Yesterday, a tragic explosion occurred at a gathering of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islami of Pakistan in the Bajaur region, resulting in over 100 fatalities and injuries. This incident is just one of many violent occurrences associated with religious conflicts. Considering the extensive history of religious violence in this area, it is worth questioning why religious institutions in our region consistently become entangled with bloodshed and violence, periodically causing loss of life and grief.
The emergence of religion in human history can be attributed to the desire to address spiritual needs. While humans, like other living beings, have always sought ways to satisfy their basic material needs such as food, water, and shelter, they differ in their pursuit of a deeper purpose that gives meaning to their lives and establishes a more profound connection with the world. This is where the phenomenon of religion comes into play, as it highlights the spiritual aspect of human existence, quenches their spiritual thirst, and provides a framework for moral development. Moral evolution involves purifying oneself from negative traits such as malice, hatred, greed, anger, and other vices. By following this path, humans are able to transcend their animalistic nature and attain a higher level of superiority.
When religion transforms into an establishment that offers material advantages, societal status, political sway, and a quest for wealth and authority, its purpose is completely inverted. Instead of purifying the mind, uplifting the spirit, and fostering the spiritual growth of individuals, it becomes a catalyst for tension, animosity, and even violence. This detrimental role reaches its pinnacle when religion becomes a tool for identity, dividing people and erecting barriers between them, perpetuating everlasting divisions and enmities.
Many religious schools in our region today, representing various Sunni, Shia, Salafi, Deobandi, Ikhwani, and similar tendencies, play a role in furthering the distorted perception of religion. Unfortunately, these institutions do not contribute to the moral advancement of society, the enhancement of spirituality in individuals’ lives, or the improvement of mental well-being. Consequently, the level of morality in these societies is significantly lower compared to more liberal societies, and this can be substantiated with logical reasoning and evidence. The religiosity observed in these contexts lacks spirituality and moral values, instead being characterized by prejudice and hatred. This environment facilitates the inclination towards violence and terrorism, resulting in a loss of psychological and physical security not only for dissenters but also for religious individuals themselves. Mosques and schools are targeted, and bloodshed and killings persist during religious gatherings. One only needs to examine the numerous statistics on religious violence in Pakistan to comprehend the alarming extent of this situation.
Currently, due to the Taliban’s establishment of more schools, Afghanistan is following in the footsteps of Pakistan in this area. This trend is leading to the further institutionalization of unhealthy and troubled religious beliefs, the promotion of hatred and animosity, the incitement of more bloodshed and violence, and the perpetuation of societal backwardness. As time progresses, these negative consequences are becoming increasingly prevalent. It is advised to be prepared for what lies ahead.
