Is religion the cause of unrest?

In fact, increasingly, people living in developed nations now view religion as the root cause of the conflict and disorder that we see in the world. Today the world has become a global village and the presences of different religions, cultures and races are seen across the globe. Some critics of religion express their easiness and are comfortable with the presence of diverse cultures and races, but, when it comes to religion it is labelled for creating division between people. Some criticize and blame religion for being narrow minded, decayed, outdated, and that it resists integration and inclusion. The religion is also seen as the grave threat to the world peace. Some think that religion has done a little good but the loss and damage done by religion is huge and massive. Thus they argue that religion in today’s enlightened era serves no purpose.

I think all such arguments are not based on justice and fairness. In fact, religion is the path that takes human beings to their ultimate destination – reformation, success, satisfaction and peace. It is also a fact that human beings learnt basic morals, values and virtues through religion.

Religion does not cause division, it instead promotes unity and brotherhood. Religion does not kill; it only warns and admonishes people that they must establish peace and security. Its every injunction is laced with sentiments of love and compassion for all mankind. The Quran has informed us that every Prophet brought the same message, which is that cruelty, injustice, oppression and persecution should be eliminated. The Prophets admonished people to instead adopt love and sympathy for one another, or otherwise face God’s punishment. God says in the Quran that He is slow to punish people and is not hasty in unfurling His wrath. Even when punishment is mete out, it is for the purpose of bringing about reformation.

Was religion the cause of either of the two world wars that took place in the 20th Century? Or were those abhorrent wars based upon a desire for power, conquering lands, geo-political gains and greed?

The number of people who suffered, were injured and died in these two world wars is extremely horrific. Over 60 million people died in World War II alone. Moreover, in Hiroshima and Nagasaki the sufferings and effects of war are being felt to this very day, even after seven long decades.

I think it is a grave injustice to blame religion for the disorder in the land. I believe that the cause of prevailing unrest is because people have abandoned faith and are moving away from