Bhagat singh views on Religion.
A thread
The Russian mahatma Tolstoy, while debating on religion, had written in his essays and letters that there are three parts to it:
1Essentials of Religion, such as speak the truth, do not steal, help the poor, and live with love.1/12

2Philosophy of Religion, ie, the philosophy of birth, death, rebirth, the artificial world. In this a person thinks about his choices and tries to comprehend them.
3Rituals of Religion, ie, the traditions, etc. 2/12

What this means is that all religions are the same in the 1 place.They all exhort us to speak the truth,not tell lies and live harmoniously.Some people have called this individual religion.There can be no clash over this,and such ideal thoughts should be there in every person3/12

Next comes the matter of philosophy. We have to say that philosophy is the outcome of human weakness. There is no clash in it. When we are unable to understand something, then we try to apply our mind to it to draw conclusions. Philosophy is a very essential thing, because 4/12

But without it no progress is possible.Peace is also important. Our forefathers have said that there is rebirth after death but Christians and Muslims don’t agree with that. All right,so that’s their view.Let’s have a calm discussion about it.We should listen to others’ views too

But generally, when a debate ensues on such controversial matters, then Arya Samajis and Muslims start fighting. Both parties abandon their wisdom and ability to think as if they have left them behind at home. They think that in the Veda guru god had written it in a 6/12

particular way and therefore it is true. Muslims say that Khuda has written it in the Koran in a particular way and that is true. In effect, they abandon their ability to think. If a philosophy does not carry any value beyond personal opinion, and if no separate group is 7/12

created from those adhering to one or the other philosophy, then where is the basis of any complaint against it? Now arises the third issue. As per the rituals on the day of Sarasvati worship, it is necessary to take the Sarasvati idol in a procession with a band. 8/12

But there is a mosque on Harry Road that lies on the procession route. Islam says no bands can play in front of a mosque. Now what should be done? As per the civil rights of a citizen there can be a band playing in the streets, but the religion disallows it. 9/12

Cow sacrifice is imperative in Islam and the other religion prescribes cow worship. Now what should be done? Cutting a branch of a Peepal tree makes such a difference, then what should be done? And these small differences in beliefs ultimately spread far and wide and 10/12

become a source for the creation of different organisations, and the result (of that) is evident. Thus, if religion is the name of mixing the second (philosophy) and the third (ritual) aspects with blind faith, then there is no need for religion. 11/12

It should be avoided from this very moment. If religion, on the other hand, can blend with open-mindedness, then there can be no objection to it and it should be welcomed.
- from “Dharm aur hamara swatantrata Sangram” by Bhagat singh 12/12