Some common mistakes in different religions

Some Mistakes and Superstitions Common in Different Religions and the Perspective of Islam: An Analytical Discussion

Religion has always played an important role in the history of human civilization. Religion has taught people morality, self-purification, spiritual development and mutual compassion. However, unfortunately, with the passage of time, some reforms and social concepts have been established in the name of religion, which are completely contradictory to the reality and the basic teachings of religion. Many times, superstitions enter religion due to people's own interpretation, ignorance or misuse by power-hungry leaders. Below is an analysis of the mistakes or superstitions common in some religions and the perspective of Islam on this matter.

Caste system based on birth in Hinduism (Varna system):

A widely prevalent social concept in Hinduism is the caste system based on birth. In this, different social status is given to the four castes, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra, and this is mainly determined by birth. This system shows extreme discrimination against the Shudras and the so-called untouchables. This practice not only violates the basic rights of the people, but also deprives a large section of the population of their self-respect.

From the perspective of Islam, this type of caste-based classification is completely unacceptable. The Quran says:

"O mankind! We have created you from a single male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the best of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous."

(Surah Hujurat, verse 13)

This verse clearly states that a person's status is determined by his conduct and piety, not by birth or ethnic identity.

Priests' mediation for absolution in Christianity:

Catholic Christianity in particular has a system called 'confession' for absolution, where a believer confesses his sins to a priest and the priest takes responsibility for absolving him of his sins. According to this concept, a person cannot directly ask God for forgiveness; he must reach God through the mediation of a priest through the church.

Islam completely rejects this kind of concept. In Islam, there is no need for any mediator between God and the servant. A Muslim can ask God for forgiveness directly, no matter how great the sin. The Quran states:

"And those who commit an indecency or wrong themselves, then remember God and ask forgiveness for their sins - who can forgive sins except God?"

(Surah Ale Imran, verse 135)

This verse proves that God Himself is Forgiving, He accepts the prayers of His servant without any intermediary.

The Glory of Self-Abuse or Fasting in Buddhism:

Some meditative Buddhist sects believe that one can attain ‘nirvana’ or self-purification by abusing the body or fasting for a long time. Excessive self-abuse is considered a path to spiritual development. Although the original teachings of the Buddha spoke of following the middle path, some later followers sought liberation through extreme self-abuse.

Such physical abuse and extreme self-abuse are prohibited in Islam. Islam speaks of a balance between body and soul. Fasting, charity or meditation — if the purpose of these activities is only self-abuse, then it is futile. Islam has made fasting obligatory during the holy month of Ramadan, but it is not just fasting but a means of self-purification. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"If one of you utters a harsh word or obscenity while fasting, let him say — I am fasting."

(Sahih Bukhari)

That is, the main purpose of fasting is to increase self-control and fear of God.

The concept of the 'chosen people' in Judaism:

A common belief in Judaism is that the Israeli nation is God's chosen people and that they are superior to others. This idea has often been the cause of religious nationalism and sectarian discrimination. This belief is even used politically to oppress the Palestinians.

Islam strongly condemns such bigotry. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared during the Farewell Hajj:

"There is no superiority of a non-Arab over an Arab, and no Arab over a non-Arab, except in piety."

Therefore, in Islam there is no place for superiority based on race, ethnicity, language, or regional identity. Islam says that everyone is the son of Adam, and Adam was created from dust.

Universality of Islam and Anti-Superstition:

Islam has taken a stand against superstition, myths, mythological beliefs and man-made religions since its inception. In the era of ignorance, people worshipped idols, buried girls alive out of superstition, relied on amulets, divination, and astrology - all of which Islam has forbidden.

It is said in the Hadith:

"Whoever wears an amulet, it is as if he has put his trust in that thing rather than in Allah."

(Ahmad, Hakim)

Again, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"Whoever goes to a fortune-teller or astrologer and listens to his prediction and believes it, his prayers will not be accepted for forty days."

(Sahih Muslim)

Thus, Islam has introduced a way of thinking free from superstition and superstition. The foundation of the basic teachings of Islam is reason, knowledge, self-control, and human dignity.

Every religion has come to teach people something good, but over time, some religious transformations and folk beliefs have distanced people from the original teachings of religion. These superstitions give rise to division, discrimination and oppression in society. Islam has taken a revolutionary stand against all these misconceptions. Islam wants to establish a correct, superstitious religious system through kindness towards humanity, respect for each other and purification of one's soul. In the modern era, we should find the true teachings of religion and reject blind faith - that is the path to human and spiritual liberation.