Exploring the Coronavirus Crisis
RELIGION & REASON CAN GO HAND IN HAND/SEARCHING FOR THE HEART AND SOUL OF RELIGION By Shad Saleem Faruqi • •
Any place on earth can be a mosque and prayer is wherever there is the presence of God. The movement restriction order is preventing us from going outside but it does not prevent us from going within the recesses of our soul to discover the untapped forces within.
Religion is one of the most potent forces of human civilization. It satisfies our innermost needs and reflects our deepest yearnings. Nearly 84% of the world’s population claims adherence to some faith or the other. Whether this faith is used as a force for good or for evil is, of course, another matter. Much depends on how the adherents use or misuse their religion. Like all laws and norms, religious doctrines are capable of whatever interpretation we wish to clothe them with. The character of the interpreter often gets superimposed on the character of a religious doctrine. With the covid-19 pandemic swirling all around us, institutionalised religion is facing several challenges. First, is the issue of what is at the heart and soul of religion? Despite the covid-19 pandemic and its imperative of social distancing, some religious leaders around the world continue to emphasise rituals, mass ceremonies and gatherings. Most religious services emphasize collective worship, close contact, hand-holding, sharing communion, and touching or kissing religious objects. These practices have to be avoided till normalcy returns. It is respectfully submitted that such avoidance will not weaken religion. Most religions have teachings that profess the importance of assisting others, saving lives and not harming oneself. The Holy Qur’an tells us: “If anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole humanity.” The Bible says that “thou shalt not test the Lord thy God” (Mathew 4:7). This means that one should not take unnecessary risks and that “God helps those who help themselves”. In Judaism, the Talmud emphasises the preservation of human life and this takes precedence over all other commandments. It is respectfully submitted that despite the covid-19 prohibitions, there is nothing to prevent us from emphasising the spiritual part of religion, giving importance to substance over form and embracing the importance of love, compassion, tolerance, sacrifice and peace.
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