Jalal-ud-Din Akbar (1556-1605), the son of Humayun had three main
phases in his life. One was firm belief in religion holding the founding tenets
of Islam. The second started when he opened the doors of religious natter and
dialogues in which he invited the religious scholars of different sects of
Islam in the “Ibadat Khana” (the place of worship) but soon he was
disillusioned with the attitudes of the Maulvies and scholars who started
losing their tempers and even abused one another on petty issues.
Therefore the subsequent phase resulted in the promulgation of a
new religion, din-e-Elahi. He accumulated the best practices of Islam,
Hinduism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Jainism and propounded the new
religion in 1581.
There
are ten virtues which the Din-e-Elahi professes.
(1) liberal-mindedness and generosity
(2) forgiveness of evil-doers and repulsion of anger
with mildness
(3) abstinence from worldly desires
(4) non-attachment to the materialistic world
(5) careful weighing of pros and cons of actions to
be taken
(6) performance of noble deeds with courage
(7) softness of voice and gentle speech
(8) good behaviour to others
(9) absolutely no connection with bad characters and
evil-doers
(10) total dedication to God
Din-e-Elahi was more an ethical cult than a religion as it did not
present any common prayers or system as all these eclectic religions offered.
It was based on ethical values considering and propagating slander, lust, and
pride as deadly sins whereas piety, kindness, mercy as the commonalities of the
diverse religions and were appreciated. Slaughter of cow was prohibited to
accommodate Hinduism and celibacy was venerated. The religion had no script or
written documentations. Din-e-Elahi could triumph over only 19 adherents
consisting mostly of Muslims. Hindus and other religions did not embrace it
though they appreciated the religious move of Akbar.
Din-e- Elahi met with fierce criticism by the believers of
Islam as he denied the foundations of religion by appreciating celibacy and the
prohibition of cow. The Hindus also could not accept it as a religion.
Din-e-Elahi was intended to create harmony and integrity among the different
religions though it could not bring the desired fruits.I think interpretation of religious
teachings according to the wishes and agenda of rulers is not a new phenomenon.
This is almost as old as the religion itself. Many scholars refused to act as
Qazi under Muslim rulers, just because they were afraid of to act according to
ruler's wish and not according to God's law.
Do me a favour
answering one question, what is most important? Fighting on basis of religion
for years or accepting each other perspective and living together with peace!
What if
Din-e-Elahi succeeded and there would be a no separation of South Asia? What
would be the present scenario then?
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