Tag Archives: Religion

State Religion And Social Reforms

No one will dispute the fact that social reforms are urgently needed with breath taking changes taking place all around in our society. But two questions become important in this respect: 1) what is the role of state and 2) what is the role of religion? There are people who insist that state should play an active role and usher in these reforms. Secondly there are people who think religion can hardly be helpful and instead it becomes an obstacle in social change. When it comes to issues like marriage, divorce, individual choices, freedom to act, gender justice there is great resistance and even fierce opposition. Religion and social change become intertwined in a negative way and perception that religion is an obstacle for social change appears to be ‘correct’ to social elite. Continue reading

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Religion As I View It

It has happened in the history of all religions that the founders’ Herculean efforts to create a new world are reduced to naught by those who convert religion into an immutable formal theology to retain their control over power. Continue reading

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Indian Muslims: Moderation And Extremism

As long as my memory goes I remember Muslims in general and Indian Muslims in particular, have been criticized for being extremists in religious matters and though, the criticism went, there are a few moderate Muslims, they do not take any stand or refuse to stand up and be counted and always, extremists carry the day. Continue reading

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If I Were An Indian Hindu

I find it difficult to blame my “regular Indian Hindu” friend for the way he thinks. It is not his fault—it’s my way of looking at him that makes him appear faulty. But he may not be at fault at all. Continue reading

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Modernity, Its Discontent And Religion

Spiritual joy and material happiness must go together. Reason should not be devoid of values. Reason without higher goals, meaning and significance of life, is two-edged sword. Truth should not be mere conformity with facts but also beyond and above it, transcendent and all inclusive. Continue reading

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Compassion In Islam – Theology And History

Islam is generally associated with Jihad. But it is more due to its history than its theology. It is interesting to note that while jihad in Islam is more historical than theological, compassion, on the other hand, is more theological than historical. Continue reading

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Deadly Foes, Inseparable Partners: Reflections on Symbiotic Religious Chauvinisms

Conversations with two firebrand adherents – one Muslim, the other Hindu Continue reading

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Salalah – City Of The Prophets

Salalah in Oman is a blessed city. It has several Prophets and other God-fearing souls resting in peace. The place is also full of greenery and beautiful sights. Continue reading

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