Reevaluating Rituals: A Call for Introspection

 

Reevaluating Rituals: A Call for Introspection

Recently, I wrote about the ritual of Lingam worship, hoping to ignite a conversation about our cultural and spiritual practices. It is essential not to dismiss these rituals as mere traditions but to explore their deeper origins and significance. The *Rigveda*, the oldest of the Vedas, is largely composed of spiritual philosophy expressed in poetic hymns. This makes sense, as the development of language likely led to the use of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas. At that time, humanity had reached a point where people began to question their existence, origins, and emotions—concepts that are inherently human but also observable in the natural world.

While animals display emotions like love, they do not engage in deceit or infidelity. They understand territory, not property, and act out of necessity rather than greed. Humans, however, developed social structures and complex thought processes, moving beyond mere survival. When the *Rigveda* was written, society may have had ample resources, allowing people to remain true to their spiritual ideals. However, over time, those in positions of wealth and power began to manipulate these ideals to serve their own interests. This manipulation likely led to the introduction of rituals that diverted from the original spiritual teachings, often to control and influence the masses.

The worship of idols and rituals is not unique to Indian culture; similar practices can be found in ancient Greek and Egyptian traditions. In the *Rigveda*, the concept of a singular divine force manifested in multiple forms was emphasized, rather than the notion of multiple gods. This idea remained distinct for over a thousand years until other religions emerged, like Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and eventually Islam. Prophet Muhammad's introduction of Islam, for example, dismissed the idea of multiple gods, instead promoting the worship of a singular deity, Allah, to unify his followers and prevent division.

For many years, this approach effectively unified diverse groups, allowing them to expand their influence, even into Europe. Islamic scholars often claim that their rule over Europe lasted for a thousand years, which holds some truth. The rulers during that period were disciplined, governing justly and working alongside local populations. However, like all religions, Islam has its complexities and contradictions.

Islam, in its early days, offered a powerful sense of unity and equality among its followers, emphasizing social justice and the distribution of wealth. It also made significant contributions to science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy, encouraging intellectual curiosity and exploration. The spiritual practices of regular prayer, fasting, and charity fostered personal growth and community solidarity. However, the evolution of Islam also brought challenges. In many modern Islamic countries, authoritarian rulers have strayed from the religion’s original egalitarian principles, using it to maintain power and suppress dissent. Misinterpretations of Islamic teachings have led to extremism and intolerance, fueling conflict rather than promoting peace.

Islam's original spirit of equality has also been compromised in some places, where women's rights are severely restricted, contradicting the religion's foundational messages. The commercialization of religious practices has infiltrated Islam as well, reducing their spiritual value and turning them into tools for financial gain, much like what has happened in other religions. Political leaders in many Islamic countries exploit religious sentiment for their own gain, often promoting divisive agendas that serve their interests rather than those of their communities. This exploitation has created internal divisions and sectarian violence, weakening the unity that Islam originally sought to establish. When rituals lose their unique essence and begin to resemble those of other religions, the distinct value of each faith starts to diminish.

This brings us back to the broader question of rituals and their purpose. Across different religions—be it Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, or others—rituals often provide comfort and mental stability. Practices like wearing a Tabeez in Islam, placing a mezuzah in Judaism, or tying a red thread in Hinduism offer psychological reassurance, especially in challenging times. However, when these rituals become monetized, they lose their true meaning. This commercialization creates stress and inequality, as those with greater financial means gain preferential treatment in religious settings, overshadowing the spiritual experience for others. When rituals are reduced to transactions, they deviate from their intended purpose of providing spiritual solace and unity.

To preserve the true essence of these practices, it might be wise to re-evaluate their necessity in their current form. Perhaps these rituals are best performed privately or within families, acknowledging that the divine resides within each individual. By removing the layers of commercialization and inequality, we can ensure that spiritual practices continue to offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of belonging in today’s complex world.

Islam, like all major religions, has both strengths and challenges. Its early teachings of unity, social justice, and intellectual pursuit are values worth celebrating. However, its susceptibility to authoritarianism, extremism, and the exploitation of its followers through rituals indicates a need for introspection and reform. Similarly, in Hinduism and other religions, there is a need to question and understand the relevance of rituals in their current forms, ensuring they continue to serve their intended purpose of spiritual and moral guidance.

By understanding and reflecting on these practices, we can build a more inclusive and meaningful spiritual landscape—one that values genuine faith and human connection over ritualistic adherence and material gain. The goal should be to create a space where all individuals can explore their spirituality freely and authentically, unencumbered by outdated practices or external pressures.