What is religion? As much as I think about the word ‘religion’, it brings different
memories in my mind. As a young child, I have visited different religious institutions
with my family. I also remember our visits to church, mosque, gurdwara and temples
in my junior school trips. One thing clearly highlighted in all such trips was that God
is one and people may believe in any of its form.
My parents also told me that religion is a way of believing in God and getting
connected with God. Hence, whether its a bhajan in a temple or namaz in a mosque,
ardaas in a gurdwara or prayers in a church — all are just different mediums in
different religions of getting connected with the one god almighty. Mahatma Gandhi
emphasized this view as he said , “Religions were, at bottom, one, though they
differed in detail and outward form even like the leaves on a tree”. Hence, religion is
a pure and honest institution that values humanity and love.
However, the way I see the potrayal of religion in my surrounding world now, I
feel worried and tense. Somehow I feel that the definitions of religion I was taught as
a young child was completely incorrect with reference to present times. If religion is a
way of connecting with God , then how come religious identity of one community
becomes a threat for others. If all religions teach love and compassion, then why
specific religious communities are treated with hatred and negativity. If religion
means opening our hearts with humanity then why school gates are shut for some
children because of their religious identities.
It is important that we understand that religion never talks about division. Religion
only means love, respect and humanity . I believe it is the time for us to become
religious in true sense. It is the time that we understand and recall Gandhiji’s
favourite bhajan , “Ishwar allah tero naam, sabko sanmati de bhagwan” .