Comparative Study of Major Religions

Topics (6)

• 1
  Introduction to Religion

  Definitions, the academic study of religion, world religious landscape.

• 2
  Hinduism

  Historical background, scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads, epics), doctrines, paths to liberation, gods, sects, caste, modern movements.

• 3
  Buddhism

  Life of Gautama Buddha, Tripitaka, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, sects (Theravada, Mahayana).

• 4
  Judaism

  From Abraham to modern Judaism — Tanakh, Talmud, principles of faith, festivals, worship and sects.

• 5
  Christianity

  Jewish background, Life of Jesus, Bible, basic doctrines, sects, sacraments, modern theology.

• 6
  Islam

  Concept of religion in Islam, Tawhid, Risalah, Akhirah, Five Pillars, sects, contemporary movements.

The reading list straight from FPSC's revised Comparative Study of Major Religions syllabus. Build your core preparation around these texts — examiner-favoured references that questions are routinely drawn from.

1. 1

   Approaches to the Study of Religion

   Peter Connolly (ed.)

2. 2

   The Penguin Handbook of the World's Living Religions

   John R. Hinnells (ed.)

3. 3

   Dunya Kay Baray Mazahib (Major Religions of the World)

   Imadul Hasan Azad Faruqi

4. 4

   Hinduism: A Short Introduction

   Klaus K. Klostermaier

5. 5

   Exploring Buddhism

   Christmas Humphreys

6. 6

   Judaism: A Short Introduction

   Lavinia and Dan Cohn-Sherbok

7. 7

   Christianity: An Introduction

   Alister E. McGrath

8. 8

   The Messenger: The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad

   Tariq Ramadan

9. 9

   Ideals and Realities of Islam

   Seyyed Hossein Nasr

10. 10

    Towards Understanding Islam

    Syed Abul A'la Maududi