Is Hinduism hierarchical or autonomous

Answer 1

You were either meaning to say: How much does the state interfere in the society in an Islamic state? Or: is there a religious hierarchy in Islam resembling that of the Vatican?

1. Muhammad established an Islamic 'government-in-exile' that eventually conquered Mecca. The Islamic state is not the bloodthirsty fascist state of Iran or the Wahhabi state of Saudi Arabia. Rather it can range from libertarian to totalitarian, depending on the ruler. It is not very hierarchial. The Koran says, "Admonish them, you are only an admonisher. And you are not a dictator over them." (88:20-21). It simply means Muhammad was only to advise the law-breakers and not supposed to be a dictator over them. Since he was a political leader and the highest example for Muslims, this also applied to rulers. As for the 'victimless crimes' (fornication, adultery) they require 3 and 4 witnesses who saw the act of vaginal penetration between the adulterers. The witnesses are supposed to stay silent anyway, because in Islam Muslims conceal the sins of others, and the sinner is not supposed to announce his sin to anybody. Thus the so-called 'draconian legislation' of stoning adulterers is rarely implemented in an ideal Islamic state, where sinners are not rounded up and punished.

2. In Islam, there is no religious hierarchy. There are only Imams (leaders of prayer), scholars of Islam and Muftis.

Answer 2

It is defiantly autonomous. There are no ranks and people could think for themselves and question whatever they want. Anyone could go and research what they are confused about and they always get an answer.

Answer 3

According to the Qur'an, every believer is in direct contact with God. No one should follow the teachings of another human being (although this is common pratice).

"[9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords, instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners."

The idea to ask anyone to 'put in a good word' for you is attributed as a trick of the devil to refrain people from actually praying directly to God. This can only be done if it is accordance to God's will in the first place.

[34:23] Intercession with Him will be in vain, unless it coincides with His will. (...)

See also: 2:48,123,254; 19:87; 20:109; 21:28; 34:23; 36:23; 39:44; 43:86; 74:48

Therefore, Islam is in essence an autonomous religion.

Culturally, however, one can find many instances of hierarchical structures, mainly due to illiteracy of the lower levels, who rely on their 'scholars' to explain the Qur'an.

Answer 4

Yes and no.

It depends on how you define autonomous. Islam is God religion since universe creation. Islam is an Arabic word that means submission to God, the creator. All God creations; since start of the universe creation; are created on submission (Islam) to their Creator. Mankind, when created, were given the honor of having the choice: to have full submission (Islam) to their God the one and only one God, deny their Creator, or to worship partners to their Creator. On the day of Resurrection, all will be judged by God (Allah in Arabic) accordingly.

• Islam per God revelation of the Torah to Moses is called Judaism
• Islam per God revelation of The Bible to Jesus is called Christianity
• Islam per God revelation of the Quran to Muhammad is called the same name Islam.

Now, you can answer the question whether Islam is autonomous or not.

It is autonomous compared with polytheistic religions. However, it is not autonomous compared with monotheistic religions.

Answer 5

Hinduism is autonomous. Hinduism has over a billion followers, making it the third largest religion in the world. The majority, approximately 1 billion, reside in India.

Answer 6

Islam is one of the only religions without a hierarchy.