Chapter - 2 Understanding Secularism

The different types of religious practices found in my neighbourhood strongly indicate freedom of religious practice. The various forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites and different kinds of religious music found in my locality are of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, SIkhs, Jews and the Baha'is. The Christian sing hymns, the Hindus Bhajans, while the Muslims offers Namaaz five times a day. The Baha'is believe in world unity and peace.

The government in any democratic nation would intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide because this tradition goes against the Fundamental Right to Life. It involves the killing of an innocent and is, hence, unacceptable. The government, in this case, interferes by coercion. However, sometimes, the government may also intervene via support.
For example, Sikh in Delhi are excused from wearing helmets on two-wheelers because their religion demands them to ear a turban a sacred tradition for them

Many holidays on a school's calendar pertain to different religions. This indicates that India is a secular country where religious freedom is granted to its citizens and all religions are equally respected.

Many religions are further segregated into groups and communities that hold differing ideological
opinions. One of these is the rift between the Shias and Sunnis - both followers of Islam. The division
between Shias and Sunnis dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad and to the question of
who was to take over the leadership after the Prophet. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken
by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those
capable for the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor,
Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a
word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet.
On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the
Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God
Himself.
The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have
passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized
the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe
have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a
group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical
"Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the
Household" (of the Prophet).

The Indian State keeps away from religion as well as intervenes in religion. This idea is quite confusing. It allows Sikh citizens to wear turbans and thereby exempt from the use of helmets but it also disallows government schools from celebrating any particular religious festival. Annual holidays are given with regard to all religions and not any specific ones.

Every human loves peace. All religions preach peace, humanity and non-violence. So, for the sake of security and protection, peace is the necessary tool. It also provides a way of living with honour. Peace is a human phenomenon which is for the protection of all. Terrorism is to be condemned by all of us.

A picture can be drawn be drawn showing the celebration of Holi, Eid, Diwali, Gurupurap, Christmas, being celebrated together by people of different religion.