I am a Hindu by faith, and my religion is proud of its flexibility and adaptability, which have sustained it for centuries. We believe in the philosophy of “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्,” derived from the ancient Hindu scripture, the Mahopanishad, specifically Chapter 6, Verse 72. The verse states:

अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम् |

उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ||

Translation: “This is mine, that is yours, say the small-minded. The wise believe that the entire world is a family.”

The teachings of other coexisting religions that grew alongside Hinduism inherently presume mutual respect and coexistence. While there has been strife among followers, by and large, we have upheld the beautiful thought of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. There are many common elements in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Buddhism, and Jainism, despite their distinct philosophical and religious contexts. All emphasize ethical conduct, righteous living, and non-violence. There is considerable common ground on the concepts of liberation (Moksha or Nirvana), self-realization, inner peace, non-attachment to material possessions, and ethical and moral conduct. Thus, these religions share themes of ethical living, spiritual progress, and ultimate liberation.

In my childhood, we purchased our stationery from a shop that included notebooks and covers made of brown paper. On the back of the cover, there were moral lessons. One of them was, “Respect all religions but never forget your own religion.” This advice helped maintain peaceful coexistence with mutual respect in our diverse land. However, sometimes one encounters those who deviate from this principle.

For instance, during my Foundation Course in Administration in Mussoorie, my roommate was a devout Muslim. During Ramzan, Muslim probationers would gather early in our room for Suhoor before the fast. To keep my roommate company, I would have a cup of tea at that time. However, he misunderstood my actions and began insisting that Islam was superior to all other religions. I politely requested not to discuss religion, but he persisted. To divert the topic, I asked him, “Why do followers of Islam seem to hate Jewish people?” To my surprise, he responded that their Holy Book instructs to banish Jews, defining them as those whose conduct is unrighteous and cruel to the poor and disadvantaged. I pointed out that such traits can exist in any religion, including among Muslims. This annoyed him, but it took him a fortnight to realize I didn’t mean to offend him.

There is a misconception, often propagated on social media, that the Holy Quran advises aggression against non-Muslims. I researched this and found it worth sharing:

Common Elements in Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the Holy Quran, and the Holy Bible:

1. Monotheism and the Concept of a Supreme Being:
   • The Bhagavad Gita:

सर्वं तदिदं व्याप्तं जगदव्यक्तमूर्तिना |

मत्स्थानि सर्वभूतानि न चाहं तेष्ववस्थित: || (9:4)

1. Translation: “By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them.”
2. Holy Quran: Stresses the oneness of God (Allah), who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful.
3. Holy Bible: Teaches the existence of one God, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe, revealed through the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit in Christian doctrine.
4. Moral and Ethical Conduct:
   • Bhagavad Gita: Advocates living a righteous life, fulfilling one’s duties (dharma), and practicing virtues such as truthfulness, compassion, and self-control.
   • Holy Quran: Provides comprehensive guidelines for ethical conduct, emphasizing justice, compassion, honesty, and charity. The Five Pillars of Islam outline key practices.
   • Holy Bible: Emphasizes love, compassion, and justice. The Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament provide moral guidance.
5. Importance of Faith and Devotion:
   • Bhagavad Gita: Highlights the significance of devotion (bhakti) to God, alongside knowledge (jnana) and righteous action (karma).
   • Holy Quran: Emphasizes complete submission (Islam) to the will of Allah and strong faith in His guidance.
   • Holy Bible: Stresses the importance of faith in God and Jesus Christ, with salvation being a central theme in Christian teachings.
6. Life After Death and Judgment:
   • Bhagavad Gita: Discusses the eternal nature of the soul (atman) and the cycle of rebirth (samsara) until liberation (moksha) is achieved.
   • Holy Quran: Teaches about the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be resurrected and judged by Allah based on their deeds, leading to eternal paradise or punishment.
   • Holy Bible: Speaks of resurrection and final judgment, with eternal life in heaven for the righteous and eternal damnation for the wicked.
7. Scriptural Guidance:
   • Bhagavad Gita: Considered a philosophical and spiritual guide, offering practical advice for living a life aligned with divine principles.
   • Holy Quran: Regarded as the literal word of God, providing comprehensive guidance for all aspects of life.
   • Holy Bible: Seen as the inspired word of God, offering teachings, historical narratives, and spiritual insights.
8. Call to Compassion and Helping Others:
   • Bhagavad Gita: Encourages selfless action (karma yoga) and serving others as a form of devotion to God.
   • Holy Quran: Emphasizes charity (zakat), kindness, and helping those in need as fundamental aspects of faith.
   • Holy Bible: Advocates for love and service to others, with numerous teachings of Jesus focusing on helping the poor and needy.

Despite differences in theological details and practices, these scriptures share fundamental principles related to the nature of divinity, ethical living, faith, and the ultimate purpose of life.

Misleading Idea that the Holy Quran Dictates Banishment of Non-Muslims:

The Quran contains verses that encourage peaceful coexistence, respect for others, and freedom of religion. Verses like Surah At-Tawbah (9:5), often quoted to suggest aggression, address specific historical contexts where Muslims were under threat.

1. Freedom of Religion:
   • Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256): “There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become distinct from the wrong path.”
     • This verse emphasizes that faith is a personal matter and should not be coerced.
2. Peaceful Coexistence:
   • Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8): “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”
     • This verse encourages Muslims to treat non-Muslims who are peaceful and just with kindness and fairness.
3. Respect for Other Beliefs:
   • Surah Al-Kafirun (109:6): “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.”
     • This verse underscores the principle of religious tolerance and mutual respect.

The notion that the Quran advocates converting others by aggression is a misinterpretation. The Quran consistently emphasizes freedom of religion and prohibits compulsion in matters of faith. Here are key points from the Quran that highlight this principle:

1. No Compulsion in Religion:
   • Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256): “There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become distinct from the wrong path.”
   • This verse clearly states that faith should be a matter of personal choice and that no one should be forced to convert.
2. Respect for Other Beliefs:
   • Surah Al-Kafirun (109:6): “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.”
   • This verse underscores the principle of religious tolerance and mutual respect, emphasizing that individuals should follow their own faith without coercion.
3. Peaceful Invitation to Faith:
   • Surah An-Nahl (16:125): “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.”
   • This verse advocates for inviting others to Islam through wisdom, good instruction, and respectful dialogue, not through force or aggression.
4. Historical Context of Certain Verses:
   • Verses that discuss conflict and warfare, such as those found in Surah At-Tawbah (9:5), often address specific historical situations where Muslims were under attack and needed to defend themselves. These verses are not general commands for all times and situations but are related to the context of the early Muslim community’s struggles.
5. Protection of Non-Muslims:
   • There are several instances where the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) emphasize the protection of non-Muslims living in Muslim territories. The Prophet Muhammad himself set an example of peaceful coexistence and protection of religious minorities.

Conclusion

None of the scriptures—Bhagavad Gita, the Holy Quran, or the teachings of Buddhism or Jainism—advocates aggression or converting others by force. Instead, all promote freedom of religion, respect for others’ beliefs, and the use of wisdom and good instruction. The adoption of a particular faith by an individual is by choice only.

Unfortunately, selfish thoughts are being perpetuated by some individuals. For instance, during my visits to Hyderabad several years ago, I overheard some Friday sermons that seemed to spread misinformation, either deliberately or due to a lack of complete context. The messages we receive on WhatsApp are also equally undesirable. I wish all this would stop so that unscrupulous politicians don’t exploit it.

With the beautiful thought of “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्,” let us live life holistically, seeking spiritual attainment while following the faith we prefer. Achieve material success ethically and adopt well-being and mutual respect as a way of life.

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