All you have to do is remind them in a polite way about the nature of the gods they worship. Tell them that the problem they see or the objection they have against Islam is really only about one of the branches of Islam. The main trunk is the idea of God. So discussions about religion need to begin with the main trunk. First, we should discuss whether or not God exists. If we agree that God exists we must ask who is He, whether he is one or many, and whether he has wives and sons.

Once they agree to this reasonable framework for discussion, proceed to state your belief in the one

unseen creator of the heavens and the earth. Then ask the Hindu to tell you about his gods. If he is not fully aware you can help him to understand a few facts about his gods. Then the choice of God should become clear. Once you understand what Hindus believe about their gods you will see that the only reasonable choice for a rational Hindu is to accept Allah alone.

Here are a few quick facts about the Hindu gods. They believe that there are three principal gods: Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Brahma creates; Shiva destroys; and Vishnu preserves. One makes, another breaks, and another keeps.

Each of these three have consorts. Brahma's wife is Saraswati. Shiva's wife is Parbatti. And Vishnu's wife is Lakshmi. As is already obvious, these gods are described as having very human characteristics. How can one of these or the three together create, govern and preserve the universe?

These gods also have human limitations and needs. For example, Shiva is known for his attachment to his wife. The religious books of the Hindus describe how Shiva was once busy with his wife when a saint came to see him. He did not pay proper respect to the saint, since he was occupied with his wife. The saint therefore put a curse on him with the result that today Shiva is worshipped in a representation as a male phallic symbol, called the lingam. His wife Parbatti is likewise worshipped in the representation of a female sexual part, called the yoni. Hindus look for stones that resemble these shapes and set them up for worship. They also deliberately carve such shapes to bow down before them. In some temples of Shiva you will find in the courtyard the two shapes together, one inserted in the other. Just open up this subject with any Hindu who objects to anything in Islam. Remember to be polite. Your aim is never to offend anyone. You simply need to deflect the objection by reminding the Hindu about his own religion. Being polite even works better.