Hinduism
Brahman
According to the monistic/panentheistic theologies of Hinduism, Brahman (the greater Self or God) is in the highest sense One and nondifferentiated from the world and its beings (hence 'nondualist'). In connoting Brahman's absolutely unparalleled nature, it is also called Varambrahman, where the Sanskrit prefix param- denotes "ultimate". Brahman is also sometimes seen as synonymous with the concept of Varamatma (Supreme Spirit). Beyond time and space, both immanent and transcendent, brahman is often described succincdy as sacchidananda, meaning 'Truth-Consciousness-Bliss', not only possessing the qualities but also being their very essence. Advaita philosophy declares that ultimately Brahman (the impersonal God) is beyond mere intellectual description and can be understood only through direct spiritual experience, where the 'knower' and the 'known' are subsumed into the act of'knowing'. The goal is to "wake up" and realize that one's atman, or soul, is really identical to Brahman, the uber-soul.
On the other hand, monotheistic (typically Dvaita Vedanta) and related devotional (bhakti) schools, understand Brahman as a Supreme Being who possesses personality. In these conceptions, Brahman is associated with Vishnu, Shiva or Shakti depending on the sect. Brahman is seen as fundamentally separate from its reliant souls (humanity) so, in achieving liberation, individual beings experience God as an independent being, a living personality, and retain their individual identities. Atman
Most Hindus believe that the spirit or soul, the true "self of every person, called the atman, is eternal; as is Brahman, which may be seen as either the greater Self or as God, depending on the outlook. According to the Advaita (non-dualist) schools of philosophy, the individual self and greater Self are not fundamentally distinct. They argue that the core spirit, or "Self, of every individual person is identical with the greater Spirit. Referring to 'brahman' unequivocally as God may reveal problems of semantics, where certain traditions understand God to be a motivating agency with personality and others that it is without personality and form, beyond any sort of definition and thus non-equivalent to the 'God' as understood by dualist schools of Hinduism or Abrahamic understandings of God. According to the Upanishads, whoever gains insight into the depths of his own nature and becomes fully aware of the atman as the innermost core of his own Self will realize his identity with Brahman and will thereby reach Moksha. According to the Dvaita (dualist) school, (often associated with Vaishnavism), the atman is not identical with Brahman, which is seen as being God with personality (though not limited); instead, the atman is dependent on God. Moksha depends on the cultivation of love for God and on God's grace.
The Basis of the Caste and Class System
When you study the Hindu religion, you'll discover that it recognizes four distinct stages in a person's life. Basically, these stages translate to student, householder, retirement and ascetism. Indian society in general was divided into four classes, which are referred to as Varnas. These four classes consist of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Starting at the top and working towards the bottom of the classes, the Brahmins consist of priests and teachers. Next in line are the Kshatriyas, which consist of kings, nobles and warriors. The Vaishyas are further down the class system, consisting of businessmen, merchants and farmers. The Shudras, which consist of laborers and servants, are at the bottom of the class hierarchy. Over time, these classes evolved into today's rigid caste system. Although there have been numerous reform movements throughout the 19th century and continuing into the early 20th century, the caste and class systems are still quite central to India's society. Although the more liberal nature of today's modern Hinduism has tempered this caste and class system somewhat, it's still an extremely important factor in the average India citizen's life. These factors tend to become even more important in areas such as politics, social norms, and marriage.
The first three varnas are known as the twice-born, all of whom undergo a ceremony in their youth admitting them into high status.The varna caste division excluded the Untouchables, who were and are below the Shudras in any ranking, despised because they engaged in occupations that were considered unclean and polluting. Untouchable castes became a category as avarnas, without varna, probably sometime after the fourth century CE. The untouchables (candalas) are mentioned in the Upanishads and early Buddhist literature, as a "fifth caste" resulting from the polluting contact of Shudra males and Brahmana females. The Importance of Hierarchy
In India, the overall concept of hierarchy is seen in every kind of relationship. This strict hierarchy system is considered to be absolutely vital to the overall maintenance of social order. For example, teachers are referred to as gurus, and are viewed in schools as the ultimate source of knowledge. In the family, the father is considered to be the family's leader. In the world of business, the boss is viewed as being ultimately responsible. Even in the case of family and friends, hierarchy and social order are extremely important. You'll even find that hierarchy plays a role in the case of total strangers.
3S
Hinduism
The name Hinduism was invented by us Europeans for Indian religion.
In reality it does not denote a single Indian religion but a whole cluster of religions, a confederation of religions.
Indians themselves usually call their religion eternal order. In Sanskrit, the old classical language of India, this is 5onotana dharma -a term which was very often used by Mahatma Gandhi. This central concept of dharma determines everything: it means order, the law, obligation.
Order here is not a legal order but an all-embracing cosmic order which governs ail life. Ail men and women, regardless of the caste or class to which they belong, are to observe it.
Here we are reminded of something like the fundamental ethic that can
already be lound among the Aboriginal people in Australia, a fundamental order which is there from the start, right from the beginning.
But here already it is also clear that Hinduism is not primarily a matter of statements of faith, dogmas, orthodoxy. Hinduism has no official doctrinal authority, but is about right action, the correct rite, morality - everything that makes up the practice of religion.
Hinduism is nol primarily about specific rights either. It is about our great human destiny, the responsibilities that we have: responsibilities towards family, society, Cod and the gods.
Shiva
A Hindu's FOUR CLASSIC AIMS IN LIFE
Striving for what is pleasant and the delight
of the senses (kama). Striving for what is useful and attaining
prosperity (artho). Working for justice and virtue (dharma). Striving for liberation and redemption
(moksha) from the cycle of birth, death
and reincarnation.
The seven modern SOCIAL SINS of humankind
Politics without principles Business without morality Wealth without work Education without character Science without humanity Enjoyment without conscience Religion without sacrifice (according to Mahatma Gandhi)
Virtues of the YOGA WAY
Non violence, doing no harm (a-himso)
Truthfulness (satya)
Not stealing (a-steya)
Chastity, purity of life (brahmacharya)
Lack of desire (a-parigraho)
(accoidiny to Putanjati)
Kandariya Mahadev temple, Khajuraho
I The union of hearts and minds and
freedom from hate I will bring you.
ft Love one another as the cow loves
the calf that she has borne.
ft Let son be loyal to father and
of one mind with his mother.
ft Let not a brother hate a brother,
nor a sister hate a sister; unanimous,
united in aims speak your words in
friendliness.
(Atharva Veda 3 30)
ft One should speak the truth and
speak it pleasingly.
I One should not speak the truth
in an unpleasant manner nor should
one speak untruth because
it is pleasing; this is the eternal law.
(Mam Smtiti 4, 138)
Vivekananda
Mahatma Gandhi Sarvapalli Radakrishnan
Truth, self-control, asceticism, generosity, non-violence, constancy in virtue - these are the meanb of success, and not caste or family. (Uom the Mohobhoicto)
One should not take what belongs to others, that is an eternal duty.
(from the Monabharota)
A Vishnavite priest
Most Hindus believe in one Cod, an Absolute, bur depending on the path they choose they associate themselves with a quite particular divine revealer figure, like Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Knshna or Rani
Hindus are convinced that the human soul is eternal, that it is identical with the primal ground of the world and according to The law of karma undergoes several earthly existences.
Karma means that all actions have causes from earlier life and effects on later existences
The four Vedas are regarded as classical sacred scriptures ot the Hindus, bu the Bhagdvad-Gitd, a book trum the Mahabhafata epic, is also extremeiy popular.
There are more than BOO million Hindus world-wide; most of itiern live in India.
Morning prayer in the Ganges
Temple frieze with tantric scenes
BUDDHISM
What is the main message of Buddhism?
What was die prophecy about Siddhartha Gautama about?
What was S.G. 's childhood like?
Why did S.G. turn to spiritual life?
Did strict asceticism bring him solace from suffering?
How would you explain Nirvana?
What does the Buddha stand for?
How should we live to reach Nirvana?
Could you name the Four Noble Truths?
Did the Buddha set any pattern his followers should embrace?
Can you "train" wisdom according to Buddhist teaching?
Is there anything like a "church" in Buddhism?
Who is Ashoka?
Now watch: Eastern Philosophy - The Buddha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tilBs32zN7I
The Story of the Buddha's Enlightenment
The name 'Buddha' means 'the_one'. Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha, but do
not believe him to be a god. The Buddha was born_Gotama in around 580BC in the village
of Lumbini in_. He was a prince born into a rich family. When he was young he had an_life
as he was protected from the harsh_of sickness, suffering and death. The years passed.
Siddhattha married and had a child, but found he was worried by many issues. He went outside the royal
enclosure where he lived and went to_areas. For the first time he saw__, sickness and
_. He also saw a holy man. He made the decision to leave his wife, his baby son and his privileged life
and began to search the world to find a higher truth or_. Siddhattha searched for a truth which
would release him from the cycle of dying and_after death. He studied with wise teachers,
practised_and lived a life of extreme self-denial and discipline, but still he did not find the
answers he needed. The search took him six years, but Siddhattha found enlightenment whilst meditating under
a      ■_tree. Following this he became known as the Buddha and dedicated his life to spreading his
message. The Buddha came to understand that the answer lay in the '__': living a life which
is not luxurious or deprived. Buddhists believe they can escape the cycle of life and death and reach Nirvana by following the Middle Way through the_Noble Truths and the_Path.
poor easy Middle Way Nirvana        Siddhattha    realities rebirth
Eightfold      old age enlightened Bodhi Four Nepal death
meditation
The Four Noble Truths
According to the scriptures, the Buddha taught that in life there exists sorrow / suffering which is caused by desire and it can be cured (ceased) by following the Noble Eightfold Path. This teaching is called the "Four Noble Truths".
1. Suffering: Birth is suffering, aging is suffering, illness is suffering, death is suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; separation from what is pleasing is suffering; not to get what one wants is suffering; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering.
2. The cause of suffering: The desire which leads to renewed existence (rebirth) (the cycle of samsara)
3. The cessation of suffering: The cessation of desire.
4. The way leading to the cessation of suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path;
Middle Way
The primary guiding principle of Buddhist practice is the Middle Way which was discovered by the Buddha prior to his enlightenment (bodhi). The Middle Way or Middle Path is often described as the practice of non-extremism; a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and opposing self-mortification. It also refers to taking a middle ground between certain metaphysical views, e.g. that things ultimately either exist or do not exist.
TAOISM
^ákladní / konečný / nej%a%ší, víra, starobylý, obvykle, přesný
Taoism is an_tradition of philosophy and religious_that is deeply rooted in Chinese customs and
worldview. Taoism is also referred to as Daoism, which is a more_way of representing in English the sound
of the Chinese word. Taoism is about the Tao. This is_translated as the Way. But it's hard to say exacdy what
this means. The Tao is the_creative principle of the universe. All things are unified and connected in the Tao.
• Taoism originated in China 2000 years ago
• It is a religion of unity and opposites; Yin and Yang. The principle of Yin Yang sees the world as filled with complementary forces - action and non-action, light and dark, hot and cold, and so on
• The Tao is not God and is not worshipped. Taoism includes many deities, that are worshipped in Taoist temples, they are part of the universe and depend, like everything, on the Tao
• Taoism promotes: •  Taoist practices include:
• achieving harmony or union with nature • meditation
• the pursuit of spiritual immortality •  feng shui
• being 'virtuous' (but not ostentatiously so) •   fortune telling
• self-development • reading and chanting of scriptures Before the Communist revolution fifty years ago, Taoism was one of the strongest religions in China. After a campaign to destroy non-Communist religion, however, the numbers significantly reduced, and it has become difficult to assess the statistical popularity of Taoism in the world.
Do Taoists believe in Gods?   Do they prey?   What is the future of Taoism in China?
Watch: EASTERN PHILOSOPHY - Confucius + EASTERN PHILOSOPHY - Lao Tzu
Relating to the Tao
Many Taoist ideas come from other Chinese schools of thought. It's not always easy to draw accurate distinctions between ideas that are fundamentally Taoist and those that Taoism took in from elsewhere, especially Buddhism. The Tao cannot be described in words. Human language can only give hints that may help the mind to form an idea. The most important thing about the Tao is how it works in the world, and how human beings relate to it. Philosophical speculation about what the Tao actually is, is less important than living in sensitive response to the Tao. The most useful words to stimulate an idea of the Tao are found in the Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu: The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao;                                 It may be considered the mother of the universe. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.                         I do not know its name; I call it Tao. The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth; ......
The Named is the mother of all things. All things in the world come from being.
...... And being comes from non-being, (form comes from formlessness)?
There was something undifferentiated and yet complete, Tao Te Ching
Which existed before Heaven and Earth. The Way is to man as rivers and lakes are to fish,
Soundless and formless it depends on nothing and does not change.     the natural condition of life. It operates everywhere and is free from danger. Chuang T^u
The Tao is not a thing
The Tao is not a thing or a substance in the conventional sense. It cannot be perceived but it can be observed in the things of the world. Although it gives rise to all being, it does not itself have being. Although it's conventional to refer to The Tao, some writers think that the "the" should be dropped because it isn't in the original Chinese term. They feel that using 'the' gives Westerners the idea that the Tao is a metaphysical reality, by which they mean a tiling (in the widest sense) or an absolute being like a god. But even the name Tao can lead Westerners to trunk of Tao in the same way that they think of objects. That sort of thinking is misleading: Thinking of the Tao as some sort of object produces an understanding of the Tao that is less than the reality. It might be more helpful to regard Tao as a system of guidance. And if one does this one can translate 'achieving union with the Tao' into 'developing oneself so as to live in complete conformity with the teachings of the Tao' which is easier to understand, and closer to the truth. Glimpsed only through its effects
A good way of avoiding the Tao-as-object error is to see the various concepts of the Tao as doing no more than describing those effects of the Tao that human beings are aware of. They do not describe its reality. The Tao is not God
The Tao is not God and is not worshipped. Taoism does include many deities, but although these are worshipped in Taoist temples, they are part of the universe and depend, like everything, on the Tao. The Tao includes several concepts in one word:
• the source of creation •   the unnameable
• the ultimate •   the natural universe as a whole
• the inexpressible and indefinable •   the way of nature as a whole
Taoist pantheon
Westerners who study Taoism are sometimes surprised to discover that Taoists venerate gods, as there doesn't seem to be a place for deities in Taoist thinking.
Taoism does not have a God in the way that the Abrahamic religions do. There is no omnipotent being beyond the cosmos, who created and controls the universe. In Taoism the universe springs from the Tao, and the Tao impersonally guides things on their way.
But the Tao itself is not God, nor is it a god, nor is it worshipped by Taoists. This may seem surprising as Taoists do use 'God-talk' to refer to the Tao:
The Venerable Lord, the Tao, was at rest in open mystery, beyond silent desolation, in mysterious emptiness... Say it/he is there and do not see a shape; say it/ he is not there,yet all beings follow him for life. Taishang laojun kaitian jing
And they conventionally revere Lao Tsu both as the first god of Taoism and as the personification of the Tao. Nonetheless, Taoism has many gods, most of them borrowed from other cultures. These deities are within this universe and are themselves subject to the Tao. Many of the deities are gods of a particular role, rather than a personal divine being and have titles rather than names.
Books often describe the Taoist pantheon as a heavenly bureaucracy that mimics the secular adrninisOrations of Imperial China. Some writers think that this is the wrong way round and that the secular administrations took their cue from the structure of the heavens. Since the Imperial administrations and the religious culture of the time were closely intertwined this would not be surprising.
Taoist ethics - theory and practice
Theory
The common view of Daoism is that it encourages people to live with detachment and calm, resting in non-action and smiling at the vicissitudes of the world.
Contrary to this common view, Daoists through the ages have developed various forms of community and proposed numerous sets of behavioral guidelines and texts on ethical considerations. Beyond the ancient philosophers, who are well-known for the moral dimension of their teachings, religious Daoist rules cover both ethics, i.e., the personal values of the individual, and morality, i.e., the communal norms and social values of the organisation. They range from basic moral rules against lolling, stealing, lying, and sexual misconduct through suggestions for altruistic thinking and models of social interaction to behavioral details on how to bow, eat, and wash, as well as to the unfolding of universal ethics that teach people to think like the Dao itself.
About eighty texts in the Daoist canon and its supplements describe such guidelines and present the ethical and communal principles of the Daoist religion. They document just to what degree Daoist realization is based on how one lives one's life in interaction with the community-family, religious group, monastery, state, and cosmos. Ethics and morality, as well as the creation of community, emerge as central in the Daoist religion.
Uvia Kohn, Cosmos and Community
Taoist ethics are concerned less with doing good acts than becoming a good person who lives in harmony with all things and people.
Taoist ethics are inseparable from Taoist spirituality - both contain the same ideas.
If a Taoist wants to live well they should take all their decisions in the context of the Tao, trying to see what will fit best with the natural order of things.
Taoists thus always do what is required by events and their context, but they only do what is required, no more. But what is required may be a lot less than modern Westerners drink:
From the perspective of classical Taoism, Western humanism makes the mistake of assuming that the ability to intervene in life's events translates into a moral duty to do so.
The constant and unmistakable teaching of the Tao Te Ching is that humans are indeed capable of mtervening in life's events, but the evidence of life, which humans constantly ignore, is that such intervention is destructive to all involved, and that we therefore have a moral duty to refrain from taking such actions.
Russell Kirkland, Responsible non-action in a natural world
So, in theory at least, Taoists tend not to initiate action - but wait for events to make action necessary - and avoid letting
their own desires and compulsions push them into doing things.
Practice
In practice Taoism recommends the same sorts of moral behaviour to its followers as other religions. It disapproves of
killings stealing, lying and promiscuity, and promotes altruistic, helpful and kindly behaviour. Taoists believe such good
behaviour is an essential part not only of self-improvement but of improving the world as a whole.
Cultivate the Tao within oneself; and one's virtue will be perfected.
Cultivate it within the household, and one's virtue will be abundant.
Cultivate it within the neighbourhood, and one's virtue will be enduring.
Cultivate it within the nation, and one's virtue will be overflowing.
Cultivate it within the entire world, and one's virtue will be universal. Tao Te Ching 54
Islam
There is no doubt that through the prophet Muhammad the Arabs were raised to the level of an ethical high religion, grounded in belief in the one God and in a basic ethic of humanity, with clear imperatives for more humanity and more justice. From its origins onwards, Islam was a religion not so much of the law as of an ethic. And there is also something like the Ten Commandments, the basis of a common ethic of humanity.
Muslims see Muhammad as the seal of the prophets, the messenger of Cod who brought God's final revelation to humankind. However, Muslims attach the greatest importance to the fact that the Prophet Muhammad does not stand at the centre of Islam, as Jesus Christ stands at the centre of Christianity.
For Muslims, the Word of God did not become a man but a book. And it is the Qur'an, the original version of which lies with God himself, that forms the centre of Islam.
So Islam is a religion of the book par excellence. The Qur'an completes the Torah of the Jews and the Gospel of the Christians. For Muslims it is unsurpassable, perfect, absolutely reliable. So it is also solemnly recited and above all learnt by heart by the experts.
Yet Muslim theologians, too, have discussed the question whether as the word of God the Qur'an is not also a human word, the word of the Prophet Muhammad
'Muhammad'
Qayrawan
1833
Believers recite the Qur'an
The QUR'AN
In the Name of God, Most Merciful,
Most Compassionate, Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds,
the All-merciful, the All-compassionate.
Master of the Day of Reckoning. Thee alone do we worship; and to Thee
alone do we turn for help. Guide us in the straight path, the path
of those whom Thou hast blessed, not of those against whom Thou art
wrathful,
not of those who have incurred Thy wrath.
(Qur'an. Surah I)
The Muslim code of duties
In the Name of Cod, the Merciful,
the Compassionate, Set not up with God another god, or you
will sit condemned and forsaken. Thy Lord has decreed you shall not serve
any but Him, and be good to parents. And give the kinsman his right, and the
needy, and the traveller. And slay not your children for fear of poverty. Nor take life, which God has made sacred. And approach not fornication. And do not touch the property of the
orphan. And be true to every promise. And give full measure when you measure,
and weigh with the straight balance. And do not pursue that of which you have
no knowledge. And walk not the earth with insolence. (Qur'an. Surch 1722-38)
And if they incline to peace, you should also incline to it and place /our trust in God.
(Qur'an, Surah 8.61)
And avoid the abomination of idols, and avoid the speaking of falsehood.
(Quran, Surah 22.50)
Do you see him who calls the Reckoning a lie?
He is the one who casts the orphan away,
who fails to urge the feeding of one in need.
So woe to those that prey and are heedless of their prayers, to those who make display and refuse chanty.
(Qur'an. Surah 107.1-7)
\ Gamaladdin a!-Afqhani Muhammad Abduh
Muhammad Iqbal
Let there be no compulsion in religion.
(Qur'an. Surah 2.256)
Let there be one community (of believers), calling to good, and bidding to honour, and forbidding dishonour; those are the prosperers. (Qur'an, Sumh 5.104)
0 believers, be you securers of justice, witnesses for God. Let not detestation for a people move you to deviate from justice.
(Qur'an, Surah 5.8)
Islam means submission to the will of God. It is the message of the Prophet Muhammad, which was gradually revealed to him in the seven:h century by an angel and was later written down ir the Qur'an by Muhammad's :ompanions and followers.
The five pillars of Islam are:
J) belief in God and Muhammad as
his messenger,
* dairy ntual prayer,
» ob'igatory contribution for tie poor,
I Ramadan, the annual month of fasting.
> to go on pilgrimage to Mecca f possible
□nee in a lifetime.
There are around 1.2 billion Muslims;
the most important movemen-s are the Si.nni
and the Shi'ites.
Most Muslims today live in South-East Asia and India, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle Last and Turkey.
The Ka'ba, Mecca
Daily ntual prayer
ISLAM
1. What springs to mind when you hear the word 'Islam?
2. What is the difference between Islam and other world religions?
3. Why do you think Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world?
4. What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
5. Why do the two main branches of Islam, Sunni and Shi'a, often fight each other?
6. What do you know about Islamic holidays such as Ramadan and the Eid celebrations?
7. What is Jihad and why do people (mis)interpret it?
8. How are Muslim countries different to non-Muslim countries?
Five Pillars of Islam
Shahadah: declaration of faith Salah: five daily prayers Zakah: giving charity
Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan Hajj: pilgrimage to Makkah
"Islam" means "Peace through the submission to God". "Muslim" means "anyone or anything that submits itself to the will of God". "Allah" is an Arabic word that means "God". Muslims also believe that "Allah" is the personal name of God.
Allah is not the God of Muslims only. He is the God of all people and all creation. Just because people refer to God using different terms does not mean that they are different gods. Spanish people refer to God as "Dios" and French people refer to God as "Dieu", yet they are all the same God. Interestingly, most Arab Jews and Arab Christians refer to God as "Allah". And the word Allah in Arabic appears on the walls of many Arab churches.
The Islamic concept of God is that He is loving, merciful, and compassionate. But Islam also teaches that He is just and swift in punishment. Nevertheless, Allah once said to Prophet Muhammad, "My mercy prevails over my wrath." Islam teaches a balance between fear and hope, protecting one from both complacency and despair.
The Holy Qur'an was not authored by Muhammad. It was authored by God, revealed to Muhammad, and written into physical form by his companions. The Holy Qur'an has no flaws or contradictions. The original Arabic scriptures have never been changed or tampered with.
Muslims do not believe in the concept of "vicarious atonement" but rather believe in the law of personal responsibility. Islam teaches that each person is responsible for his or her own actions. On the Day of Judgment Muslims believe that every person will be resurrected and will have to answer to God for their every word, thought, and deed. Consequentiy, a practicing Muslim is always striving to be righteous.
Terrorism, unjustified violence and the killing of innocent people are absolutely forbidden in Islam. Islam is a way of life that is meant to bring peace to a society, whether its people are Muslim or not. The extreme actions of those who claim to be Muslim may be, among other things, a result of their ignorance or uncontrolled anger. Tyrant rulers and those who commit acts of terrorism in the name of Islam are simply not following Islam. These people are individuals with their own views and political agendas. Fanatical Muslims are no more representative of the true Islamic teachings than Timothy McVeigh or David Koresh are of Christianity. Extremism and fanaticism is a problem that is common to all religious groups. Anyone who thinks that all Muslims are terrorists should remember that the famous boxer Muhammad Ali, perhaps the most celebrated person of our era, is a practicing Muslim. The word "jihad" does not mean "holy war". Instead, it means the inner struggle that one endures in trying to submit their will to the will of God. Some Muslims may say they are going for "jihad" when fighting in a war to defend themselves or their fellow Muslims, but they only say this because they are conceding that it will be a tremendous struggle. But there are many other forms of jihad which are more relevant to the everyday life of a Muslim such as the struggles against laziness, arrogance, stinginess, or the struggle against a tyrant ruler or against the temptation of Satan, or against one's own ego, etc.
Women are not oppressed in Islam. Any Muslim man that oppresses a woman is not following Islam. Among the many teachings of Prophet Muhammad that protected the rights and dignity of women is his saying, "...the best among you are those who treat their wives well." (Tirmidhi) Islam grants women numerous rights in the home and in society. Among them are the right to earn money, to financial support, to an education, to an inheritance, to being treated kindly, to vote, to a dowry, to keep their maiden name, to worship in a mosque, etc., etc. Muslim women wear the head-covering (hijab) in fulfillment of God's decree to dress modestly. From a practical standpoint, it serves to identify one as attempting to follow God in daily life and, therefore, protects women from unwanted advances from men. This type of modest dress has been worn by righteous women throughout history. Prominent examples are traditional Catholic Nuns, Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.