All religions teach love, kindness, and self-control, aiming for humanity's betterment. Sadly, today's world is filled with conflicts fueled by hatred among different faiths. Building a peaceful society demands understanding between these diverse beliefs. To achieve this, people of different faiths must engage in continuous dialogue and strive to appreciate one another's perspectives. This requires fostering moral and heartfelt religious thoughts.
Every religion highlights essential virtues and morals crucial for uniting mankind. However, imposing these values forcefully isn't the solution. Instead, genuine, kind, and loving conversations hold the power to deeply touch hearts and nurture these values among people.
Peace and religion go hand in hand—they need each other to thrive. When we genuinely want what's best for everyone, peace becomes possible. But sometimes, followers of different faiths have not lived up to their religious teachings, causing conflicts. It's time to make things right by using knowledge, talking things out, and showing that love, empathy, and honesty are stronger than hate and selfishness. If we focus on these positive values, we can correct past mistakes and build a more peaceful world together.
Different faiths trying to co-exist
There was a time when different religions didn't get along because they believed in different things. But things have changed a lot. Travel has gotten easier, making the world feel smaller. Now, even though religions have their own histories and beliefs, they should work together for world peace. If people of different faiths don't come together, those who don't believe in religion or who are against it might become more powerful. That could make society's morals even weaker. It's really important to keep our society's moral values strong, no matter what.
Many people around the world follow a religious path, making up a large majority. Unfortunately, we, the religious community, find ourselves in a state of confusion, division, and silence. This silent majority has unintentionally allowed harmful forces like terrorism, fanaticism, racism, poverty, and war to persist unchallenged. Our divided stance, timidity, and prolonged silence have come at a cost – the suffering of millions who needed our support and advocacy.
Now is the time for religious individuals to unite. Instead of being divided by differing religious convictions, we should collaborate to promote peace for all of humanity. It is crucial that we move beyond our past misunderstandings and work together to address the pressing issues that affect people globally. By joining forces, we can make a positive impact on the well-being of our fellow human beings.
Islam propagating reconciliation between different faiths
Islam encourages harmony and understanding among people of different faiths. One distinctive aspect of Islam is that to be a Muslim, it's essential to respect individuals of other faiths, believe in all prophets, and acknowledge all revealed texts. The Qur'an emphasizes that God has provided guidance to all people throughout history, leaving no community without divine direction. The Qur'an specifically mentions several Old Testament prophets and holds Jesus, along with other prophets, in high esteem. Muslims globally deeply honor and respect Jesus and other revered figures from various religious traditions
It is stated in the Qur'an : "Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ismael, and Isaac, and Jacob and the tribes, and that which the Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any one of them, and unto Him we have surrendered."
If someone denies or disbelieves in any of the prophets, it means they deny them all. On the other hand, if someone affirms or believes in one prophet, they should believe in all of them. It's said that not believing in any prophet makes someone a non-believer, even if they believe in prophets from India, China, Persia, Egypt, Africa, Europe, or anywhere else in the world. Muslims aren't able to confirm if someone not mentioned in the Qur'an was a prophet or not. Additionally, Muslims are not allowed to speak against the revered individuals of other faiths.
Sikhism goes one step further in its attitude towards other religions and in its world view
Sikhism is a religion that values respect and harmony among different beliefs. Its foundation lies in understanding and honoring all faiths. Since its beginning, Sikh leaders have emphasized the importance of respecting and engaging with other religions. Being a Sikh means honoring and accepting all world religions while safeguarding their practices. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, teaches followers to see every being as a reflection of the divine. Embracing all beliefs and fostering tolerance and understanding between faiths are key lessons from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Throughout Sikh history, a strong dedication to core values and the protection of everyone's right to worship freely has stood out. The Sikh Gurus noticed a lack of genuine love among people, emphasizing spiritual practices and the belief in one supreme God. They aimed to revitalize religious practices, highlighting that places of worship were the same for people of all faiths, fostering unity among diverse beliefs. This commitment to equality and spiritual growth has remained a consistent theme in the Sikh tradition.
That is why Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and the last Guru, states: "The temple and the mosque are the same, the Hindu worship and the Muslim prayer are the same, all men are the same; it is through erroneous judgment they appear different ... All men have the same eyes, the same ears, the same body, the same build, a compound of earth, air, fire and water ... let no man, even by mistake, suppose there is a difference."
The Sikh Gurus combined teachings from Hindu and Islamic beliefs, creating a unified philosophy for the betterment of everyone. Guru Nanak, the first Guru, befriended people from both Hindu and Muslim communities and advocated for equality. He saw everyone as part of his own family, standing against unfairness wherever it occurred. Following his example, the subsequent Gurus were open-minded and inclusive, rejecting narrow views and caste divisions. Their mission was to rejuvenate humanity, fostering a world where all could thrive.
The Guru Granth Sahib is a unique sacred text in the world's religious history. It is designed to bring together different religions and groups in India, connecting them spiritually and emotionally. Guru Nanak envisioned this scripture, with his successor Gurus endorsing and actively gathering material for the majority of the Granth, shaping it into a sacred Sikh compilation.
Guru Arjan gathered the materials and significantly contributed to the Granth through his own Bani. He completed editing this sacred text in 1604 C.E. Guru Gobind Singh incorporated Guru Teg Bahadar's hymns, declaring the Adi Granth the eternal Guru in 1708 C.E.,ending the practice of having a personal guru after that.
Guru Arjan embraced diversity and equality in a remarkable way. Besides the teachings of Sikh Gurus, he included the works of around thirty individuals from different backgrounds – diverse in caste, religion, and profession. These included Jaidev from Bengal, Surdas from Awadh, Namadev, Pipa, Sain, Kabir, Ravidas, and Bhikhan from Uttar Pradesh, Dhannu from Rajasthan, and Farid from Multan. This shows how he valued and honored perspectives from various beliefs and regions, reflecting a spirit of inclusivity and universality in his collection.
Kabir worked as a weaver, Sadhna was a butcher, Namdev stitched clothes, Dhana farmed, Sain was a barber, Ravidas repaired shoes, and Farid was a Muslim Sufi. It's worth noting that Guru Gobind Singh invited fifty-two poets to his court. Their task was to translate ancient Indian texts, aiming to unite the people of the subcontinent through their shared literature and culture. This is a fantastic example of inclusivity! It demonstrates equality and a commendable effort for interfaith understanding. I extend my salute to everyone involved in making this happen.
Sikhism advocates four kinds of unity
Sikhism teaches that there is one God and that all people, religions, and classes are connected. This idea of unity is at the heart of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, believed strongly in peace and bringing people together. He dreamed of a world where all religions could coexist peacefully. His teachings about God's oneness and the unity among people were very progressive for his time.
One remarkable thing about Sikhism is how it respects other religions and their leaders. Guru Nanak, for instance, showed immense love and respect for Prophet Muhammad, as mentioned in a verse found in the Janam Sakhi of Bhai Bala:
dita nur muhammadi, ditha nabi rasool
Nanak qudrat dekh ke, khudi ghei sab bhool.
"I have seen the light of Muhammad (with my mind's eye). I have seen the prophet and the messenger of God, in other words, I have understood his message or imbibed his spirit. After contemplating the glory of God, my ego was completely eliminated."
Bacchittar Naatak by Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Guru Gobind Singh, in his Bacchittar Naatak ("The Wonderful Drama"), expressed that Prophet Muhammad was a special messenger from the divine and a remarkable figure in religion and faith.
Another example of Sikh leaders' open-mindedness is Guru Arjan's deep respect for Mian Mir, a renowned Muslim Sufi. Guru Arjan even asked Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone of the Darbar Sahib, known as the Golden Temple. This act shows how broad-minded and inclusive the Sikh Gurus were.
Muslim scholars held deep admiration for the Sikh Gurus. One such example is Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya sect of Islam. In his work called Sat Bachan, he praised Guru Nanak as someone who possessed divine knowledge and understood profound mysteries. Similarly, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, a renowned philosopher and poet in this region, honored Guru Nanak in his writings. He described Guru Nanak as a remarkable human being who awakened India from a sleepy state to a realization of God through his profound teachings.
Guru Nanak's guidance wasn't limited to Sikhs alone; he offered advice to Muslims and Christians too. He urged them to internalize the teachings of the Qur'an and the Bible within their hearts. His counsel emphasized controlling one's senses, overcoming negative desires, and reinstating faith, generosity, and contentment to find acceptance.
Guru Nanak strongly disagrees with people who criticize the sacred texts of different religions. He tells his followers not to call the Vedas, the Bible, or the Qur'an untrue. He believes that those who don't try to understand these texts are the ones who are mistaken. Guru Arjan shares a similar sentiment:
"Neither am I Hindu nor Musalman
This body and spirit is of Allah-Rama"
He also asserts:
"Says Nanak! The Guru removeth delusion, Only Allah is Parbrahma."
This shows he deeply respected God, who is known by different names like Allah, Ram, and Parbraham. In other words, he cherished both religious traditions equally.
The guiding principle of the Guru Granth Sahib is that every Sikh bestows equal reverence upon the Sikh Gurus as they do upon the other 30 contributing writers of this sacred text.Sikhs show reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib by bowing to it and reciting the writings of all the authors with the same devotion and respect. It's important to note that in places like the Darbar Sahib and other gurudwaras, the hymns of these saints, Gurus, and Sufis of India are sung.
Followers of the Guru Granth Sahib honor both Muslim and Hindu saints, alongside their Gurus. They hold their writings in high regard, treating them with equal faith and devotion. This inclusivity isn't commonly seen in other religions around the world.
Guru Nanak advocated strongly for a fair society where everyone is seen as equals. To break down caste divisions and the social hierarchy tied to the caste system, he established two practices: Sangat and Pangat. Sangat is a gathering where everyone comes together for spiritual contemplation and prayer. Pangat, on the other hand, is a communal kitchen where people of all castes and beliefs eat together, disregarding social distinctions.
The distinction between poor and rich is forgotten, because all share the same food at the same place. This was, indeed, a revolution against the inegalitarian society.
A remarkable revolution happened without any violence! It's all thanks to Sangat and Pangat, which not only encourage fairness but also build bridges between different faiths. Take, for instance, the gurdwara at Dhaka University in Bangladesh. Even though there aren't any Sikh citizens in Bangladesh, every Friday, hundreds of people from diverse religious backgrounds gather there for Sangat and Pangat. This beautiful gathering fosters understanding among different religions. Similar scenes unfold in Europe and America, where gurdwaras serve as hubs for Sangat and Pangat, elevating the Sikh community's reputation and nurturing harmony among various religions.
Spreading compassion among communities
Guru Nanak believed in one God, saying that all souls come from the same source. This means we're all connected. The idea of one God leads to seeing everyone as part of the same human family. The Gurus, including Nanak, saw humanity as a whole. They didn't believe in dividing people based on things like skin color, language, or where they lived. They thought it was wrong to think one group was better than another because of these differences.
Guru Nanak especially focused on finding the common things in all religions of his time. He noticed that these religions often clashed. So, he came up with a new way of thinking. He wanted a scripture that would bring people together and encourage respect for different beliefs and ideas.
Guru Nanak offered guidance on how people of different beliefs can live together peacefully. He didn't believe in dividing people based on religion or caste. Some experts even think he was seen as an exemplary Muslim among Muslims and a role model Hindu among Hindus. He believed that everyone is connected under one God and should treat each other like family. He didn't just talk about this idea; he lived it. Sikhism values universality. It doesn't belong to a specific group or place. Guru Nanak saw the entire Earth as sacred, calling it "mother earth." That's why he didn't believe in any special or holy land.
Essence of Sikhism today
Sikhism is a universal religion because it cares about things that matter to everyone - like how we live together, make decisions, celebrate our cultures, and support ourselves. Guru Gobind Singh, a key figure in Sikhism, believed that God isn't limited to one belief, place, or time. God isn't just for one group of people - God belongs to everyone. This idea makes Sikhism a religion for everyone, not just for a specific group.
In our diverse world today, the teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, can be really important. Sikhism doesn't just respect other beliefs; it sees value in them and connects everyday life with the idea of something greater. The Guru Granth Sahib aims to bring together people from different beliefs. It teaches that religion isn't meant to split people apart but to bring them together, like a needle stitching fabric, not scissors cutting it.
In today's world we must feel that we are all members of one great family of beings, having different forms of working. We must remember that we are all marching towards the spiritual realizations of truth and love.
Some in ignorance say, ‘My religion is the only one, my religion is the best'.
When someone understands things better, their heart sees beyond fights between different religious groups. They realize that there's a higher, unseen happiness that knows everything and lasts forever. Think of religions like spokes on a wheel, with God at the center. So, all people who believe in different things should come together toward that center and find peace.
“Guru Granth Sahib, I am quite confident, can be a guiding force to the world in this regard.”, said Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam who is Professor and Chairman of the Department of World Religions and Culture at the Dhaka University in Bangladesh.
*Based on an article by Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam, published in Sikhchic.com on December 15, 2010