Comparative Analysis of Eschatological Beliefs in Malaysian Chinese Buddhism and Islam: Insights through Ninian Smart’s Dimensions of Religion

Siti Aishah Chu Abdullah

Abstract


This study aims to perform a descriptive content analysis to explore the factors contributing to the similarities and differences in afterlife beliefs between Buddhism and Islam. The analysis used Ninian Smart’s seven dimensions of religion, namely doctrine, ritual, mythic, experiential, ethical, social, and material to evaluate the common dimensions shared by Buddhism and Islam. Interviews were conducted with six Muslim converts who were formerly Buddhists. The study revealed that the doctrinal dimension has the highest frequency, indicating a strong focus on the theological differences in afterlife beliefs between Buddhism and Islam. The ethical dimension follows closely, highlighting the importance of moral behaviour in both religions. The material and social dimensions show moderate frequencies, reflecting how practices and communal customs shape beliefs about death. The experiential dimension, though less frequent, emphasises personal spiritual experiences, while the ritual and mythic dimensions receive the lowest references, suggesting a greater emphasis on doctrinal and ethical aspects over specific rituals and narratives. The study also found that moral justice and ethical conduct in the doctrinal dimension are closely related to the ethical dimension. Additionally, the social dimension’s emphasis on community and support is linked to funeral traditions in the ritual dimension. These findings indicate areas of alignment between Buddhism and Islam, revealing shared purposes but differing practices. Ultimately, the common emphasis on virtuous living provides a basis for interfaith dialogue on ethical values.

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