This struggle in the way of god, in Hinduism, is called “Dharma Yuddham”, in Christianity it’s known as “Crushed”; and in Islam, this struggle in the way of god (according to scholar John Esposito) is called “Jihad”.
History has it, in the 16th century, while Christianity was losing its popularity due to different superstitious beliefs, ‘Martin Luther’ a German youth, actively protested against the black beliefs in their community. He dared to challenge the Popes and Religious leaders of that time who were involved in various corrupt practices and in spreading of false teachings among the community. In this way he was like by his community. As Martin Luther protested for his community, the followers came to be known as “Protestants”. After Martin Luther’s protest, Christianity divided. Afterwards this division turned aggressive and violence occurred, many innocents were killed in the name of religion.
Let’s have a look at the Indian history as well. In ancient India, when old sages were keeping themselves busy in different meditations and Yogas for the upliftment of the human community and to create a better society, some giant destructive forces were spreading violence and creating unpleasant environments to create disturbance in society. At that time the sages were arranging “Dharma Yuddham” against those destructive forces to save the common people living in the society. In “Srimad Bhagvat Gita (Sankhya Yoga)” Lord Sri Krishna inspired Prince Arjuna, the second Pandava, to fight with the enemies to save the legal- humanitarian responsibilities and truths of the world & not in the sense to spread violence in humanity. Srimad Bhagabat Gita (Karma Yoga, 20th Sloka) says Janaka himself was a king and a saint both. As Indian history says, the Pandavas and Lord Krishna tried a lot to stop the war and convinced the Kauravas several times for a peace agreement; but failed to convince them, at last the Pandavas had to face & fight the war started by the Kauravas. The biggest War Mahabharata occurred only to face and fight against the illegal works, corruption, lies and inhumanity.
In Islam, there is a better description on the topic of religious war; “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not do aggression, for Allah loves not the aggressors. Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers. But if they desist, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against wrongdoers.” (Al-Baqarah 190-194)
By going through different religions and religious books, I came to the conclusion that, all the religions and their religious books command Peace, Kind and Humanity strongly. Only some corrupt leaders and disciples from those religions and communities misguide the innocent public by playing games with their emotions.
We can say, there are two types of communities in every religion. One community, who always tries to keep on tightening the old and ancient thoughts, traditions & various superstitious beliefs; never tries to bring changes in their beliefs & attitudes by adjusting with the changing world. And another one who never accepts the contemporary beliefs. Always respects the time and the changing world and flowing towards the reality of the religion by following the way of truth, peace and love.
Now oh my dear Human being, let’s forget all the conflicts and build this world with our positive thoughts to make it a heaven and a better place to live in without any terror and violence.