Religions play an important role in society. From history, we learnt that religions are the foundation for major world civilizations. Religion also functions as the mechanism to diminish the constant dreadful rivalries among human beings over worldly things. Through religious worldviews, individuals mould their characteristics to suit these worldviews. Religious adherents have a set of preset principles that should guide them in their actions and decisions that they make, may it be social, political or economic in nature.
In essence, religions differ in the theological perspectives. Many religious leaders also agree that theologically, the religious worldviews that frame the understanding of the individuals who embrace a particular religion are different from one another. In Islam for example, the acknowledgement of the differences among religions is mentioned in the Quran:
“For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” (Chapter 109: Verse 6)
However, the distinctions that exist among religions in this dimension should not stop religious followers to effectively play their role in addressing issues and problems that affect the mankind in the world today.
In the context of Malaysia, most of its citizens are religious. By this, it means that almost all Malaysians are religious adherents of a particular religion. As noted earlier, it is important to understand and accept that there are theological basis in the religions that we disagree upon. In short, we need to acknowledge that we can actually agree to disagree. The need to respect this position is also pertinent in furthering possible engagements. In preference to emphasizing the point of contention among religions, it is more apt to focus on commonalities. In all religions, human beings are important components. Issues and problems that surround mankind must be addressed immediately. For this, religions play important roles in providing solutions to address these problems.
Most religions have its own perspectives on specific issues and if closely analyzed, religions do put focus on understanding and finding ways on how to solve the problems. In most cases, religions do offer the solutions. The potentials of human beings as religious adherents are definitely central to solving the crisis facing mankind. Be it issues on peace, crime prevention, environment, family institutions and nation-building, religions have their views that can be the common platform of understanding for positive engagement among the various religions.
When we talk about nation-building, a common idea that comes to our minds is the creation of national paraphernalia that can help to solidify and unite the people. In actual, nation-building is the whole process of constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of the state. This process aims at the unification of the people within the state so that it remains politically, economically and socially stable. In effect, this process will make the nation become strong and resistant in the long run. A nation is perceived to be doing well when it is able to defend itself against the internal and external threats that aim to weaken the foundations of society.
In a multi-religious nation like Malaysia, nation-building is not a smooth sailing journey as it requires the continuous and collaborative efforts of various parties that are sincere in transforming the country to become more dynamic and successful. We must comprehend that the strength of the nation should not solely be measured in data depicting its wealth and global economic rank. The strength ultimately lies in the ability of the people to stay united and embrace the diversities that shape the very essence of its creation.
Religious followers should take the initiative to educate and share with society the religious answers to successful nation-building. This endeavor should include dialogues and forums among religious leaders to share the views of their religions in addressing the issues that can jeopardize the efforts for nation-building and also on how religions can contribute towards achieving the goals of nation-building. This positive engagement approach that we are promoting here will allow the public to learn and understand better the issue at hand. Acknowledging the potency of the said approach, a good government will leverage upon these efforts as pillars of strength to build a better nation. When viewed from the opposite angle, any attempt to use any forms of ethnic and religious differences as the trump card for sectarian political gains would be construed as a desperate attempt by the party that uses, or rather abuses, it.
For a multi religious and multi racial country like Malaysia, we should not perceive each other with prejudice and indifference. As we progress further in our path as a nation, Malaysians should be far more integrated and stronger as a society. Sadly today, we can see that the more we progress together as a nation, the more disintegrated we become and this has become a worrying trend. It is time for us to put an end to this rivalry that does not have its bases in our religions. Respect and mutual understanding should be the backbone and essence in our interactions. Let us celebrate the diversities that exist in our society as something that enrich the nation. We need to know each other better, set aside prejudices and stand upon the spirit of muhibbah that was inherited to us by our forefathers. It was done out of trust and sheer belief that the future generation will continue to uphold this important legacy and enjoy living peacefully and in harmony with one another.
Lastly, take heed in this Quranic verse: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things.” (Al-Hujurat, 49:13)