World Religions and Religious Tolerance

Tolerance towards others is a very important trait for any religion if world peace is to be maintained. All Eastern religions have been tolerant in this aspect. Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism are the pioneers in this aspect. The scriptures of Christianity and Islam have also taught universal love, compassion and brotherhood. However, the aspect of God became the point of focus and conflict. Islam has claimed that there is no God but Allah and refused to accept any God as equivalent to Allah and did not accept Lord Jesus as the son of God. it has dubbed Bible as a scripture tampered by the subsequent writers. It maintains that it’s scripture is a complete divine revelation and is ultimate and applicable irrespective of ages. Christianity has claimed Trinity as the ultimate. Those who do not accept the teachings of Holy Quran and accept Allah as the only God are dubbed as Kafirs and they were persecuted in the countries where Islam was dominant. It is also a fact that Jews were persecuted in Christian countries too and the clash between Christianity and Judaism over centuries is very well known. In fact Lord Jesus was a victim of religious intolerance on the part of Jews. The Christian Saints were greatly persecuted by the Jews. However over the centuries, Christianity has spread widely while Judaism dwindled and Jews lost their home land too and were dispersed around globe in various countries. Persecution of Jews during World War II is well known and has remained to be the greatest human tragedy in the history of mankind. Entire civilized world has to hang it’s head in shame for the atrocities on Jews during World War II. Millions of Jews were put to death in concentration camps by Adolph Hitler, the Fuehrer of Germany and at last Jews could be settled in their home land at Jerusalem not before Arabs were defeated lock stock and barrel by the tiny Israeli nation in the Palestine war of 1948. However Islam claims that Jews were more comfortable in Muslim States than in Christian States (1) although opposite is true. Any one who is not a Muslim is dubbed as a Kafir.

Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism have denounced idol worship in no uncertain terms. The aspect of idol worship and the misconception by Islam regarding Hindu philosophy with respect to idol worship and its absolute views has resulted in untold miseries to the people of India during the Islamic invasions and subsequent rule in India for 600 years since 13 th Century. Muslim invaders made it a point to destroy and deface Hindu and Buddhist temples in India during all their invasions and after victories. Thousands of Hindu Temples and Buddhist shrines and monasteries were demolished and idols destroyed. Valuable monuments of exceptional beauty, sculpture and heritage have been disfigured and forcible conversions have been carried out at the point of sword under Islamic rule during the invasions (2). Mosques were built over the same sites after demolishing the temples. Scores of women were abducted and raped in the Muslim invasions in India. Children and men were killed in large numbers. The bitterness still rages in India over the issue of Babri Mosque built by General Mir Baqi of Mughal Emperror Baber in 1527 after demolishing the temple of Lord Rama at Ayodhya. Court battles are being fought since 1948. The bitterness finally resulted in demolition of the dilapidated mosque called structure on 06 December 1992 by a fanatic mob during the rule of Late PV Narsimha Rao who was the Prime Minister of India. The controversy is still raging (3). Majlis Ittehad- Ul- Muslimeen (MIM), which is Hyderabad, based political party dominated by a particular family in India observes the day as a black day every year and tensions build up. The day has become a rallying point for all the Muslims in India for expressing solidarity in their own way. But they turn a Nelsons eye to thousands of Hindu temples destroyed by their forefathers in India. India suffered devastating cultural shock for 600 years and the religious intolerance has ultimately resulted in bifurcation of greater India into Pakistan and India in 1947. Yet, India opted to be a secular nation with sizeable Muslim population that originally voted for Muslim league under Mohammed Ali Jinnah that was spearheading the agitation for creation of Islamic Pakistan, based fundamentally on religious hatred, bigotry towards Hindus. Sizeable numbers of the remaining Muslims in India have not still identified themselves with India and some of them contribute to it’s instability by their nefarious terrorist and anti- national activities. By and large, they identify themselves more with Arab world, Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh on various issues. The religious intolerance by a section of Muslims towards Hindus is still the vexed problem in India and it is being directed towards secession of Jammu and Kashmir State on the basis of religion apart from engineering communal riots and disturbances. Interestingly enough, the appeasement of Muslims by vote catching foul tricks by the State and Central Governments has resulted in a situation where the Indian Muslims have come to believe that they have a special status and they are above law of the land. Partition of India and subsequent policies of the Central Governments has resulted in bitterness in the Hindu society and the rise of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Maha Sabha, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and former Jana Sangh are atributable to this factor. Assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Father of nation) on 30 January 1948 at the hands of Nathuram Vinayak Godse of Hindu Maha Sabha (A nationalistic organization) at New Delhi was the outcome of bitterness of partition and Gandhi’s Muslim appeasement politics. Partition of India in 1947 was due to religious intolerance on the part of Muslims who feared that in majority Hindu India, they would loose their identity. However hanging of Nathuram Vinayak Godse and Narayan Apte (Accomplice) in no way reduced the religious intolerance in India and has contributed to more bitterness between the sections. It is widely opined that Muslims by and large can not reconcile and adjust in non Muslim societies particularly in Hindu societies (4) (5). Wahhaabi philosophy does not accept governance by non- Muslims in any country. One of the main slogans of Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) (Banned) is the overthrow of Hindu rule to be replaced by Muslim rule. They believe that India no more belongs to Hindus and has to be a Muslim nation. Hyderabad based outfits such as Deendar Anjuman and Dargah E Shahdat (Banned) propagate similar sentiments of religious intolerance. Thus religious intolerance by many Islamic groups and outfits is fully established which is the main reason for the conflicts and human suffering.

Prophet Mohammed (Peace be on him) proclaimed that all those who were practicing other faiths who lived in the Islamic State would be protected. Some token tax would be levied from them for protecting their interests. However in Pakistan and Bangladesh that are Islamic States, opposite is true. Hindus are severely persecuted in these States and they have literally disappeared in Pakistan. Scores of Hindu temples have been damaged in these countries. In Bangladesh, Hindus have been severely persecuted after the demolition of Babri Mosque and bold and enlightened writers such as Taslima Nasreen who highlighted such atrocities were forced to flee the country by persecuting them (6).The religious intolerance has been amply demonstrated few years ago by Talibans (Before they were crushed by US and allied forces) in Afghanistan who decided to damage the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas (Of world Heritage) in their country while they were ruling. Although Englishmen ruled India for nearly 200 years as supreme authority, Hindu monuments, temples and architecture were protected and society was peaceful. Archaeological Society of India was established by the Englishmen in India during East India Company rule. Inspite of missionary work that was going on, there were no compulsions. Although there were incidents of destroying of few places of worship by Portuguese men in South India during middle ages, these were isolated incidents and Christianity has been found tolerant in this aspect in India. There have been also some allegations that certain atrocities have been committed against Christians in India in recent times. The incident of Burning to death of the Australian Baptist missionary Graham Stains with his children in a van in Orissa State was the result of passions developed due to the alleged missionary conversions in the State (7). Similar situation exists in North Eastern States of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram where Christianity has increased due to the missionary work. These conversions are being resisted by the Hindu groups (8). These are only isolated incidents and on the whole Christians are safe in India. But there is trouble in North Eastern States in India owing to the Christian missionary work and rising passions due to it.

Sikhs are integral part of India and Sikhism was found in 16 th century amidst great violence by Muslim invaders Baber in 1527. Subsequently, ten distinguished Sikh Gurus guided destiny of the new found faith that preached universal brotherhood, peace, love and compassion and dynamic living. But Sikh Gurus were politically alert. Soon they were drawn into various controversies and the Mughal Emperors such as Jehangir and Aurangzeb persecuted Sikhs and the Gurus. Guru Arjundev (1563-1606) and Guru Teg Bahadur (1621-1675) were put to death by the Mughal emperors in frivolous charges. Muslim rulers were highly intolerant to Sikhs. As a result Sikhs were made into Khalsa (Pure) by the last Guru Gobind Singh during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1699. Sikhs fought tooth and nail with Mughal Empire and caused it’s downfall soon. Sikhs displayed great patriotism towards India throughout the Indian history and as a community greatly flourished. However in free India soon some vested interests and disgruntled elements in Sikhs demanded Khalistan, a separate land for them. Political mishandling by the Government too had it’s adverse effects. The demand finally grew into armed conflict between police and militants and this was put down by the Indian Army by storming the fortified Golden Temple complex on 5 June 1984.As a consequence, Indira Gandhi, the Prime minister was assassinated by her Sikh body guards on 31 October 1984 at her residence. Anti Sikh riots took place in New Delhi and other places on the day of her cremation and thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed by the mobs. There is a strong allegation that the leaders of the ruling political party organized these riots. Although many enquiries have been conducted, the culprits got Scot free and this has caused great heart burn to the Sikhs. Militancy died soon after few years under strict handling by KPS Gill, the Director General of Punjab Police. Except few, majority of Sikhs are loyal to India and have no religious hatred. As a matter of fact there is no religious hatred in Sikhs and India thus has no problem. Sikhs have settled in various parts of the world and have merged in to the societies and are leading happy lives and contributing to welfare of those countries. However, some Kahalistani propagators have settled in Canada, UK and USA and try to keep the demand alive by nefarious activities. These are of no consequence and Sikhs are patriotic, devoid of any religious hatred towards any one. This is the only faith that emerged from Hinduism that fought to protect Hindus against Muslim oppression throughout its history (9).

In Europe, Spain was over run by Muslims in 8 Th Century. Muslim armies under Tariq entered from Morocco (Africa) and occupied the country. Churches were demolished and Mosques were constructed. However Islam was over thrown by Franks under Charl Martel in 732 and in following years. Thus, spreading of Islam into Europe was arrested. The Mosques were again converted into Churches and Christianity was restored. (10) Thus, it is observed that Muslims as a rule demolished and converted the places of worship of vanquished lands and other religions whenever their military ventures were successful. This is analogous to happenings in Indian History. Re conversion of Mosques into Churches by Christians once they gained control in Spain was only the reversion of the acts done and a consequential action. However as time passed from 8 Th century to 16 Th and 18 Th century, the religious tolerance in Christianity increased and we do not find acts of religious intolerance in India by Christian English East India Company whenever they won battles and during their subsequent rule. There were no incidents of destruction of temples or mosques in India when Englishmen won battles and vanquished their opponents. But the opposite was completely true when Muslim armies were victorious. They destroyed and desecrated temples and idols and dishonored women. Hindus are equally safe in Christian lands such as Western countries.

Disagreements between Islam and Christianity however resulted in wars of Crusades in middle ages and these were fought for many years. Muslims ruled at Holy land of Jerusalem since 638, but Christians were allowed to visit the holy land on pilgrimage. However when Seljuk Turks took over, Christians were stopped entry into Jerusalem. Therefore Pope Urban (1088-1099) Urged Emperror Alexus of Constantinople to wage a Holy war against the Muslims to liberate the land. Thus, first Crusade was launched by the Christian world against the Muslims in 1095. Seven crusades were launched from 1095 to 1291. These crusades finally resulted in rise of bitterness and religious hatred among Muslims and Christians (11).

Formation of independent Jewish State of Israel on the Holy land of Jerusalem after World War II has not been accepted by the Muslim world and all Middle East nations are hell bent on destroying this tiny State by all means and already many wars have been fought over the issue and yet Israel has survived the onslaught. The issue of Palestine State has propped up terrorism to newer heights in the world and this is being termed a Jihad by Muslims against their enemy. The global politics have drawn USA into various conflicts as a member of United Nations and today United States of America and it’s close ally United Kingdom are considered as the devils and real enemies to Islam by the misguided Islamic terrorist groups who are on a wrong path (12). In the most tragic incident of this century, Islamic terrorists of Al Qaeda group propelled by Osama Bin Laden in their mindless act attacked the sky scrapers of World Trade Center in New York city 0n 9/11, 2001 causing severe damage to the infrastructure and many valuable lives have been lost in the tragedy. These terrorist groups are only bringing discredit to the holy teachings of Islam that shuns all violence and killing of innocent people in the name of Jihad (13) and they cut their own feet and retarded the growth of Muslim nations. This is the effect of religious intolerance by a section of Muslims who have become more dominant.

Subsequently, in the act of retaliation against Al Qaeda, the terrorist group, Afghanistan was attacked and the regime of Talibans was demolished. Iraq, another Islamic power in the Middle East was soon overpowered in recent war by USA and UK in an attempt to safeguard the world from the deadly destructive arsenal of Iraq. However, the Muslim world considers these offences as Crusades against Islam giving religious color which is not true. Most of the Muslim nations blame USA for their sufferings and denounces American hegemony and interference in their affairs. The fact is that USA is the only nation where people from various countries are welcomed and given equal opportunities to prove, establish and earn and grow in the country. No other country in the world gives these provisions. There are scores of Mosques, Hindu temples and Gurudwara (Sikh Shrines) in the country. No other country in the world is so lenient towards other religions. But some have religious intolerance and bite the hand that feeds them. Even mongrels do not do such unfaithful acts of biting the hands that feed them. One finds scores of Indians, Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and Japanese, Africans apart from people from Muslim world in USA working in various jobs. USA is the most tolerant of all countries and does not discriminate on religion, color, caste or creed. The opportunities are open and equal to every one. But this is the most hated country for the Muslim world based on religious hatred. A real tragedy indeed! (14). On the other front, Muslim countries do not offer similar freedom and opportunities to people of other faiths working in their countries. They put all sorts of restrictions on others and are spied upon.

The 9/11, 2001 Attack on America and bombings of Subways in United Kingdom and Madrid by the Islamic terrorist groups in recent times reveals the bitterness of Islamic militants against the Christian world. Unfortunate part is that Muslim leaders of the world States are not condemning these activities in full throat as acts that are against the tenets of Islam. It is claimed by Muslim leaders that Islam stands for peace. But in practice terrorists are found to be Muslims although all Muslims are not terrorists (15). Thus, it can be established that the Muslim terrorists have hijacked the initiative from the Muslim world States and are bringing discredit to the noble tenets of Islam by their nefarious terrorist activities of religious intolerance against Christian world and others. Silence on part of the Muslim states of the world sends wrong signals to the world community on their real intentions and as approval of these nefarious activities.

Thus, religious tolerance by the world religions is the primary factor for achieving world peace. As long as the followers of any religion do not emerge out of darkness of ignorance, fundamentalism and mutual hatred would grow (16) (17). Wherever scriptures are given absolute authority over the subjects, no reasoning would be permitted and people would greatly suffer and dictatorship of the religious heads would emerge. This may even lead to disintegration of such civilizations as a result of various wars between warring groups where Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) could be used. World today is precariously perching on this state now.

Bibliography.

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

2. Dr K Prabhakar Rao, Pseudo Secularism and derailed India ( Kuhanaa Secularism and Gaadi tappina Bhaaratadesam in Telugu), Visaalaandhra Publications, Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad, AP, India , 2005

3. Babri Mosque, wikipedia, www.answers.com/topic/babri_mosque, dated 13 October 2006, at 0903 pm

4. 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

5. Statement of Nathuram Vinayak Godse at his trial as cited in the Ph D thesis of Dr K Prabhakar Rao, Strategic studies into Muslim fundamentalism, its rise in India and growing threat to India’s security across the borders, TIU, 1301, South Noland Road, Independence, USA, 2003

6 .Tasleema Nasreen, Lajja (Shame) LGF, ISBN 2253139246, 1996

7. Barry Bearak, Folk Hero myth developed Indian fugitive in slayings, New York Times, Feb 2, 2000 as cited at newyorktimes.com on 13 October 2006 at 0831 pm.

8. Forced conversions, Supreme Court steps in, Christian fundamentalism fuels hatred, war, www.christianaggression.org dated 13 October 2006, 0842 pm

9. Dr K Prabhakar Rao, Critical studies into philosophies of Hinduism, Islam , Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism with respect to human values, self realization, welfare of human beings and global peace, Ph D Thesis , Almeda University, USA, 2006, PP 246-284

10. www. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Spain,dated 13 October at 0 854 pm

11. www.historyofjihad.org/reconquista.stm

12. Dr K Prabhakar Rao, Iran and Nuclear threat, www.faithcommons.org dated 13 Oct, 2006 at 0720 pm

13. gbgm_ume.org/UMW/bible/crusades.stm

14. Dr K Prabhakar Rao, It is time for USA to fights it’s enemies within it’s main land. www.faithcommons.org dated 13 Oct, 2006 at 0719 pm

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

16. Bill, Truth is two edged sword, www. faithcommons.org, 13 Oct, 2006 14:42

17. Reido, Heart of darkness, www. faithcommons.org, 13 Oct, 2006, 9:51

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