshness, & Ignorance 16:4
दम्भो दर्पोऽभिमानश्च क्रोध: पारुष्यमेव च |
अज्ञानं चाभिजातस्य पार्थ सम्पदमासुरीम् || 4||
O Parth, the qualities of those who possess a demoniac nature are hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance. Bhagavad Gita 16:4
Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 699: Narrated Abu Huraira: Narrated Abu Huraira: God’s Apostle said, “You see that the people are of different natures. Those who were the best in the pre-Islamic period, are also the best in Islam if they comprehend religious knowledge. You see that the best amongst the people in this respect (i.e. ambition of ruling) are those who hate it most. And you see that the worst among people is the double-faced (person) who appears to these with one face and to the others with another face (ie a hypocrite).”
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 84: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “The worst people in the Sight of God on the Day of Resurrection will be the double-faced people who appear to some people with one face and other people with another face.”
Also Read| Munafiq Meaning in Islam: What are the Characteristics of Hypocrites?
Perform Ostentatious Sacrifices & Rituals 16:17
आत्मसम्भाविता: स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विता: |
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् || 17||
Such self-conceited and stubborn people, full of pride and arrogant in their wealth, perform ostentatious sacrifices in name only, with no regard to the rules of the scriptures. Bhagavad Gita 16:17
And Pharaoh called out to his people, boasting, “O my people! Am I not sovereign over Egypt as well as ˹all˺ these streams flowing at my feet? Can you not see? Holy Quran 43:51
Have you seen ˹O Prophet˺ the one who rejects Our revelations yet boasts, “I will definitely be granted ˹plenty of˺ wealth and children ˹if there is an afterlife˺.”? Bhagavad Gita 19:77
Cruel & Hateful Persons, the Vile & Vicious of Humankind 16:19-20
तानहं द्विषत: क्रूरान्संसारेषु नराधमान् |
क्षिपाम्यजस्रमशुभानासुरीष्वेव योनिषु || 19||
आसुरीं योनिमापन्ना मूढा जन्मनि जन्मनि |
मामप्राप्यैव कौन्तेय ततो यान्त्यधमां गतिम् || 20||
These cruel and hateful persons, the vile and vicious of humankind, I constantly hurl into the wombs of those with similar demoniac natures in the cycle of rebirth in the material world. These ignorant souls take birth again and again in demoniac wombs. Failing to reach Me, O Arjun, they gradually sink to the most abominable type of existence. Bhagavad Gita 16:19-20
Three Gates of Hell: Lust, Greed & Anger 16:21
त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन: |
काम: क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् || 21||
There are three gates leading to the hell of self-destruction for the soul—lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one should abandon all three. Bhagavad Gita 16:21
True Knowledge
Belief, Non-Violence, Forgiveness, Simplicity, Self-Control, Non-Attachment etc 13:8-12
अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |
आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: || 8||
इन्द्रियार्थेषु वैराग्यमनहङ्कार एव च |
जन्ममृत्युजराव्याधिदु:खदोषानुदर्शनम् || 9||
असक्तिरनभिष्वङ्ग: पुत्रदारगृहादिषु |
नित्यं च समचित्तत्वमिष्टानिष्टोपपत्तिषु || 10||
मयि चानन्ययोगेन भक्तिरव्यभिचारिणी |
विविक्तदेशसेवित्वमरतिर्जनसंसदि || 11||
अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वं तत्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् |
एतज्ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तमज्ञानं यदतोऽन्यथा || 12||
Humbleness; freedom from hypocrisy; non-violence; forgiveness; simplicity; service of the Guru; cleanliness of body and mind; steadfastness; and self-control; dispassion toward the objects of the senses; absence of egotism; keeping in mind the evils of birth, disease, old age, and death; non-attachment; absence of clinging to spouse, children, home, and so on; even-mindedness amidst desired and undesired events in life; constant and exclusive devotion toward Me; an inclination for solitary places and an aversion for mundane society; constancy in spiritual knowledge; and philosophical pursuit of the Absolute Truth—all these I declare to be knowledge, and what is contrary to it, I call ignorance. Bhagavad Gita 13:8-12
Those who Surrender before God 15:19
यो मामेवमसम्मूढो जानाति पुरुषोत्तमम् |
स सर्वविद्भजति मां सर्वभावेन भारत || 19||
Those who know Me without doubt as the Supreme Divine Personality truly have complete knowledge. O Arjun, they worship Me with their whole being. Bhagavad Gita 15:19
Most Secret Principle of the Vedic Scriptures 15:20
इति गुह्यतमं शास्त्रमिदमुक्तं मयानघ |
एतद्बुद्ध्वा बुद्धिमान्स्यात्कृतकृत्यश्च भारत || 20||
I have shared this most secret principle of the Vedic scriptures with you, O sinless Arjun. By understanding this, a person becomes enlightened, and fulfills all that is to be accomplished. Bhagavad Gita 15:20
Light of Heaven & Earth
He is Knowledge, the Object of Knowledge, and the Goal of Knowledge 13:18
ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमस: परमुच्यते |
ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं हृदि सर्वस्य विष्ठितम् || 18||
He is the source of light in all luminaries, and is entirely beyond the darkness of ignorance. He is knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the goal of knowledge. He dwells within the hearts of all living beings. Bhagavad Gita 13:18
God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. His light is like a niche in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a crystal, the crystal is like a shining star, lit from ˹the oil of˺ a blessed olive tree, ˹located˺ neither to the east nor the west, whose oil would almost glow, even without being touched by fire. Light upon light! God guides whoever He wills to His light. And God sets forth parables for humanity. For God has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things. Holy Quran 24:35
All praise is for God Who created the heavens and the earth and made darkness and light. Yet the disbelievers set up equals to their Lord ˹in worship˺. Holy Quran 6:1
All praise is for God Who created the heavens and the earth and made darkness and light. Yet the disbelievers set up equals to their Lord ˹in worship˺. Holy Quran 6:1
He reigns supreme over His creation. And He is the All-Wise, All-Aware. Holy Quran 6:18
The Word of your Lord has been perfected in truth and justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearing, All- Knowing. Holy Quran 6:115
That is your Lord’s Path—perfectly straight. We have already made the signs clear to those who are mindful. Holy Quran 6:126
Scripture be Authority
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 16, Verse 24
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ |
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि || 24||
Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Understand the scriptural injunctions and teachings, and then perform your actions in this world accordingly. Bhagavad Gita 16:24
Nature of Charity
To a Worthy Person without Consideration 17:20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् || 20||
Charity given to a worthy person simply because it is right to give, without consideration of anything in return, at the proper time and in the proper place, is stated to be in the mode of goodness. Bhagavad Gita 17:20
Given without Reluctance 17:21
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुन: |
दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् || 21||
But charity given with reluctance, with the hope of a return or in expectation of a reward, is said to be in the mode of passion. Bhagavad Gita 17:21
Charity done without Faith is Useless 17:28
अश्रद्धया हुतं दत्तं तपस्तप्तं कृतं च यत् |
असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह || 28||
O son of Pritha, whatever acts of sacrifice, charity, or penance are done without faith, are termed as “Asat.” They are useless both in this world and the next. Bhagavad Gita 17:28
Also Read| Zakat in Islam: A Form of Mandatory Charity
Struggle, Resistance & Fighting Wars
Weapons cannot shred Souls 2:18-23
अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ता: शरीरिण: |
अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत || 2:18||
Only the material body is perishable; the embodied soul within is indestructible, immeasurable, and eternal. Therefore, fight, O descendent of Bharat. 2:18
नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावक: |
न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुत: || 2:23||
Weapons cannot shred the soul, nor can fire burn it. Water cannot wet it, nor can the wind dry it. 2:23
Fight for Righteousness 2:31-32
स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि |
धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाच्छ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य न विद्यते || 2:31||
Besides, considering your duty as a warrior, you should not waver. Indeed, for a warrior, there is no better engagement than fighting for upholding of righteousness. 2:31
O Parth, happy are the warriors to whom such opportunities to defend righteousness come unsought, opening for them the stairway to the celestial abodes. 2:32
Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin. 2:38
And what is it with you? You do not fight in the cause of God and for oppressed men, women, and children who cry out, “Our Lord! Deliver us from this land of oppressors! Appoint for us a saviour; appoint for us a helper—all by Your grace.” Holy Quran 4:75
Consequences of not Fighting 2:33-36
If, however, you refuse to fight this righteous war, abandoning your social duty and reputation, you will certainly incur sin. 2:33
People will speak of you as a coward and a deserter. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death. 2:34
The great generals who hold you in high esteem will think that you fled from the battlefield out of fear, and thus will lose their respect for you. 2:35
Your enemies will defame and humiliate you with unkind words, disparaging your might. Alas, what could be more painful than that? 2:36
If, motivated by pride, you think, “I shall not fight,” your decision will be in vain. Your own nature will compel you to fight. 18:59
O Arjun, that action which out of delusion you do not wish to do, you will be driven to do it by your own inclination, born of your own material nature. 18:60
Fight for Heaven & Worldly Pleasures 2:37
हतो वा प्राप्स्यसि स्वर्गं जित्वा वा भोक्ष्यसे महीम् |
तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चय: || 2:37||
If you fight, you will either be slain on the battlefield and go to Heaven, or you will gain victory and enjoy worldy pleasures. Therefore arise with determination, O son of Kunti, and be prepared to fight. 2:37
Preaching & Proselytization 18:68-71
य इदं परमं गुह्यं मद्भक्तेष्वभिधास्यति |
भक्तिं मयि परां कृत्वा मामेवैष्यत्यसंशय: || 18:68||
Amongst My devotees, those who teach this most confidential knowledge perform the greatest act of love. They will come to Me, without doubt. 18:68
No human being does more loving service to Me than they; nor shall there ever be anyone on this earth more dear to Me. 18:69
And I proclaim that those who study this sacred dialogue of ours will worship Me (with their intellect) through the sacrifice of knowledge; such is My view. 18:70
Even those who only listen to this knowledge with faith and without envy will be liberated from sins and attain the auspicious abodes where the pious dwell. 18:71
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided. Quran 16:125
Reconciliation of Gita with Quran
Major commonalities between Gita and Quran include Tauheed or the proclamation of the Supremacy of God and denial of non-Gods as well as the idea of an eternal, absolute, unborn, incomprehensible and inconceivable God being the creator and sustainer of all and submission to him and his exclusive worship alone. Both the scriptures can be reconciled easily. Chronologically, Bhagavad Gita was revealed much earlier than Holy Quran to humankind and the Holy Quran itself recognizes that from time to time God has sent prophets and scriptures to every community and nation.
Before thee [O Muhammad], We sent messengers to many nations, and We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility.(Al-Quran 6:42)
Thus has He revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as He did to those before you – God, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (Al-Quran 42:3)
Holy Quran mentions some of the previous and ancient scriptures by name and some by allegory. It says they all confirmed and reiterated the truth stated in previous ones.
For instance and as we read above, Gita attests the truth contained in Vedas but condemns the ritualism, flowry extrapolation and manipulation of it by demonic and selfish priestly classes engulfed by material desires. Holy Quran also reiterates the same.
It says that since old scriptures were corrupted and extrapolated by selfish people, priests and elite rulers, God kept sending new scriptures and prophets in different parts of the world to confirm and substantiate the eternal truth and message.
And in that chronology, Holy Quran is the last scripture reiterating the truth in previous scriptures. It refers itself as a touchstone, criteria and a guiding light to test the veracity of divine messages in previous scriptures.
God has revealed from time to time the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, yet repeating it’s teaching in various aspects: the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of God’s praises. Such is the guidance of God: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as God leaves to stray, can have none to guide. Al-Quran 39:23
This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than God; on the contrary, it is a confirmation of revelations that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book – wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the worlds. Al-Quran 10:37
To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what God hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have We prescribed a law and an open way. If God had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but His plan is to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute; Al-Quran 5:48
He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. Al-Quran 3:3
Thus, according to Islam, Quran will take precedence over previous scriptures in case of conflict or contradictions between them.
Also, as compared to previous scriptures that have been corrupted with time and no longer survive in their original form, Holy Quran has been preserved by God till judgment day. For instance while elite class invents dozens of versions of previous scriptures to befool, confuse and exploit common people, millions of Muslims read and memorize the same Quran.
Notable Difference & Contradiction
Bhagavad Gita is in Sanskrit, a post-Harappan, Indo-Aryan language of Brahmanized elites of India and not the language of common people of India and the vast majority of Indians. Under Islamic critieria, God sent his messengers to all nations and communities and these messengers used to be someone from that very community itself, one of their own and not an outsider to that community. These messengers used to speak and preach in simple local languages which people could easily understand (as was the approach of later Bhakti & Sufi saints including Nanak).
We surely sent a messenger to every community, saying, “Worship God and shun false gods.” But some of them were guided by God, while others were destined to stray. So travel throughout the land and see the fate of the deniers. 16:36
He is the One Who raised for the illiterate ˹people˺ a messenger from among themselves—reciting to them His revelations, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom, for indeed they had previously been clearly astray. 62:2
There certainly has come to you a messenger from among yourselves. He is concerned by your suffering, anxious for your well-being, and gracious and merciful to the believers. 9:128
Had We revealed it as a non-Arabic Quran, they would have certainly argued, “If only its verses were made clear ˹in our language˺. What! A non-Arabic revelation for an Arab audience!” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “It is a guide and a healing to the believers. As for those who disbelieve, there is deafness in their ears and blindness to it ˹in their hearts˺. It is as if they are being called from a faraway place.” 41:44
We know well that they say, “There is a man who teaches him.” The language of the one they refer to is non-Arabic while this is clear Arabic language. 16:103
Sahih al-Bukhari 2262 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “God did not send any prophet but shepherded sheep.” His companions asked him, “Did you do the same?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Yes, I used to shepherd the sheep of the people of Mecca for some Qirats.”
‘Abda ibn Hazn said, “The people of camels and the people of sheep vied with one another for glory. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Musa was sent, and he was a shepherd. Da’ud was sent, and he was a shepherd. I was sent, and I used to herd sheep for my people at Ajyad.‘” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 577
Krishna was raided by a cattle herder, pastoralist and agriculturalist community of Yadavs, Gwalas and Milkmen. It might well fit into one criteria of prophethood. But the Sanskrit language in which he gave the message of Gita was not the language of common people. Or is it the case that Krishna preached the divine message of Gita in local language but the Brahmins (priestly class) later misappropriated and extrapolated it into complex Sanskrit and deified Krishna as God as some Christians did with Jesus peace be upon him for their worldly materialistic gains. As the Quran says-
So woe to those who distort the Scripture with their own hands then say, “This is from God” seeking a fleeting gain! So woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they have earned. 2:79
And indeed, there is among them a party who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may think it is from the Scripture, but it is not from the Scripture. And they say, “This is from God ,” but it is not from God. And they speak untruth about God while they know. 3:78
We did not send ˹messengers˺ before you ˹O Prophet˺ except mere men inspired by Us. If you do not know, then ask those who have knowledge 16:43
And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. It is they who are ˹truly˺ guided by their Lord, and it is they who will be successful. 2:4-5
Caste or Varna System seems to be another major Brahmanical extrapolation into the divine message of Gita. Gita often emphasises that people must stick to their varna based duties and professions at all cost. This is not only against the established Human Rights conventions and fundamental rights of life, equality, dignity, freedom of trade, occupation, etc but is also against the egalitarian and inclusive teachings of other scriptures including Bible, Granth Sabib and Quran.
Inna Allah la Yandhuru ila Suwarikum wa La am’walikum, wa lakin yandhuru ila qulubikum wa 3a’mālikum. Sahih Muslim 2564c; Mafhum: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Verily Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds: Sahih Muslim 2564c.
Sahih at-Tirmidhi, Ahmad (22978) narrated from Abu Nadrah- Someone who heard the sermon of the Messenger of Allah on the second of the days of at-Tashreeq told me that he said: “O people, verily your Lord is One and your father is one. Verily, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.” They said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) has conveyed the message.
Ibn ‘Abbas said, “What do you reckon to be nobility? Allah has made nobility clear. The noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the one with the greatest taqwa. What do you reckon as lineage? The best of you in lineage is the best of you in character.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 899 Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)
Mishkat-ul Masabeeh 3662- It has been narrated by Umm Hussain (r) that Prophet (s) said- “If any slave is appointed as your Imam and he rules and leads you according to the book of Allah then listen to him obediently and act on it.”
Narrated Aisha: Usama approached the Prophet (ﷺ) on behalf of a woman (who had committed theft). The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If Fatima (the daughter of the Prophet (ﷺ) ) did that (i.e. stole), I would cut off her hand.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6787
Also Read| Seal of Prophecy and Finality of Holy Quran
