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• GS 4 || Ethics || Ethics and Human Interface || Human Values

Why in the news?

Hijab controversy in Karnataka

What is religion?

Religion is the very foundation of human life, as it is more than just a set of beliefs; it is also a way of life, as followers of a particular religion engage in a specific type of livelihood. With this moral obligation to follow certain rules, religion crosses the line into the realm of law, where a person is compelled to follow or not break the rules set by the state (i.e. any country). As a result, it is clear that law and religion are intertwined, because prior to the concept of state or democracy, people were obligated to observe religious duties and could claim religious rights.

Types of religion in the society:

• Hinduism: It is one of the most seasoned religions of the world. The real cause of Hinduism is not exactly certain. Records have demonstrated that Hindu religion was in presence since “Indus Valley progress”.
• Christianity: It was established by Jesus Christ. “Bible” is considered as the heavenly content of Christians. Christians don’t have faith in icon love. The spot of love for Christians is called church. Christians put stock in offering supplications and helping poor people and incapacitated.
• Islam: It was established by Prophet Mohammed. It has confidence in a solitary God Allah. Islam does not have faith in icon adore. It has confidence in disconnection of ladies. The spots of love of Muslims are known as Mosques. “Mecca” is thought to be the heavenly place for Muslims. Each Muslim needs to watch five times petition a day known as “Kalma”. Each Muslim needs to watch fasting amid the month of “Ramajan”.
• Sikhism: It was upheld by Guru Nanak. The heavenly epic of Sikhism is “Guru Granth Sahib”. The spot of love of Sikhs is known as “Gurudwaras”.
• Jainism: Early Hinduism’s ideas and doctrines were also opposed by Jainism, which began as a countermovement. In modern India, lay Jains generally adhere to the ethical concept of ‘ahimsa’ (‘non-harm’ or ‘non-violence’). As a result, Jains are proponents of vegetarianism and animal rights. Samayika, a meditation ritual intended to develop one’s spiritual discipline, is another widespread practise among the Jain laity society. Samayika is frequently performed in a religious context, such as a temple, in front of a monk, or at one’s own house. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are home to the majority of Jains.
• Buddhism:

Role of religion:

• Thematic elements: Religions share several thematic elements that unite them, such as the concepts of god and love, honesty, compassion, miracles, and peacekeeping. Every religion, however, has components and philosophies that distinguish it from the others.
• Ideological differences: These ideological differences may not be overt or obvious, but they exist and contribute to a great deal of disharmony and friction at times.
• Illogical and twisted interpretations: This is primarily due to some followers’ illogical and twisted interpretations of religious teachings, which contradict fundamental truths. Furthermore, the coexistence of various religions within a single community or nation is a relatively new development.
• Belief of religion: Religious sacrifices and wars are not uncommon, with notable examples include the Crusades, Sati System, Buddhist Burma, Jihadists, and the Witch Hunt, which claimed thousands of lives.
• Extremist believers: Even more perplexing is religion’s dual purpose of instilling compassion and goodwill toward all while simultaneously instigating religious hatred, bloodshed, and religious martyrdoms, particularly among extremist believers.

Impact of religion on Indian society:

• Solidarity: People who identify with a particular religion are almost indistinguishable from the religious gathering.
• Moral traits: Religion aids in the promotion of moral qualities, such as parental care, children’s safety, assisting the poor and disabled, and genuineness, to name a few.
• Social control: Religion functions as a potent social control tool. Religion helps people to direct their behavior by instilling specific moral values in them.
• Legal premise: Religious traditions and customs pick up the power of law through time. For example, according to profound quality, the husband’s bounden task is to support his wife and children. When in question, measures for awarding upkeep are made under Hindu Marriage Act and Sec 125 CRPC with the end goal of maintaining this standard.

Case study:

Situation:

There has been a religious class in the city, you have been informed that two different religious community has indulge in a communal riot due to some rumors spread that someone has  passed derogatory comment on the culture belief of minority community. A huge clash has taken place from small argument and it turned out in violence and riot. There are some political goons are also involved in the instigating the riot as per sources. You are appointed as district collector of the district how you would handle the situation without making situation more intense.