First, peace and blessings to all regardless of their gender, race, religion or culture.

I wanted to ask...
What's the difference between the purpose of life and the afterlife between Islam and Taoism? (are there any similarities between the two religions on this point?)

 ask, Islam and Taoism are as far apart as east and west.  I have studied Taoism for many years , thus my sign in name. In Islam you have a God that is personal and has interest in you.  In Taoism the Tao does not hear prayers nor favors any person or thing over another.  Totally passive as far as individuals. I would suggest you read the Tao te Ching by Stephen Mitchell if you have not already.  Then read the Quran . Also Taoism has many schools of thought and a pantheon of Gods. But not all sects.  Get some books by Ding Ming Dao , easy readying very informative.  As far as the after life , in the Tao  their is no heaven or hell.  You basically do not exisit and become whorm food. It is a VERY large topic and i could not possibly answer is on this form .  Read  and learn . Taoist.

Edited by peacemaker - 13 September 2011 at 3:25am

Hello,

   This is a very good and appropriate question involving a topic that few are aware of.  First, Taoism is not a religion per-say, not in the sense that most use when they discuss a religion.  It is best classified as "The Science of Life and Longevity", and Taoist teachers and Sages teach on all things pertaining to Life and Longevity.  Traditionally there are 8 departments that make up Taoism (Herbology, Internal Self Healing Exercise, Nutrition, Management etc... two name a few). 
  Now to clear up some misconceptions, Taoism and Islam are VERY similar, I will list a few:  Both teach the belief in only one God, both clearly lay down a foundation and teachings for morality, justice, behavior, diet, lifestyle, laws etc...  both recognize prophets, sages and teachers from various times/places/cultures etc..., both are more similar than dissimilar. 
  Take for instance a few interesting points that are often mistranslated  Tao Teh Ching: Tao (means God, it is the ancient Chinese word for God, like Allah is Arabic for God), tao (means the Way or path, you use this term when referring to the Way to God or the Path to God), Teh (means highest virtue), Ching (means Classic Holy Text, and only a few books in China have this title).  Now when you put the title together Tao Teh Ching you have a profoundly simple yet powerful title: "The Classic Holy text of God's Virtue".  This clearly now becomes one of the ancient texts referred to in the Quran as being given to man in ancient or earlier times regarding instruction to other non Arab people....
  I do not want to write to much now, but I will say that a careful study of both Islam and Taoism will benefit both Muslims and those who call themselves Taoists...A final note the Sage Lao Tzu (author of Tao Teh Ching) said ....unless one becomes like a child and returns to that state of simplicity, humbling oneself, lowering oneself to Tao and submitting his will to the Will of Heaven then he cannot enter the gate of Heaven.....  If that does not clearly show the same message then I can find more. 

Peace be with you on your journey.
Tom
www.theQiInstitute.com