Religion And World Peace

The major world religions are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. There are other important religions also such as Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism in the world that have limited following. The world religions are distinctly divided into Eastern and Western religions. The Eastern religions have basically sprung from Hinduism that is the most ancient world religion. Therefore, these other Eastern religions have been greatly influenced by the Hindu philosophy. Many scholars are of the opinion that the some of the Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism although claiming to be independent religions are only specialized branches of Hinduism and granting separate religious status is debatable. Christianity, Judaism and Islam form Semitic religions. Followers of these religions claim origin from Abraham.

The world today is completely engulfed in religious controversies and many wars including Crusades have already been fought over the religions spilling out lot of blood. Untold atrocities have been committed by the conquerors from a faith on vanquished races belonging another faith after every military invasion. Temples, scriptures, idols, images, paintings and valuable monuments of architecture and heritage were destroyed in the wanton acts. Spain also suffered severely during Muslim occupation in 8 th century (1) and Churches were destroyed by the invading Muslims. Christians rebuilt the Churches after destroying Mosques, once they drove out Muslims.

Eastern religions particularly Hinduism and Buddhism have infact greatly suffered during medieval periods in Islamic invasions and till to day, such edifices stand as mute spectators as a testimony for such mindless religious intolerance, bigotry and gruesome acts and consequent destruction. As a matter of fact, whole of India has suffered very greatly in such Muslim invasions and rule that lasted for 600 years. The nation has gone through greatest cultural shock and religious persecution. Architectural marvels at which the foreigners are awe struck with eyes wide open stand defaced and mutilated at scores of places in India, erstwhile Gandhara, now Afghanistan, due to Islamic vandalism by misguided elements in medieval times. Hampi and Vijaynagar, the capital city of Vijaynagar Kings who dominated South India from 13 to 17 Th century stands completely destroyed and defaced by the composite Muslim armies of Deccan in South India after the battle of Tallikota fought in 1565.

The ferocious Battle was fought between the forces of Aliya RamaRaya, the defacto king of Vijayanagar Empire and the composite army of Golconda, Bijapur, Ahmednagar and Bidar Sultanates called Deccani Sultans. Rama Raya was betrayed by his Muslim Generals in the Army who defected to the enemy at a crucial moment and Rama Raya was captured and was put to death immediately by Hussein Nizam Shah, the Ahmednagar Sultan (Ruler) who harbored personal grudge against him. It was a Jihad against Hindus by the Muslim rulers of Deccan in India who were archrivals to the Hindu Vijaynagar kings who arrested Islamization of South India for nearly 350 years. Magnificent architectural masterpieces lay ruined and most valuable books and libraries burnt after the city was pillaged, looted, ransacked, burnt, destroyed, mutilated and defaced for five long months after the victory by the Muslim troops. The religious hatred of the victorious Muslim Deccan Sultans towards Hinduism is fully evident at the city that forms a world heritage site to day. No other example is required to be cited for the anti Hindu tirade and religious intolerance by the Muslim rulers in India during medieval period (2). Yet, Hinduism has survived even after determined on-slaught on it’s philosophy, culture and heritage by the invaders.

In spite of the pep talk and false secular concepts and practice, India stands vivisected today and is targeted by the Muslim fundamentalists right from the day of gaining independence in 1947. . The biggest tragedy of the last century for India was partition of India in 1947 based on religious bigotry and Hindu hatred on the part of Muslims. Pakistan, an Islamic State was carved out from greater India at the cost of many lives and untold suffering. Another tragedy was the unleashing of armed Razakars (Armed Volunteer Force) by Mir Osman Ali Khan Asif Jah, Nizam 7, and the former Princely ruler of Hyderabad on Hindu population of his State in 1948. The ruler was against the merger of his State with free India and desired to stay independent. These criminals wearing uniform, duly abetted by the government officials, Police and State Army committed very grave crimes such as lootings, mass rapes of Hindu women on streets, destruction of Hindu temples and idols, dacoity, burning of villages and trains, abduction of women and murder of Hindu men, women and children in the most gruesome way. The inhuman acts came to a halt only after the belated military intervention (Police action) by Indian Army in Sept 1948. The Razakars who boasted at pitch of the voice were wiped out and the State was merged with Indian Union after the King (Nizam) surrendered. However, the Indian Government pardoned the King graciously. He was made the Governor (Rajpramukh) of the State of Hyderabad after merger with Indian Union. The weak-kneed newly formed Indian Government buckled under the pressure of pseudo secularism and Gandhian philosophy of tolerance and miserably failed to bring him to justice for the atrocities committed on Hindu population that he surely abetted and overlooked and got away Scot-free. Although Field Marshal (Self styled) Kasim Razvi, the Commander of Razakar bands was jailed for few years along with some of his coterie such as Deen Yar Jung, Director General of State police forces, it is firmly believed that the culprits did not get the dose of punishments that they deserved. Laik Ali, the former Prime Minister of Nizam’s Hyderabad State and the important culprit was allowed to escape to Pakistan that was a failure on the part of the Union Government of India (3), which failed to nab him.

It will not be out of place to mention about the fate of last Mughal Emperor after the Sepoy Mutiny in India in 1857. The Sepoy Mutiny that is fondly titled ‘First War of independence’ in Indian History books broke out in 1857 against the East India Company and was supressed by the Company’s forces. After Delhi Garrison fell, the Princes Mirza Mughal, Mirza Khizr Sultan and Mirza Abu Bakr, sons of Bahadur Shah II, the last nominal Mughal Emperor were summarily shot dead at Delhi Gate by Major William Hodson, a notorious cavalry officer of East India Company. The aged Emperor was captured and put on trial at Red Fort for waging war against the Company and was deported for life to Burma where he died in captivity and still lay buried there. The Company was ruthless in crushing the violence and offenders were severely dealt with (4). However Nizam 7, the ruler of former Hyderabad State, abettor of grave crimes on Hindu population was pardoned and enjoyed as the Governor with all the powers, perks, status, honor, pomp and show and comforts of life. It is a tragedy that the persons who were responsible for mayhem, murder, mass rapes and atrocities on Hindu population were literally allowed to go Scot-free after Police action in Hyderabad State by the Union Government of India.

Today, Hyderabad city is a proven den for Pakistani agents, their ISI activists and their agents, criminals, murderers, fundamentalists, thugs, terrorists, cheats, goons, arsonists, Indian Talibans in making and other anti- social and anti- national elements. It is a strong center for all communal flare- ups. The false secular practices have let down the nation and people. The country is still suffering due to the nefarious activities of a section of Muslims who preferred to stay in India, and their descendents and Islamic Wahaabi terrorism has been directed towards India from within and across the Western and Eastern borders. Bangladesh that was once East Pakistan was liberated in 1971 by sacrificing Indian blood and this nation ungratefully chose to go Islamic and pointed it’s guns towards India and is indulging in anti Indian terrorist activities. The State of Kashmir has been engulfed in terrorist activities since two decades. Islamic militants within India and across the borders have targeted various temples and holy places and even Parliament and Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly to destabilize and create terror in India. Recently they exploded bombs in Jama Maszid and market in Delhi and also blew up local trains in Mumbai causing many deaths.

The practice of false secularism has sent wrong signals to a section of Muslims in India and unity of the nation is seriously threatened. Outfits such as Student Islamic Movement of India(SIMI) and Dargah- e- Shadhat and Deendar Anjuman give frequent calls for complete Islamisation of India and claim that they would attain Muslim rule in India and would not rest till they achieve their aim. It is believed that Indian brand Talibans are being turned out from the Madrasas in the country( 5) under the very nose of Pseudo secularists.

Hatred against the State of Israel is the living example today for religious intolerance by Muslim nations and entire Arab nations have been waging Jihad against this small and brave country and are determined to erase it out of existence and many wars have been already fought on this account and the tiny State of Israel bravely has survived the onslaught successfully. Although various political reasons such as Palestine issue are cited for the conflict, there is no doubt that religious intolerance against Jews forms the basis for the conflict, amply proved by the participation of Middle East Muslim nations either openly or underhand in these wars (Jihad) against Jewish State of Israel (6). The row over the possession of Holy lands of Jerusalem is raging from the time immemorial after the death of Abraham. Efforts are on the rise again at the call of Al Qaeda group to re- occupy Spain by Islamic militant forces. Although Muslims occupied Spain, Christians drove them out in medieval period.

Terrorism has become order of the day. USA and UK have been targeted as the main representatives of Christianity and their business interests, military and the terrorists causing great losses have attacked administrative setups. The most important terrorist attack on USA was 9/11, 2001 attack on World Trade Center in New York that sent a wave of indignation among the citizens of USA. Bitterness is on the rise and the terrorist actions and retaliation by Western Powers has resulted in destruction of power of Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq and the fall of fundamentalist Taliban regime in Afghanistan at the hands of forces of UK and US. It is generally opined that Talibans in Afghanistan, Iraq under Saddam Hussein, North Korea and Iran formed an anti western evil axis in the world today. The threat by Al Qaeda terrorist group is on the rise and Bangladesh has also become haven for such groups apart from Pakistan in the Indian sub continent. Although all Muslims are not terrorists, terrorists have proved invariably to be Muslims motivated by Wahaabi cult by and large. Thus, they are tarnishing the image of their religion. Yet, the Muslim nations are not raising their voice in protest against Islamic Wahaabi terrorism and are remaining non-committal with ‘cat on the wall’ attitude or else, they would become targets of the violence.

The biggest tragedy awaits the non-Muslim world with possession of nuclear devices by the terrorist groups that is not yet the reality. Mohammed Ahmadinejad, President of Iran has already made it very clear that they would use their Nuclear weapon on Israel, once they acquire it for which they are making feverish efforts. He has already proclaimed that Israel has to be wiped out from the face of earth and this can be seen as a very irresponsible statement from a Head of a State. All efforts are being made by such groups to lay their hands on nuclear devices how crude they may be. Pakistan being an Islamic State with nuclear weapons is no doubt a potential threat to world peace and western interests. The Nuclear Bombs with Pakistan could turn into Islamic Bombs at any time. Pakistan, which produced innumerable Talibans for Afghanistan in their Madrasas, itself is in the danger of getting Talibanised soon. There is a very great sympathy for Afghan Talibans in Pakistan that was very clearly evident during US-Afghan war. The world will be then facing real lunatics with stones in their hands (7).

Although scientific age has dawned on the world, religious intolerance is the order of the day and world peace is greatly disturbed by Wahaabi type Islamic terrorism directed against non Islamic nations On theological front, In spite of rational proofs, the beliefs in many aspects of all religions remain unaltered. Rational proofs only remain valued for scientific issues and religions cannot be subjected to the preview of scientific examination and proofs. All the religions of the world have developed sects, sub sects and sub- sub sects and continuously squabble over various theological issues claiming superiority of their religion and denouncing the other one and these futile arguments lead nowhere.

In certain cases such as in Sunni and Shia conflicts, violence has become order of the day. Iraq, Iran and Pakistan are centers for such frequent infighting over such issue. Saudi Arabia that practices Wahaabi Sunni Islam supported ouster of Saddam Hussein of Iraq who belonged to ‘Bath’ Party that is hated by Saudis. In Indian cities also, such squabbles over Shia and Sunni conflicts arise where Muslim population is sizeable. In Pakistan, these conflicts are severe often resulting in deaths due to attacks on congregations at mosques during worship.

Catholics and Protestants have been bitterly arguing and are at each other’s throat since long over the jurisdiction of the Pope and worship of Mother Mary. They are divided into innumerable sub sects. Issue of homosexuality has become a matter of discussion in recent times in Western world although all religions including Christianity out rightly condemn it as a great sin. Judaism did not come to terms with Christianity and Jesus Christ was the first victim of religious intolerance. The son of the God was crucified with the help of Romans. Buddhism also has developed many sub sects and developed innumerable regional practices and cults. Although Buddhism preaches total non-violence, Buddhist nations were involved in great bloodshed and violence and still continue to do so. In Sri Lanka, Lankan Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are fighting bloody war since many years. History of Japan and its involvement in various wars with China and World War II is well known to all. Hinduism did not lag on these issues. The followers of Vaishnavism and Shivaism bitterly fought during medieval period over the superiority of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and lot of blood was shed during 11 and 12 th centuries on this account. Many battles were fought in South India over the issue and dynasties collapsed due to inter sectarian rivalries. Buddhism has greatly suffered during the rise of Lingayat or Veerashaiva sect in South India in the 12 th century. Buddhism literally disappeared from the land of origin. Various Buddhist and Jain shrines and facilities were destroyed during the period of Hindu religious sectarian intolerance (8). In the latest incident of 21-century religious intolerance, Talibans ruling Afghanistan damaged Bamiyan Buddhas that were carved 1600 years ago on Bamiyan Mountains, which formed world heritage. In Jammu and Kashmir State of India, terrorists have driven away the Pundits (Brahmins) from the Kashmir valley and destroyed scores of temples. Thus, we find that religious intolerance is still the order of the day and is a great past time worldwide. It crops up at some place or other in the world, thereby disturbing the world peace causing untold sufferings to the people in spite of dawning of scientific age.

There is no religion higher than truth. Service of man is the truth and ultimate expression of religion and culture. As per Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India and eminent philosopher statesman, “The test of religion is not belief, but deed…Bead necklaces, rosaries, triple paint on fore head or putting ashes on body, bath in holy rivers, do not purify a man as service to fellow creatures does”. “Guru Nanak the founder of Sikhism said, “The highest religion is to rise to universal brotherhood and to consider all creatures to be your equal”. Swami Vivekananda, the greatest Philosopher Saint of India of last century said “ A religion which does not wipe the tears of a widow and put a loaf of bread in the mouth of an orphan is no religion”. He also said “As long as single person lives in poverty and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor”. God is not merely a Monday prayer in a temple, a Sunday discourse in a church or Friday Namaz in a mosque, but a human activity on earth –action in tune with devotion and truth. God is not confined to holy books or at some places. He dwells in each man. Life is short. The calendar has changed. The millennium has gone. The clock is ticking continuously. The expected dooms day or the Day of Judgment is drawing closer and closer. Yet, it is unfortunate that the people all around the globes are ignorant of what a true religion is (9).

We thus find that inspite of living in scientific age, people of all religions have not grown over narrow beliefs of religion and certain fundamentalist Wahaabi Terrorist groups have unleashed terrorist actions on the world nations. It is most necessary that the ugly head of terrorism is stamped out of existence by the civilized world at the earliest, or else, a major disaster awaits the world, threatening the existence of mankind. Acquisition of nuclear devices by these terrorist outfits is the greatest danger to the world. Wahaabi Terrorism from notorious terrorist outfits such as Al Quaeda, Hizbollah, Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), Lashkar E Toiba(LET), Hamas, Al Fatah and Sikh Terrorist outfit, Babbar Khalsa international(BKI), to name a few, are posing great challenge to the world community today. Noble tenets of religion, including Islam have in no way helped to restore world peace. Infact, the tenets of Holy Quran are misquoted and misinterpreted to unleash a terror in the form of suicide squads by the terrorist gangs. The Islamic Quranic Suras that state that those who die fighting for the cause of Allah and religion directly go to paradise are greatly inspiring to the Muslim youth who are ready to become gun fodder for the guns of Terrorists (10). Thus, the very concept of any religion for human liberation by truthful living has become a question mark and thus religion as a guideline for true human conduct has become literally redundant.

Bibliography

1.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_muslimoccupation_of_the_iberian_peninsula

2.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/vijayanagara

3.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/police_action

4.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/indian_rebellion_of_1857

5.THH Chaudhry, “Co- existence of Islam with other faiths and cultures”, New Swatantra Times, Vol XVII.No 4, April 2006, Road no 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, AP, India, PP 27

6.Sam Harris, “End of faith”, WW Norton and Company Ltd. Castle House, Wells street, London

7.Ephraimkom, “Strategic assessment” ,Vol 7, No 3, Dec 2004, Jaffee Center for Strategic studies, Tel Aviv University, Israel

8.Etukuri Balaram,”A Brief History of Andhras (Andhrula Samkshipta Charitra, In Telugu)”, Visalandhra Publications, Hyderabad, AP, India

9.I V Chalapati Rao, “The Art of living”. Drushya Publications, Chandragiri colony, Secunderabad, AP, India, PP 52-53

10.Robert Spencer, “Islam unveiled”, Encounter Books, San Francisco, CA, USA

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