Part 4: Religion, Punjab, and why partition makes no sense

What is the relation of religion to Punjab? When one looks to the history of Punjab and its religious endeavors we see peace, tolerance and progressive thought. I wish to make this point by looking at the two religious communities which Punjab has been pivotal in providing grounds to grow.

The first, and most obvious, is that of Sikhism. The ideals are simple here; brotherly love for all people, progressive and modern outlook on society and individual life, the need of community bond and treating all equally regardless of religion or gender. This is a philosophy which does not seem to support any system where one people are privileged over another or that requires a separate state to exist. This philosophy asks for bonding outside of just religions similarities. No one needs to be reminded of the many close relations the Sikh Gurus had with the Muslim and Hindu community. And though they may have fought against the Moguls, it was not against the people or religion, but against unjust kings and tyrants. Looking to Punjab then we can see how much the region gives to the philosophy and how much the philosophy gives to the region. This is the same region that, before the false propaganda was spread around partition, lived peacefully amongst the different religious communities. It was understood that though we may have different belief systems when it comes to religion, we are all the same in the culture we have. Sikhism built upon that belief of equality and fairness that is inherent in Punjab.

The next religious philosophy linked to Punjab that shares this ideal is Sufism. The great Sufi poets and masters of Punjab are world renown and respected and loved dearly. One needs not to be introduced to such greats as they should already know about them. The prime example of such is Bulleh Shah, whose work transcends religious boundaries and asks for brotherly love and love for one God. Looking upon the philosophy and works of these Punjabi Sufis how could one reasonably ask for partition, or to separate Punjab to reflect its religious communities? There is a culture that transcends religion that these Sufi writers have infused into their poetry and beliefs. That is the culture of love, peace and unity. Though greats like Bulleh Shah were obviously more concerned with spirituality than politics, it is apparent in many of their poems the love they had for the Punjab they resided in. They loved that Punjab that lay beyond the existence of religion. It was the culture of its people regardless of what they believed in which they praised.

So, as hopefully made obvious by now, religions in Punjab do not ask for partition, or siphoning parts off for particular communities, it asks for unification and living in peace with one another as brothers. If one ever makes the argument that partition is a good thing, or that unification makes no sense based on our religious differences, I will never agree with them.