Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity

Many countries form ideas and rules based on religion that is practiced as a whole by the society of that country. In addition religion continues to affect rules and ideas that is promoted by various cultures. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are some of the most popular religions that are used throughout the world. Arabs has made Islamists powerful in Countries like Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco. Religious institutions are a public significance more so now than before. “In the Muslim political imaginary, the khulafa’ al-rashidun represent an idealized moment in history, that of the first four caliphs, the rightly-guided, who came after the prophet Muhammad: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar Ibn al-Khattab, Uthman Ibn Affan, and Ali Ibn Abi Talib. The period from the death of the prophet in 632 to that of Ali in 661 marks a golden era after which political history is conceived as having degenerated. However, Umar Ibn Abd al-Aziz (717-720) from the Umayyad dynasty is often seen as part of the rightly-guided Caliphs and defines what is often dubbed the “5th caliphate”. He exemplifies the possibility of being a pious and just ruler in times of corruption.” (Zeghal, 2012) The above reference was used by Jebali and was taken out of Islamic past to state about political renewal within an Islamic saying. Representatives of al-Nahda insisted that the reference was symbolic, and did not question al-Nahdha’s commitment to the regime and people’s will as foundation for government. Also, in Tunisia they talk about politics differently. For fifty-five years liberal democracy was used in authoritarian context, and the first months Tunisians have freedom to express themselves in the street, new media, written press, radio and television. This is new for Tunisia, and Islamic tradition will be combined with new political language, and will have an impact on them. (Zeghal, 2012) Islamic public figures that will govern Tunisia will need to define their political language clearly, and how Islam will impact future political reforms. So far they take a civil state which does not go along with the institution of caliphate. Two concepts have been in conflict with modern Islam: legitimacy of the caliphate, and different forms of political institutions in the 20th century from Egypt to Tunisia. The big questions for Tunisia is if they want to be a republic or caliphate, and how they are related to political history and the future. Tunisia did really well under the republic regime, and freedoms was given back to the people. (Zeghal, 2012) Mahatma Gandhi positively used Hindu principles of truth and non-violence in politics. In addition, Ganhi used religion and inner strength to lead his country against the British colonial rulers of India. Hindu allows one to find more strength in the mind and not with weapons to create a harmonious and moral society. (Limaye, 2007) Hinduism uses a four-fold path using the realization of materials and spiritual values. Dharma, artha, kama, and moksha are ideals Hindu’s uses to make life better. Artha and kama are about attaining livelihood and fulfillment of pleasures. Dharma is living moral, just and disciplined, and is not too rigid with conduct. In addition, dharma is always changing depending on the society and humans. Moksha is the greatest goal of spiritual liberation of the soul, and individual achievement. Function of the state is a promotion of interest of the citizens, and not of religion of the rulers. Leaders and citizens of the state have freedom of worship, and that of influence. (Limaye, 2007) It is difficult to mix religion and politics because religion is about morality, purity, and faith, politics is trying to get power. Many use religion to justify wars, conquest, persecutions, rebellions, destruction of art and culture. The Buddha Dhamma was not trying to create new political institutions, but helping people of a society become better using principles like greater humanism, improved welfare, and sharing resources. People of the political system has to be willing to change and bring peace and happiness, and let go of greed, hatred and delusion. In addition, a good political system will give citizens human rights, and keep a check and balances on power to make a happier society. (Dhammananda)

“Paul Harrison, professor of Buddhist studies at Stanford University, discussed Buddhism and the acceptable role of monks in politics with Jayshree Bajoria of the Council of Foreign Relations. “Direct involvement in political activity, strictly speaking, is not sanctioned” by the Buddha's teaching, he said. Traditionally, the role of Buddhist monastics and clergy was limited to advising rulers on the proper application of Buddhist teachings to government, Harrison continued. However, in recent decades increasing political instability and oppression in Asia caused a change in the relationship between Buddhism and politics.” (O'Brien, 2008) The United States use to use the Ten Commandments as a code of ethics and morality, and today not so much, but the same principles are recognized somewhat. Christianity helped form principles of human rights, political correctness, tolerance, and separation of the church and state within the United States. Homosexuality, adultery and divorce use to be wrong, along with obscene language. If someone wanted to hold political office an individual had to have high morals and ethical standards, but today it is a right. The mixtures of different cultures and immigrants has affected how the United States uses some of Christianty’s principles in relation to the government. ("Christians and politics," 2012) Countries will continue to change their ideas and perceptions of religion and politics. Cultures are becoming more blended, and political systems are constantly changing. People and how they relate to their faith is also changing.

References:
Zeghal, M. (2012). Teaching again at the Zaytuna mosque in Tunisia. Worldpress.com, Retrieved from http://onislamandpolitics.wordpress.com/
Limaye, S. (2007). Gandhi an example of Hindu faith in politics. The Daily of the University of Washington, Retrieved from http://dailyuw.com/archive/2007/10/30/imported/gandhi-example-hindu-faith-politics
O'Brien, B. (2008). Buddhism and politics. About.com Guide, Retrieved from http://buddhism.about.com/b/2008/04/09/buddhism-and-politics.htm
Dhammananda, V. (n.d.). What Buddhist believe.BuddhaSasana, Retrieved from http://buddhanet.net/budsas/ebud/whatbudbeliev/229.htm
(2012). Christians and politics. Grace To You, Retrieved from http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/A124