The Role of Accurate Religious History in Social Harmony

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 31 July 2025 This paper explores the historical significance of studying religions within the broader context of social, cultural, and intellectual development. It argues that the objective examination of religious traditions enhances mutual understanding, reduces prejudice, and contributes to social harmony. By tracing the historical roots, evolution, and societal impact of major Indian religions—such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—the study highlights the need for factual, unbiased historiography. The paper emphasizes that accurate religious history helps prevent ideological manipulation and fosters ethical awareness. It concludes that the historical study of religions is essential for building inclusive societies based on truth, balance, and interfaith respect. Main Points: 1. Historical study promotes harmony between different religions and communities. 2. Accurate history prevents religious misconceptions and social manipulation. 3. Every religion has rich, valuable, and unique historical roots. 4. Historians must be free from prejudice and blind devotion. 5. Religious history encourages balance, ethics, and cultural understanding. ----- What is history, and what aspects of society does it shed light upon? In this regard, the renowned researcher Khaliq Ahmad Nizami writes in his book Tareekh-o-Tamaddun-e-Hind (History and Civilization of India): “If viewed as a whole, it becomes clear that historical research has been influenced mainly by two factors: the growing awareness of the importance of various social classes and the revolutionary discoveries of modern science. Under the impact of these two elements, new paths of historical research have opened, and fresh frameworks of inquiry have been formed. There was a time when history was merely the narration of kings’ lives, their wars, and courtly tales. But when the concepts of equality and fraternity spread and people began to recognize the importance of all social classes, this narrow view of history began to suffocate scholarly inquiry. Gradually, history began to include the lives of the common people — their customs, lifestyles, artisans’ industries, farmers’ struggles, scholars’ and religious leaders’ activities, poets’ and writers’ intellectual efforts. In short, every class's efforts became part of the vast canvas of history.” In light of this quote, it is reasonable to say that religions and their teachings are also an inseparable part of history. Developing a historical understanding of religions is essential for strengthening social connections and fulfilling human relationships. For the establishment of peace in the world and the promotion of cultural and civilizational values, it is necessary to have accurate knowledge of the history of every era — including its religious systems, political upheavals, economic conditions, and cultural backgrounds. Historical awareness benefits not only writers and intellectuals but every individual in society. Correct knowledge of history brings countless benefits. Every religion, ideology, system, organization, movement, society, and institution has its own unique history — filled with rise and fall, highs and lows, and many interesting events. It is only through a firm grasp of history that we can make fair judgments about what is right or wrong and help society become aware of harmful or false ideas. Knowledge of true history often leads to peace and stability in society and encourages the habit of basing decisions on facts and evidence. When society starts acting on facts and avoids traditions and beliefs rooted in doubt or fiction, people naturally become a source of mutual goodness. Many conflicts and disagreements can be resolved easily. But this is only possible when we have deep understanding of the history behind current systems, ideologies, and religions. Accurate historical knowledge naturally puts society on a path rooted in balance and moderation. And such balance is itself a moral and cultural value. Another important point is that the person presenting or recording history must be free from both devotion and prejudice. A historian’s honesty and integrity are essential for social and national harmony. When we read today’s historical literature, regardless of the topic, we often find it lacking. Sometimes, it reflects intellectual narrowness; other times, it smells of bias or blind faith. Unfortunately, much of our historical material revolves around these two extremes. Writing history with blind devotion is wrong, but presenting it through the lens of prejudice is equally unethical and unacademic. Both lead historians and researchers away from balance and push them toward extremes. This problem existed in the past and is even more common today. Studying the history of religions is also important because every individual is connected in some way to a religion or belief system. To promote this connection in society in a positive way, it is necessary to have complete historical knowledge of one’s religion. For example, for a follower of Hinduism, it is important to know about its sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics — who compiled them, in what time period, and under what political conditions they were written. One should also know about holy personalities, their social lives, festivals, and the history of various sects. When a person is aware of the true history of their religion, they cannot be misled in the name of religion nor become a tool for politicians. Instead, they become a true religious follower and a messenger of peace in society. Hinduism is called the "mother of religions" because the two other major Indian religions — Jainism and Buddhism — emerged from it. So, it is important to study what circumstances led to people breaking away from Hinduism and forming new religions, which still exist today in various forms and have followers across the globe. In this context, not only should followers of Hinduism know their religious history, but those who follow Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism must also understand their historical values and traditions, which are important parts of human heritage. Buddhism, which emerged in the 6th century BCE, is attributed to its founder, Gautama Buddha. Its emphasis on high human values like love, compassion, and respect for all beings allowed it to spread beyond India to countries like Burma, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, England, Japan, and China. The unique aspect of Buddhism lies in how it protested against the caste system and the monopoly of Brahmins over religion, advocating that religion and knowledge should be accessible to all. Its teachings were so compassionate that they extended even to animals. This is the golden chapter in the history of Buddhism, which must be studied. Jainism, also born in the 6th century BCE in India, is linked to its last Tirthankara, Mahavira. It promotes a path of spiritual knowledge and has distinct beliefs about worldly life, personal concepts of God, and the rejection of the caste system. Unlike Hinduism and Buddhism, it did not spread beyond India, but it flourished domestically with a strong base of followers. Proper understanding of Jainism is only possible by studying its historical aspects. Sikhism, one of the major Indian religions, is relatively new. It emerged in the late 15th century, founded by Guru Nanak. It arose in response to idol worship, Brahmin monopoly over sacred texts, elite control over education, meaningless rituals, deviation from practical religious teachings, centuries of oppression, and the devotional movements of saints. Understanding the roots of Sikhism requires studying these social and spiritual conditions. These highlights from the history of Indian religions are essential not only to know but also to bring to light. Otherwise, the common person will never understand the differences in core teachings and philosophies of these religions. The truth is that the historical study of religions has always been important. This tradition must be revived. And researchers must ensure that when they study religions, they uncover the hidden and overlooked aspects of history — because only then can a society based on religious harmony be truly built. Conclusion: The historical study of religions plays a crucial role in promoting social harmony, interfaith understanding, and intellectual development. It allows individuals to examine the origins, teachings, and transformations of different religions in their historical context. Accurate knowledge of religious history protects societies from misinformation, prejudice, and political misuse of faith. By exploring the development of religious ideas and movements, researchers gain insights into cultural diversity and moral evolution. A responsible historian must remain objective, avoiding both emotional attachment and bias. Therefore, the study of religious history is not only a tool for academic inquiry but also a foundation for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in modern pluralistic societies. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/accurate-religious-history-social-harmony/d/136361 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