Religion, Spirituality, and Humanity were supposed to be the same thing. But religion has taken a long backstep away from spirituality and humanity. It is not possible to confirm that a dignified religious person wouldn’t be involved in crime, casteism, discrimination, and so on. So, if someone is discriminating against others and spreading hatred over religious differences, then how can religion be connected to humanity? Not possible, right?
Here I am, Ashiq Nur, 27 years old, born in Northeast India. Wait, wait—I know what you might be thinking: “Isn’t it too early for me to take such a journey from religion towards spirituality and humanity?” Well, maybe… or maybe not.
When I discuss with people that I am much more devoted to humanity rather than religion, they often respond by asking, “Are you an atheist?” I reply, “Of course not.” I believe in God, and I love Him deeply. So how can I be an atheist?
I was always very inquisitive about religion and God since childhood. But I was never satisfied with anyone’s answers. I found their perspective—of blindly following things without questioning—quite troubling. Their beliefs were often full of superstitions, criticism of other religions, and blind faith.
How can someone filled with hatred and negative beliefs be connected to spirituality or humanity? Not possible!
My mind refused to accept superstitions, hatred, and religious criticism. So, eventually, I stopped asking questions and discussing religious topics with friends, relatives, or anyone else.
I don’t know why, but deep within, I always felt that all people in the universe are one and equal. We are divided by religion and casteism, but perhaps we all come from the same source.That thought helped me decide: I would admire and respect all existing religions.
I don’t believe I need to follow rituals or formalities to get closer to God. God created us—we are part of His creation. So why do I need to go through so many baseless beliefs and practices to reach Him?
For me, it should be a direct connection—between my pure soul and my God. I don’t need to recite words I don’t even understand. If we are humble, genuine, kind, and helpful to others, if we stay away from criticism, and instead choose love and respect—then nothing can stop us from getting closer to God.
Sometimes, external circumstances shake that belief a bit. Yes, I admire all religions. But it’s also true that I’ve faced casteism and discrimination because of my religion. There were many such incidents. Earlier, they made me doubt my belief in unity, but not anymore. I am now firmly committed to the idea of oneness.
Let me share something my father once experienced. He is a principal at a school. One day, while returning from school, it started raining heavily. He got stuck in the middle of the road and had to stop his two-wheeler to seek shelter. He found a house nearby and headed towards it.
The gate was partially open. Inside lived a man—married, with children—someone my father knew well. In fact, that man respected my father a lot. But that day, as my father stood at the gate, the man ignored him. He pretended not to see him. Why?
Maybe he thought the old man was just enjoying the rain. But deep down, we knew the truth. He intentionally ignored my father—just because he was from a different religion. Wasn’t that the height of inhumanity? I think it was.
That day I realized: a so-called “great religious person” may not necessarily be a great human being. He may follow every religious practice, but still lack a good heart.I’ve faced many such moments of racism and discrimination myself.
Some of my friends would ask me, “Why do you still love and admire other religions, even after being ignored by people of those faiths?” I always replied, “Because these experiences will never change my belief.”
I still believe in humanity, unity, and the oneness of mankind—and I will keep believing it till my last breath. Because I’ve found my truth, not through rituals or teachings, but through self-questioning. And that truth is solid and unshakable.
I have an uncle named Josh Sobhanian, who lives in the USA. He is kind, helpful, and pure-hearted. I learned so much about life, religion, spirituality, humanity, and a new perspective on existence from him.He gave me the perfect answers about religion during my school days. That was a turning point. He’s the only person among my relatives with whom I truly connect on these thoughts.
Let’s get back to the topic. So, after so much hustle and bustle, I found myself in a position where I give priority to spirituality and humanity more than religion. A true religion can’t teach us how to hate or how to discriminate over caste differences and if any religion is teaching us the same thing then I am sorry to say that this is not a true religion as per my statement.
I love God and his creations. If all the people of this world are created by God, then how can I hate people only for religious differences? Again, it’s Not possible!
So, I prefer to consider myself a non-religious person who loves God, loves all religions, respects all people, and believes in humanity. If people start understanding the difference between baseless religion and true religion, between division and oneness, then the world can truly be a better place.
I believe. Do you?
Ashiq Nur, Signing Off For Now. Sayonara!
