"Political Exploitation of Religion is a Norm"

 

"Political Exploitation of Religion is a Norm"

“Human life is a battleground for the lord’s mercy and devil’s ploy.” Indeed, this one sentence sums up the struggle of the whole human life. From the birth of Adam (AS), the human being is tested in different traps. Apart from wealth, land, and the opposite gender, man has to go through many other traps in the shape of caste, creed, and color. The distinction is created by distinguishing human beings into hundreds of castes, dozens of religions and multiple skin colors to be precise. To Devil’s good fortune, he has always found his deputies who serve him by inciting people in the name of caste, creed, and color. That, in brief, has been the story for thousands of years of human existence. 

Among the slogans of caste, creed, and color, religion has been a focal point of exploitation; and who better knows exploitation than the politicians. The tendency for more fame and power is natural in human beings. However, when it drives the ambitions of human life, it makes life worthless. 

The exploitation of religion for political purposes is not limited to Pakistan. In recent years, leaders across the globe have been observed exploiting religion for their political gains. Consider the example of France, where Hijab was banned and Muslims persecuted only because “Emmanuel Macron” (the French president) believed it would further his chances of winning elections. Another example is America, where Muslims were even barred from entering America for ridiculous reasons. Yet another example is the most vehement foe of Islam: India. 

The recent trend of “Allah-o-Akbar” and the courage of a Muslim girl being on top trending only strengthens my belief that politics is damn dirty and damn silly. Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister (previously a waiter), has secured the office of Prime Minister for the second time and no wonder this is all his craft of jugglery. He has exploited religion better than anyone else and deserves Oscar Award for being the Best Juggler. Having a bird's-eye view of the Indian media and newspapers will be enough to prove that. The heat of extremism plowed by politicians across India can even be felt in the classrooms that are supposed to nurture unity, peace, and harmony in nations. 

Coming to the question of religion being exploited in Pakistan; so people of Pakistan have always been a victim of false slogans. Exploring the seven-decade-long history of Pakistan clearly reveals how religious sentiments have been aroused to achieve public support, and it still carries on. We have been so naïve to expect the imposition of “Sharia” on the entire country from people who cannot practically impose it on their six feet structures. It is also evident that the same mantra will be used to gain popular support in the future as well. 

Thus, it is of critical importance that we understand our religion thoroughly. Islam, indeed, is a religion of peace and the only sanctuary left. To run their drowning political enterprise, these political jugglers spur religious sentiments only to achieve their diabolical ambitions. Religion, whichever that is, preaches peace and harmony; however, it is the desire for fame and power of leaders which has transformed it into a symbol of extremism and hatred.

 

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