Monotheism in Hinduism | The Review of Religions
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Hinduism is often described as a polytheistic religion, wherein many gods are worshipped for various purposes. The focus of worship also varies by region – some Hindus revere Krishna, others Shiva, and others still, the Divine Mother.
In recent years, a growing number of Hindus have begun describing themselves as monotheists – believers in One God. A notable example is former US presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who was questioned by a Christian Republican about Hinduism’s alleged polytheism. When asked why he was part of a monotheistic organisation, Vivek replied, ‘I’m actually a monotheist. I believe there’s One True God. It’s from the Advanta tradition of the Advaita philosophy.’ He then pointed out that even Christianity reconciles multiplicity within unity, saying, ‘Every religion has its reconciling of the one and the many.’[1]
The Advaita Vedanta school of thought, to which Ramaswamy refers, teaches non-dualism – that only Brahman truly exists, and the multiplicity of the world is an illusion (māyā). This differs from monotheism in that it does not posit a single personal God apart from creation, but holds that all apparent distinctions ultimately dissolve in Brahman.[2]
Within Hinduism, two major understandings of Brahman exist: Nirguna Brahman, the formless Absolute beyond space and time; and Saguna Brahman, Brahman with form, comprehended through various deities. To many Hindus, these deities are manifestations of Brahman’s attributes. When Brahman expresses love or compassion, this manifests through Vishnu as Rama or Krishna; when destruction and renewal are required, it is through Shiva.[3]
A passage in the Upanishads captures this idea vividly. When a student asks how there can be 3003 gods, 33 gods, six gods, three gods, one and a half gods, and finally one God, the teacher replies that all gods are simply manifestations of the one indwelling presence.[4]
The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), commented on such philosophies, particularly regarding the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement:
‘As for their concept of the oneness of God, the Arya Samaj believe all souls and particles to be partners with their Parmeshwar by virtue of their self-existence. They also ascribe the creation and continuous existence of these particles and souls to their own inherent ability; and this clearly amounts to associating partners with God.’
As Hazrat Ahmad (as) explained, viewing everything in the universe as divine equates, from an Islamic standpoint, to associating partners with God, the gravest sin in Islam. Islam teaches that God is utterly distinct from His creation – transcendent, uncaused, and without partner.
Yet exploring these philosophical parallels deepens mutual understanding. The human yearning for oneness – whether expressed through monism or monotheism – reflects the same universal search for the Divine.
Hinduism continues to evolve, blending philosophies that are both ancient and modern. Though its conception of God differs fundamentally from Islam’s, interfaith dialogue allows Muslims and Hindus to better understand each other’s view of the One.
ENDNOTES
2. Sangeetha Menon, “Advaita Vedanta,” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/advaita-vedanta/
3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zrf6pbk/revision/2
4. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/polytheism-and-monotheism_b_841905
