“Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”
- 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
“Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi asserts that religion and politics are not separate domains but are deeply interconnected. He argues that those who believe in the separation of religion from political life fundamentally misunderstand what religion truly entails. For Gandhi, religion was not merely a matter of personal belief or ritual, but a moral compass that guides actions, values, and social behavior. Thus, it inherently influences how one engages with society, justice, and governance. Gandhi viewed political engagement as an extension of one’s moral obligations. He believed that non-violence, truth, and service—which he considered core religious principles—were essential in shaping just and ethical political systems. His approach to civil disobedience and independence movements was deeply rooted in his religious convictions about ahimsa (non-violence) and truth.
Gandhi’s perspective was based on the belief that religion provides the ethical foundation for political action. He demonstrated this during India’s struggle for independence, where he called for political action grounded in moral values. For instance, his salt march and non-cooperation movement were not just political acts—they were expressions of his spiritual commitment to truth and justice. In his view, if politics is separated from the moral and spiritual framework provided by religion, it can easily become a tool of oppression and injustice.
In the modern world, this quote challenges the assumption that secularism—the idea of separating religion from public life—should be an absolute principle. Gandhi’s statement invites us to consider how values rooted in religious teachings can guide political decision-making, particularly when it comes to issues of justice, human rights, and social welfare. It also urges us to reflect on the moral integrity of political leaders and whether their actions align with the ethical principles they claim to uphold. Gandhi’s words are a reminder that ethics, compassion, and responsibility should be at the heart of political decision-making, and that these values can be deeply influenced by one’s religious or spiritual beliefs.
