Shah Gulzar
Introduction
Religious scholars were once the beacons of morality and wisdom, guiding society with patience and intellect. However, in recent times, some scholars have unfortunately become sources of division rather than unity.Today, instead of inspiring faith and unity, some religious leaders engage in public disputes that shock even the most indifferent observer.
The rise of social media has made things worse. Videos of religious scholars using abusive language, threatening one another, and engaging in public quarrels go viral, setting a dangerous precedent for their young followers. If this trend continues, the very institution that once strengthened faith may end up alienating the next generation from religious guidance.
The Role of Religious Leadership in Society
Historically, religious scholars were known for their scholarship, humility, and ability to foster constructive discussions. Mosques served as centers of learning, where scholars debated social and theological issues with logic and patience. People came to religious gatherings to seek wisdom, and not to witness verbal brawls.
However, the situation today is alarmingly different. Instead of promoting peace and knowledge, many religious figures have become embroiled in unnecessary conflicts, using public platforms to settle personal scores rather addressing societal issues.
The Current Crisis: A Disturbing Trend
Instead of using their platforms to educate and inspire, many scholars have turned religious discourse into entertainment; heated debates, personal attacks, and public feuds are now broadcasted online, gaining publicity and views; reducing faith-based discussions to mere performances. Some religious leaders have gone to extreme levels of verbal aggression. Phrases such as ‘bobus prisith exi, so diyi duddaam’ (Ask your mother first, she will breastfeed you first) and ‘hidgogul anayi kadith’ ( extract your Adam’s apple) have been used in public speeches. Such language, more suited to street fights than religious discussions, is deeply concerning. These statements, instead of guiding people towards moral and ethical behavior, set a dangerous precedent for young followers who then adopt the same hostile and aggressive attitude. If religious figures continue to behave this way, posterity will grow up believing that insults and threats are normal in religious discourse.
As Mirza Ghalib lamented,
(“This world appears like a child’s play before me, every day and night, a spectacle unfolds before me”), capturing the degradation of religious discussions into theatrical performances. The misuse of Friday sermons for personal rivalries further fuels division, as scholars use the pulpit to target one another instead of imparting wisdom. Public gatherings often escalate into heated confrontations, inciting followers to adopt aggressive attitudes rather than fostering dialogue. This behavior has a ripple effect, particularly on young minds who mirror the hostility of their leaders, leading to increased intolerance and an inability to engage in respectful discourse. Whether in mosques, on social media, or in daily discussions, the language of aggression is replacing the ethics of knowledge, threatening the very moral fabric of religious leadership.
Causes Behind This Decline
The decline in ethical religious leadership stems from several factors, including ego and power struggles, where many scholars prioritize influence over spiritual enlightenment. Social media amplifies controversies, encouraging sensationalism, while a lack of proper religious education results in superficial knowledge without ethical grounding. The breakdown of traditional ethics has turned respectful debates into personal attacks, and political and social instability often fuels aggressive religious rhetoric. The Quran warns of the consequences of straying from righteousness:
“Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. And for them is a great punishment.” (Quran 2:7)
This verse highlights the dangers of rejecting guidance, where one’s ability to perceive truth is lost. However, just as a ship can navigate turbulent seas, individuals can also find redemption. Yet, Allah’s mercy offers hope,reminding us that sincere efforts can always lead us back to righteousness. True knowledge should not be pursued for power and status, as Allama Iqbal warns:
(That knowledge is poison for the free-spirited,
Which is pursued only for power and leadership.)
To restore dignity in religious leadership, it is essential to return to ethical discourse, spiritual sincerity, and true wisdom.
Consequences for Future Generations
The consequences of the declining ethical standards among religious leaders are deeply concerning. The youth may lose trust in religious figures, leading to skepticism and disengagement from faith. Moreover, young followers often imitate the divisive and hostile behavior of their leaders, fostering aggression and intolerance within society. This disconnects them from true Islamic values, which emphasize patience, wisdom, and moral integrity. However, hope is not lost. As Iqbal reminds us:
“Iqbal does not despair over his barren fields,
A mere drop of moisture can turn this soil fertile, O Saqi!”
This verse inspires optimism, reminding us that reform is possible if we nurture ethical leadership and restore respect for religious discourse. By fostering sincerity, wisdom, and responsible guidance, we can ensure that faith remains a source of enlightenment rather than division.
The Way Forward: Restoring Dignity in Religious Leadership
Restoring dignity in religious leadership requires collective action, beginning with public awareness and accountability. Communities must demand ethical leadership, discouraging divisive speech by refusing to engage with or promote such figures. Social media plays a significant role in amplifying conflicts, and if people stop sharing and reacting to these disputes, their influence will diminish. True scholarship should be encouraged by shifting focus from self-proclaimed religious leaders to well-educated scholars who emphasize wisdom, ethics, and moral training. Strong community leadership is essential, with mosque committees ensuring that scholars uphold decorum and respected intellectuals calling for unity. Large mosques and religious institutions should establish guidelines for religious discussions, preventing unnecessary conflicts. Authorities must hold accountable those who use the pulpit to spread hate, ensuring they do not misuse their influence. Ethical discourse should be promoted, mirroring early Islamic traditions of respectful debate. Platforms like Friday sermons should address real issues rather than personal conflicts. The unfortunate reality is that people are often more entertained by fights than wisdom, fueling the spread of religious disputes. However, if responsible individuals—including intellectuals, journalists, and genuine scholars—take a stand, pressure can be created for religious leaders to adopt more responsible behavior. Mosque committees must also set strict rules, questioning whether divisive scholars deserve a platform. A critical step toward reform is the establishment of a unified moral code for religious sermons. Ulama from all sects must come together to draft ethical guidelines, ensuring that the pulpit is used for wisdom rather than personal attacks. A cross-sect Ulama council could oversee sermons, discourage divisive rhetoric, and promote respectful discourse, with mosque committees enforcing these standards. Despite challenges like sectarian differences and lack of legal authority, this initiative remains a practical solution to restore ethical religious leadership. If scholars prioritize unity over rivalry, they can rebuild trust, preserve faith, and ensure that future generations inherit a tradition of responsible and enlightened religious guidance.
Conclusion
Religion is meant to unite, not divide. When religious leaders engage in public disputes, they weaken trust in faith-based institutions and push the younger generation toward confusion, skepticism, or extremism.If we fail to address this crisis, we risk raising a generation that either abandons faith or embraces hostility in its name. True religious leadership must be reclaimed—not for scholars, but for the future of our youth and society.
Restoring dignity in religious discourse is a collective duty. Communities must demand ethical leadership, promote respectful dialogue, and ensure that religious institutions focus on education and unity. It is up to us—scholars, communities, and institutions—to uphold the dignity of religious discourse and ensure that faith remains a guiding light for future generations.
Shah Gulzar is an educator with an M.Phil in History, currently working as a History Lecturer at Kashmir Harvard Educational Institute Naseem bagh.
