“One’s own religion is after all a matter between oneself and one’s Maker and no one else’s.”
- October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948
- British Indian Empire
- Lawyer, religious leader, social activist, political leader
- As a leader of the Indian independence movement, he advocated non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and contributed to India’s independence from Britain.
Quote
“One’s own religion is after all a matter between oneself and one’s Maker and no one else’s.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the deeply personal nature of religious belief. He argues that one’s relationship with God or the divine is a private matter, and that it should not be dictated by or subject to the judgment of others. For Gandhi, religion was not about outward rituals or public displays, but about personal spirituality, integrity, and connection to the divine. He believed that true religious practice was inward and reflected in one’s actions—particularly how one treated others—with principles like truth, nonviolence, and compassion forming the foundation of his own beliefs. Gandhi consistently advocated for religious tolerance and respect, believing that no one religion had the exclusive truth or right to impose its practices on others.
This perspective is especially relevant in modern society, where religious identity often plays a significant role in social and political life. In an increasingly diverse world, Gandhi’s principle calls for a respectful recognition that each individual’s spiritual journey is unique and should not be subject to external interference or coercion. It challenges the idea that religion should be a tool for division or control, and instead advocates for freedom of belief and mutual respect between people of different faiths.
A contemporary example of this philosophy is seen in the freedom of religion protections enshrined in many human rights frameworks, which affirm that individuals should be free to practice their religion—or none at all—without fear of persecution. Gandhi’s belief in the personal nature of religious practice is echoed in movements for religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, which promote understanding and respect for different spiritual paths, while ensuring that no one religion is imposed on others. This approach fosters peace and coexistence in pluralistic societies, where individuals are free to follow their own spiritual convictions.
