Religion and Politics
What is religion? Religion is the way of living based on spiritual values and human principles that God has conveyed through His prophets.
The first principle of religion is Tawheed—the belief in the oneness of God. It means that in the entire universe, there is only one supreme reality, and that is God. This belief instills humility in a person. It removes pride, which is the root of all evils.
The second principle of religion is equality. It means that all human beings have been created by the same God and are children of the same Adam. This principle removes all feelings of superiority or inferiority—whether based on wealth, status, race, colour, or any other factor. According to this belief, all human beings are brothers (and sisters) and should live together like one family.
The third basic principle of religion is justice. It means that in all social relations and interactions, every person must deal with others with fairness and equality. Just as a scale measures accurately, humans must also act with precision and correctness. Every matter in a person’s life should be just and balanced.
This is the true essence of religion. In this sense, religion can be described as a set of values and standards. It transforms a person’s thinking and character. A religious person lives with humility, submits to truth, considers all people his own, sees no one as a stranger, treats others as he wishes to be treated, and holds himself to the same standard by which he judges others.
In this way, religion distinguishes human life from animal life. Animals know only their own benefit. They are unaware of anything beyond self-interest. But a religious person lives by values and discipline. He does not act on impulse, but follows thoughtful decisions. He does only what is right and refrains from what is wrong.
With this understanding, we can now see what relationship religion has with politics. The kind of politics that exists today has no direct connection with religion. However, indirectly, religion relates to politics just as it relates to all other human activities.
If a person has truly embraced religion in its spirit, then whatever field of life he enters, his religious character accompanies him. His attitude in every matter will reflect religious values. For example, while walking on the road, he will follow traffic rules. In his job, he will fulfill his responsibilities with integrity. If he is a trader, he will conduct his business with honesty. A religious person is guided by his inner conscience to act on principles in every situation. He never adopts a selfish or opportunistic path.
The same applies to politics. A religious person can enter politics—directly or indirectly—but even there, his approach will be shaped by his religious mindset. His politics will be principled, not opportunistic. He will use political opportunities to serve the country and society—not to exploit them. He will not lie to cover up his mistakes. He will openly admit his errors, even if it costs him his political position or power.
Simply taking the name of religion in politics does not prove someone is religious. It is quite possible that a selfish politician is using the name of religion only to deceive the public. He may pretend to practice religious politics while in reality, he runs a selfish agenda.
There is a famous saying: A tree is known by its fruit. In the same way, politics done in the name of religion should be judged by its outcome. If it promotes ethics and humanity, then it is truly the politics of a religious person. But if it spreads hatred and conflict, then it is exploitative politics—it has nothing to do with religion.
If someone says, “religious trade” or “religious doctor,” those words may sound odd. But if we say, “the trade of a religious person” or “the medical practice of a religious person,” the meaning becomes clear. That’s because there is no such thing as “religious trade” on its own. But the trade of a religious person is something real. It means that a person with a religious mindset will carry those values into his business—he won’t cheat customers, he’ll be honest in his dealings. That’s what makes it the trade of a religious person.
Similarly, if a truly religious person becomes a doctor, he won’t see patients merely as a source of income. He will treat them with sincerity, give them the right medicine, and care for them with compassion. Such noble conduct is what makes his practice the work of a religious person.
So, in a practical sense, religion means a religious human being. If such people exist in society, then through their actions, a religious atmosphere will be created. But if truly religious individuals are absent, then no amount of religious slogans or emotional displays in the name of religion can turn a society into a religious one.
“Religious trade,” if it exists, is simply the trade of a religious person. Without such a person, this phrase has no real meaning. Likewise, “religious politics” is nothing more than the politics of a religious person. Without truly religious individuals, real religious politics does not exist.
It is the conduct of religious people that gives politics a religious character. If such individuals are not present, then even centuries of shouting religious slogans cannot create genuine religious politics.
There are two kinds of relationships between religion and politics. One is when politics is used in the service of religion—this is in line with religion and is a mercy for humanity. The other is when religion is used for the sake of politics—this is against religion and is a disaster for humanity.
In Eastern countries, people are especially sensitive about religion. If any issue is raised in the name of religion, they are easily provoked. Because of this, selfish politicians find it easy to highlight their leadership by shouting “religion is in danger!” and spreading chaos. In the light of this fire, the leader’s face becomes visible—but the common people are burned in its flames.
The standard for judging politics is clear: politics based on love is true, while politics based on hatred is false.
Since religion teaches love and goodwill toward all human beings, a truly religious person in politics will base his political work on love and human values. He will bring into politics the spirit of religion—such as selflessness, justice, principle-based action, non-exploitation, and placing responsibility above rights.
On the other hand, if someone uses the name of religion to run politics filled with hatred and violence, then he is not religious. He is using religion for selfish aims. Because religion and hatred, or religion and violence, can never go together.
The phrase “religion and politics” is like the phrase “love and politics.” A heart filled with love—whether on a political stage or elsewhere—cannot promote hatred and hostility. Similarly, a heart filled with the spirit of religion will never speak the language of hatred and violence, whether in politics or any other field.
All India Radio, New Delhi, 17 October 1988.
