The Concept of Coexistence in Hinduism

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam Translated from Urdu by Misbahul Hoda, New Age Islam March 10, 2025 It is true that, no religion in the world teaches its followers extremism, hatred and agitation. Religions always teach unity, love and compassion in society. This is what is evident when we study religions' history. Crystal clear teachings of religions and their ethics, will shine only when, we study religions beyond our preconception and prejudices, and get out of our intellectual and ideological barrier. Today, a general tendency is found regarding religions, that the teachings of religions are full of stereotypes. That religious people are narrow minded. This is a mere assumption. And this assumption got roots in our society, because we did not convey the teachings of religions to the people and to the world in their purest form, rather we interpreted them according to our own mindsets and interests. This led to the prevailing misconceptions regarding religions. To avoid this, it is necessary to convey the teachings of religions in the most appropriate manner. In the same way, in the contemporary world where means of communication are increasing day by day, and the whole world has become a global village, the society which is known for pluralism and diversity, has created many problems due to ignorance about religion, and due to unfamiliarity with other's culture, tradition and ethical values. Not knowing about religions leads to social chaos and division. This trend proves to be very harmful in society. Therefore, for the promotion of mutual relations and social unity and integrity, it is very important to create awareness, about the teachings of religions and about their ethical values and spirit. The sad thing is that even today, there are elements in our society who, not only consider studies of religions unnecessary, but also consider these efforts as harmful to the society. And also, this tendency is very surprising that, in our neighbourhood people of different ideas and people of different religions live, and we know nothing about their religious rituals, or do not even try to understand their philosophy or psychology. In today's world, history is made only by those people who move forward with the light of knowledge and research, and take basic steps to create unity in the society, who try to understand each other. The consequences of not knowing others' cultures are always damaging. In this context, it is also evident that an educated Indian is forced by circumstances to study diverse cultures and traditions, but he knows nothing about the culture and tradition of his own countrymen, living in his neighborhood. It is necessary to end this trend of dangerous ignorance. Here it seems necessary to clarify that, in the Muslim society, efforts have not been made as much as it was needed, to understand religions, in a pluralistic society like India. There are very few people, who have preserved social diversity and integrity by working on this topic. They probably do not understand that this is an interesting and serious subject too. Even in our Hindu society, positive and constructive efforts have not been made to understand Islam. As such there is a deep gulf from both sides. Therefore, our fellow countrymen and Hindu intellectuals also need to study and understand Islamic culture, society and it's teachings objectively. Only then, we can reach a right and positive conclusion. The study on religions also requires, that people of all religions in India, study each other's religions and understand each other's religious thoughts, only then, all the misunderstandings and doubts, that have been deliberately spread among us, can be resolved. It is true, that when we try to understand contrasting ideologies and other civilizations, we will find many things, that are in conflict with our own ideas and thoughts, but we will have to be tolerant to them. Then the result will definitely turn out to be positive in the society. So, if anything is most useful for social harmony at this time is, it is only the study of one another’s' religions. Thanks to this knowledge, a person gets out of the confined circle of his own thoughts, and enjoys a universal worldview. Along with the moral upliftment, it works for the betterment of the majority society too. Teachings of Islam invite us to study of the universe through contemplation and reflection. The discussion and study of religions paves the way for peace and prosperity in society. In the light of the study of religions, we also need to see what impact this study makes on society, and how a religion solves human problems. Imagine a country that is known for its wonderful heritage of cultures, religions, languages ​​and colours, not only that, but the traces of its past is proud and the study of its history and civilization is interesting and mesmerising. Today, a wave of hatred and alienation has emerged in this land. Therefore, it is our responsibility to come forward, and wave off this poisonous tendency from the Indian society, which is a threat to the integrity of the country and it's social cohesion. To put to end this growing hatred, and to save Indian society from its terrible effects, we must get to know each other's civilization, culture and religion. We must coexist peacefully. It's important to mention here, that Hindu religion is completely different from what is being presented as Hindu religion. Ancient Hindu Spiritual And Cultural Heritage Ancient Hindu spiritual and cultural heritage, encompasses a unique system of values and education, that acts as a guiding light for mankind. The traces of values, ethics and human compassion are found in the Vedic scriptures. An element of mutual peace, compassion and harmony is found in the teachings of Hindu Dharma. When we study the holy scriptures and Shastras of Hindu Dharma, we find that there are clear instructions of tolerance, unity and living peacefully together. Likewise, it is appropriate to say, that Sanatan Dharma leads to such a natural way of life that is universal. Sanatan Dharma Leads To A Natural Way Of Life That Is Universal The basic teaching of Sanatan Dharma, found in the scriptures of Hindu Dharma, can be briefly summarized as the following: doing good to other human beings is the greatest virtue and harming them is the greatest sin. Treat everyone with love, compassion and respect, and never do anything to anyone, that we would not want to be done to ourselves. Hindu Dharma stands for this. The religious literature and scriptures of Hindu Dharma teach, that we should not only treat our fellow human beings, with dignity and respect, but also show our utmost compassion, kindness and respect to all other living beings, such as animals, birds, plants and to the entire natural environment. Even a small leaf and grass has a divine consciousness, so we have to constantly try to maintain harmony and peaceful coexistence with nature. These are some of the unique features of Sanatana Dharma, which emphasizes harmony and mutual understanding among all. Sanatana Vedic Dharma also talks about "Vasudeva kutumbakam" meaning the whole universe is one family. We consider every individual as God's creation, and God is Almighty. God's might is prevailing everywhere and at all times. As a result, we do not discriminate with anyone on the basis of background, religion, caste or race. We believe not only in tolerance, but in unconditional inclusion and acceptance of everyone. Even this fact cannot be ignored that all religions have the same basic goal. All religions lead us to the one divine being. Therefore, it is important to pave the way for inter-religious harmony and peaceful co-existence with each other, at the national and global level. In the journey of human history, civilization and culture, mutual understanding and respect has been a key factor in every era. A civilized society and its structural formation, is a living example of consensus and intellectual unity and cooperation. However, having disagreements, conflicts and emergence of social discord do not only exist in it, but also provide ground for negative thoughts and actions. This is where the test of individuals, organizations, movements, institutions, leaders of the country, and thinkers of the era, regarding their commitment to the human consciousness and common cultural values, begins. ----- Urdu Article: The Concept of Coexistence in Hinduism ہندو دھرم میں بقائے باہم کا تصور URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/concept-coexistence-hinduism/d/134826 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism