Hinduism differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. It consists of "thousands of different religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BCE."

This religion is called: Sanatana Dharma, "eternal religion," and
Vaidika Dharma, "religion of the Vedas," and Hinduism -- the most commonly used name. Various origins for the word "Hinduism" have been suggested:

 

It may be derived from an ancient inscription translated as: "The country lying between the Himalayan mountain and Bindu Sarovara is known as Hindusthan by combination of the first letter 'hi' of 'Himalaya' and the last compound letter 'ndu' of the word `Bindu.'

Bindu Sarovara is called the Cape Comorin sea in modern times. It may be derived from the Persian word for Indian. It may be a Persian corruption of the word Sindhu (the river Indus).

With time, the religion of the Namboothiris too, had been influenced by the animistic and ancestor worship of the early Dravidians. The Aryan settlers from the north too formed a religious community by assimilating the forms of worship of the Dravidian inhabitants. With time, the religion of the Namboothiris too, had been influenced by the animistic and ancestor worship of the early Dravidians. The Aryan settlers from the north too formed a religious community by assimilating the forms of worship of the Dravidian inhabitants.

he Hindus thus worshipped the Supreme Being under three forms, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva representing the creative, preservative, and the destructive forces. Rama, Krishna and other divinities are the avataras reflecting the later developments of Pauranic Hinduism.

However there was no sharp demarcation of sects in Kerala, unlike the sects in North India. If any preferential adoration was shown by any person, the reason was that, it was the presiding deity in the village temple or his/her Ishta Devata or Kula Daivam (family deity).

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Islam is the second largest religion of the world whose followers are called Muslims. The largest number of Muslims are in Asia and Africa and particularly in middle east and north Africa. The founder of Islam, Muhammad, was born about 570 A.D. in Mecca. His parents died when he was young and was raised by relatives. When Muhammed was about 40 years old, God began to speak to him. God told him to transmit His message to people of Arabia. In 622 A.D. the people of Mecca, where he was living with his family got so upset with his teachings that Muhammed and his followers had to flee. His escape to the city of Madina is known as HIJRA and this day is considered as the beginning of Islam. Eight years later (630 AD), Muhammed returned to Mecca and took over the city with a large number of his followers without any resistance. Muhammed called God as Allah and declared Mecca a holy city and Kaaba a shrine for Allah. God also dictated a book to Muhammed which was written down later and is known as KORAN. From then on the followers of Islam built a mighty Empire that streched from Spain to India at its peak.

• There is no God but God(Allah), and Muhammed is His prophet.
• Prayer to Allah five times daily
• Charity- helping the poor and providing for upkeep of places of prayer.
• Fasting- never drink alcohol or eat pork and certain other foods; and no
  eating, drinking or smoking during daylight for one month (Ramadan).
• Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a life time.

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Historians says that Muslim history in Kerala go back to 7th century AD when the religion originated in Arabia. The numbers increased in the 9th century. In the 8th century there were many centers for religious conversion in the state. Pallibana Perumal’s (He was one of the prominent king of Cheraman Perumal dynasty who embraced Islam ) pilgrimage to Mecca was a major influence in this regard. It is believed that Malik Ibn Dinar, a disciple of Prophet Mohammed was the first person who propogated Islam in Kerala. The history of Muslims in Kerala is closely intertwined with the history of Muslims in nearby Laccadives islands.

Mappila Rebellion of 1921 was a great chapter of India's freedom struggle. It was the expression of the built up frustration and rage amongst Muslims against British Government and landlords. Variyankode Kunhahammad Haji, Ali Musliar and Veliyankod Umar Khazi were the prominent Muslim leaders who lead this rebellion. The British tried to split the Hindus and Muslims as part of their 'divide and rule' strategy. Many Muslims were hanged or deported. The British were eventually forced to abandon their scheme to deport large numbers of Muslims to Andamans. Relief organizations came to the aid of widows and orphans. One of the orphanages established of this purpose still exists on Maryhill in Calicut. None of the community in Kerala lost wealth and people compared to Muslims of Kerala, especially from Malabar

Social, educational and service organizations evolved around Muslim religious institutions. Ponnani was a major center of higher learning. Students from foreign lands came to study there. There were institutes attached to mosques in Ponnani, Thanoor, Thirurangadi, Parappanangadi, Nadapuram, Kodiyathur, Mahi, Vadakara and Payannur some 700 years ago.

From the end of the 19th century to the first three decades of this century those who led the community include Hamadini Sheik, Vakkam Abdul Kadar Maulavi, and K.M. Seethi Sahib. A number of social and political organizations have formed to enhance English and modern education among Muslims.Vakkam Abdul Kadar Moulavi was a leader who made significant contributions in the social arena from 1873 to 1933. He was the founder of the famous newspaper 'Swadeshabhimani' and two other newspapers.

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