What if the divide between religions didn't exist?
, 5 min reading time
, 5 min reading time
Can there be a world which focusses onlly on positives of unity in diversity? Is there a possibility that people forget the religion before they speak to others? Know more here.
What if the divide between religions didn't exist?
Religion has been a cornerstone of human civilization, shaping cultures, laws and personal identities. Yet, it has also been a source of division, conflict and even violence. In a country like India, where multiple faiths like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism coexist, religious differences have often led to tension. But what if these divides did not exist? What if humanity saw beyond religious labels and embraced unity?
Religion is a beautiful thread rather a boundary
Before diving into the “what if”, it is important to acknowledge that religion itself is not the problem. Religion in its purest form offers a path to inner peace, moral values, and community. The divide occurs not because of religion, but because of how humans misuse religion to divide.
India, home to over 1.4 billion people and a cradle of multiple religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and more has seen both the harmony and the heartbreak that religion can bring. So, what if we removed the element that causes division, while retaining the spiritual essence?
If religious divides disappeared, the first and most profound change would be in social harmony. India has witnessed centuries of coexistence but also painful conflicts like Partition in 1947, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, and the 2002 Gujarat riots, to name a few. Without religious divisions, these tragedies might never have occurred.
Communities would no longer be identified by faith but by shared humanity. Interfaith marriages, already rising in urban India, would become commonplace without stigma. Festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Gurpurab would be celebrated universally, not just by their respective communities.
India already celebrates festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Gurpurab with communal participation. Without religious divides, these celebrations could become even more inclusive, strengthening national unity. Imagine temples, mosques, and churches hosting joint events where people exchange traditions without prejudice.
Hinduism’s core teachings like that of Dharma (righteousness), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) align closely with the values of other religions. A religion-blind society would emphasize these universal principles over doctrinal differences, promoting ethical living beyond ritualistic practices.
Further, Hinduism is unique in its acceptance of multiple paths to the divine. The Rig Veda declares, "Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahudha Vadanti"—"Truth is one, the wise call it by many names." This principle acknowledges that different religions are merely different expressions of the same ultimate reality.
The Puranas and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana reinforce this idea. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, "Whatever path men travel is My path", suggesting that all sincere spiritual pursuits lead to the same divine truth.
The story of King Rishabha in the Bhagavata Purana illustrates this beautifully as he teaches his sons that devotion, knowledge, and righteous action are all valid ways to reach God, regardless of outward rituals.
India has seen moments where religious lines blurred harmoniously like the Mughal emperor attempted to create a fusion of Hinduism, Islam, and other faiths, emphasizing shared ethical values.Saints like Saint Kabir, Guru Nanak, and Rumi transcended religious labels, preaching love and unity.
Sant Kabir famously said, "If God is in the mosque, then to whom does the world belong? If Ram is in the idol, then who is outside?" Guru Granth Sahib includes hymns from Hindu and Muslim saints, embodying interfaith harmony.
A world without religious divides
Without religious divisions, conflicts like riots and wars in the name of God would cease to exist. Followers of all faiths could learn from each other’s wisdom, as seen in the exchanges between Hindu yogis and Sufi mystics. Resources spent on religious conflicts could instead address poverty, education, and healthcare.
It might create some serious challenges as well like some may fear that merging beliefs could erase cultural uniqueness. Fundamentalists in every religion might resist unity, clinging to exclusivity. Leaders who use religion for power would oppose such harmony.
Therefore, the idea of a world without religious divisions is not a fantasy, it is embedded in India’s spiritual DNA. Hinduism’s ancient texts and India’s history prove that unity in diversity is possible. If humanity embraced the Vedic truth that all paths lead to the same divine, we could build a world where peace prevails over prejudice.
As it is popularly said, "The whole world is a family" (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). Perhaps the greatest spiritual revolution would be realizing that the divisions between religions are illusions and that the divine resides not in one temple, mosque, or church, but in every heart.
To imagine a world where the religious divide didn’t exist is not to erase religion, it's to remove the ego, fear, and politics surrounding it. India, with its vibrant spiritual traditions, diverse communities, and constitutional values, has the potential to The question is not “What if?” but “Why not?” Because at the end of the day, no matter the name we call the Divine; Ishwar, Allah, God, Waheguru, or Buddha the message remains the same: love, peace, and unity.
This articl is writen by our gem of a writer, content strategist and hardworking thinker, Nikita.
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