Religion

By Sanaa Shaikh

“Morality is doing what is right, no matter what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, no matter what is right.” — H.L Mencken

Religion — The word ignites so many feelings in us. For some it’s an inexplicable devotion, and for others it looks like cold and impenetrable indifference. But between two extremes, there exists a world of humans that neither despise, nor align themselves with what society calls ‘religion’.

What is religion, you may ask. I don’t know the textbook definition, nor do I intend to. Religion, to me, is that avenue which helps like-minded people connect to “God”, or whatever superior being they place their beliefs in. I truly believe that the purpose of religion is to unite all those that share similar ideologies, thoughts and aspirations.

But it is only human to err; and attesting to that fact, we humans have erred in understanding the truth behind religion. What was created as a medium of connecting and instilling positivity among humans, has now been twisted into a system of practices that are largely driven by misplaced sensitivity and intolerance. The very purpose of religion has taken a back seat, and all that is left is propaganda, hatred and apathy.

Was religion created by God? Does God want us to eat a certain way, look a certain way or believe in certain things? I do not know. But what I do know, is that as a race, we probably are not doing too good a job at being humans. We are definitely not the kind-hearted creatures that God created us to be. Humans can be so amazingly capable of love, empathy and compassion. Be that as it may, it appears to me that we are all stuck in a race to prove superiority, forgetting our true duty to ourselves and others.

It’s time we all look within ourselves and contemplate the true reason we think and exist as we do. We shouldn’t let faith numb our reasoning. Our actions should reflect dignity and integrity, not because we shall go to hell if we don’t behave within the confines of morality, but because we deserve it, as well as others do. Remember, if being treated respectfully is our birthright, then treating others respectfully is our duty from birth too. Religion was not created to divide, but to unite us still; and it does not matter if a person prays five times a day, diligently donates to charities or follows all rituals. The bottom line is, if they aren’t a good human being from within, it’s all for naught.

By Sanaa Shaikh