Social Impact of Religious Literature

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 17 July 2025 Religious literature promotes peace, justice, moral values, and spiritual awareness. It combats societal unrest, inspires interfaith harmony, and remains relevant for ethical living, environmental care, and human dignity across ages. Main Points: 1. Role in Society: Religious literature inspires justice, harmony, and moral growth in communities through timeless values. 2. Contemporary Relevance: In a materialistic world, sacred texts revive peace, compassion, and ethical human behaviour. 3. Misuse of Religion: False interpretations of religion cause division; true teachings promote unity and love universally. 4. Environmental & Mental Peace: Religious books teach environmental respect, spiritual peace, and emotional healing through faith and practices. 5. Views of Thinkers:Global thinkers praise religious texts as sources of wisdom, conscience, and spiritual evolution. ----- The importance of religious literature and its social benefits cannot be denied. Religious writings guide society towards positive and constructive paths. They help promote balanced thinking and positive attitudes. Wherever we see goodness and virtue in society today, religious literature is often behind it. Religious books—regardless of the faith—aim to spread tolerance and kindness in society. They encourage justice, social service, and knowledge. They awaken awareness, wisdom, and understanding in people so that society can be built on pure and noble ideas. Therefore, it is essential to promote religious literature more widely. Wherever we see unrest and corruption in society today, the main reason is that we have broken our connection with religious teachings. Religion is being used for personal gains, and misinterpretations are being spread. No religion's sacred texts allow their followers to spread hatred or negative behavior in society. If such actions are taking place, it means religion is being wrongly interpreted. For example, when some people in India force Muslims to chant religious slogans on the streets, they are not following Hinduism. Hindu scriptures and religious leaders do not support such violence or forced beliefs. These actions only dishonor their own religion. Likewise, in the Muslim community, sectarianism has also created hatred. Sadly, we have limited Islam’s universal message to specific sects and reject others. In truth, Islam supports diverse views and promotes a democratic spirit. Yet, spreading hate in the name of sects goes against Islam’s true spirit. To promote peaceful coexistence in society, we must not only respect religious literature but also practice its teachings. Any action that goes against the true spirit of religion—no matter what religion it is—disrespects that religion's sacred legacy. The matter becomes even more serious when people use religion as a cover to spread hate. Religious teachings, in fact, guarantee the survival and protection of humanity. We should view all religious literature with this positive lens. Contemporary Relevance of Religious Literature Religion has always been a core part of human civilization. Sacred texts not only guide us spiritually but also influence our morals, culture, politics, and society. Books like the Qur’an, Bible, Vedas, Guru Granth Sahib, Torah, and scriptures of Buddhism and Jainism carry timeless messages for all of humanity. In today’s world of materialism and scientific progress, the value of religious literature becomes even more important. People may have gained material success, but they are losing moral values, tolerance, and peace. Religious texts teach us values like truth, justice, compassion, forgiveness, and kindness—qualities essential to solve modern social problems. For example: The Qur’an says: “Indeed, Allah commands justice and kindness…” (Surah An-Nahl: 90) The Bible teaches: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The Vedas say: “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all be happy) All religions teach peace and harmony. Unfortunately, people have moved far from these teachings. Religious books also teach tolerance, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence. For instance, the Guru Granth Sahib includes teachings from many religions. The Qur’an encourages respectful dialogue with people of other faiths. Religious texts also emphasize protecting nature—trees, rivers, animals, and the environment. Today, when we face environmental pollution, global warming, and disasters, religious teachings can raise awareness and promote care for the Earth. In Hinduism, nature is sacred—the Ganga River, cows, and trees are respected. Religious literature also helps people deal with stress, depression, and anxiety. It teaches patience, faith, and satisfaction, giving peace of mind and heart. Prayers, meditation, and worship—all found in religious books—help reduce mental stress. Religious texts also give women rights—dignity, inheritance, education, and equality. If followed correctly, these teachings can help fight gender injustice. Some religious books also mention scientific ideas. For example, the Qur’an talks about the universe, the creation of humans, and natural phenomena—encouraging observation, reasoning, and learning. This proves that religious literature is not just a collection of old traditions—it is a living, active source of guidance and moral reform. In today’s world, we must study these texts without bias and research their messages deeply to build a peaceful and just society. Religious Literature in the Eyes of Thinkers Many scholars and philosophers have praised the timeless value and social importance of religious literature. Sacred texts awaken human conscience, refine civilization, and guide societies toward success. Global intellectuals, philosophers, and religious experts see religious books not just as faith-based writings but as reflections of human experiences, moral development, and spiritual comfort. Maulana Azad believed that religion is the soul of humanity. For him, the Qur’an is a living book that encourages thought and offers social and ethical guidance. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan emphasized using logic to understand religion. He said that the Qur’an does not oppose reason and should be understood with intellect. Mahatma Gandhi considered all religious books as humanity’s shared treasure. He said: “The Gita is my mother, the Qur’an is my father, and the Bible is my friend.” He saw these books as guides for ethical living and non-violence. Allama Iqbal believed religion is part of human intuition. He called the Qur’an not just a religious book but a revolutionary one that prepares humans for a new world. Swami Vivekananda called the Vedas and Upanishads a treasure of universal wisdom and said that religious texts are the “global language of the human soul.” He summarized all religious books as: “Truth, sincerity, and love.” Dr. Radhakrishnan viewed religious literature as a “moral voice of the human conscience.” He believed it helps resolve internal conflicts and connects man to cosmic realities. Leo Tolstoy considered religion the foundation of ethics. He said: “True religion softens the heart, purifies the soul, and brings life closer to nature.” Maulana Rumi described religious texts like the Qur’an, Bible, and Torah as “books of the heart” that connect humans to their inner selves: “Every book, every word, every verse knocks at the heart’s door.” The historian Will Durant said: “Religious literature is the conscience of civilization.” He called it a mirror that reflects both human greatness and weakness. Even Karl Marx, though critical of religion, admitted: “Religion is the heart of a heartless world.” This shows how deeply religion connects to human emotions and suffering. Conclusion After studying all these thoughts, it is clear that religious literature is not just about rituals or history. It is a source of wisdom, ethics, and spiritual light. Thinkers have described it in different ways—some called it a call for freedom, some the voice of the soul, and some a spark for reason and intellect. In today’s troubled world, seeking guidance from religious literature is not just helpful—it is essential. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/social-religious-literature/d/136200 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism