Introduction:

Religion is very broad and diverse in terms and practices. The act of worshiping and following a set of rules and morals defined by a higher power is what forms a religion (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). The Durkheimian practice of interpreting society as religion emphasizes that religion is an important social element; the rituals and representations are collective practices that provide structure and meaning to life and society (Priya, 2014). In a study conducted by specialists through reading and analyzing research about the development of national identities through religion, it pointed out that “Religion was one of the key dominant themes in early sociology” it played a vital role in forming nationalism and it perpetually shaped (shapes) our past, present, and future (Dingley, 2011). In a study conducted by specialists through reading and analyzing research about the development of national identities through religion, it pointed out that “Religion was one of the key dominant themes in early sociology” it played a vital role in forming nationalism and it perpetually shaped (shapes) our past, present, and future (Dingley, 2011).

Religion and nationalism:

Religion was (is) the power that helped nationalism emerge. Religion is the force above the individual that structured and controlled early society. It was the center of communities’ lives. In a study conducted by specialists through analyzing articles and historical evidence on the relationship between religion and nationalism, it is presented that religion is a prevalently influencing factor in national identity. It provides the yearly calendar, times of the day, education, welfare, and more. Individuals went to church to hear the words of God and the words of the king as well (Dingley et al, 2011).  Furthermore, many denominations that came out of the Orthodox church were formed on the idea that “all is equal” (CACE, 2012). “The Role of religion in several Roma communities”, explains how religions with freedom of expression evoked the proliferation of specific denominations in the Roma community (CACE, 2012). These denominations formed when the economic state of the public was weak. It preyed on the marginalized, poor, and citizens at risk of exclusion. These denominations were very bureaucratic as they defend moral values, and combine religion with socio-political protest (CACE, 2012). They were a critique of society and the national church. People depended on the social services of these denominations as the nation and church at that time were weak in terms of social assistance. According to CACE et al. these denominations “reshaped their missions statements, working in partnership with the Orthodox Church” (CACE, 2012). This involvement in organizations (denominations) from the Church assisted in improving social service in the nation as a whole. As a result, the Orthodox church improved which in turn developed quality of life and causes an increase in the rates of nationalism. In some cases, religion can emit nationalism for a nonexistent nation. For example, Judaism teaches the Jews that their rightful land is Israel. The religion has made the land in Palestine holy. As a consequence, politics, and religion combined and formed a new land on an already existing one by ethnically cleansing the natives, this shows how nationalism and religion can be a virulent combination. This historical biblical claim in Judaism turned politics into fulfilling a religious mission and evoked nationalism on a nonexistent land. However, some might argue that religious power might threaten the power of the nation and decrease nationalism. For example, Iraq is a multi-cultural state that is torn apart between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Arabs, and Kurds (Dingley et al, 2011). This tear in society threatens nationalism in Iraq. On the contrary, nationalism is defined as the love for one’s country and nation and the evidence mentioned above shows that religion and nationalism go together. 

Religion and unity:

Religion and rituals make communities united. If one traces the etymology of religion it is derived from the Latin word religio which means bonds of relations and the word society is derived from the Latin word socio which means bonds of compassion (Dingley et al, 2011). Religion increases the coordination, cooperation, and camaraderie within communities. In a research that studied the importance of the Haka dance in Maori culture, it was found that performing the Haka has countless social benefits such as making the community more cohesive (Pihama et al, 2014). Haka also helps individuals hone their leadership skills and excel in other aspects of life. In an interview with a native Maori, he stated that haka promotes “the pursuit of excellence…as an example of how you can achieve excellence if you put everything behind it and if you believe in it” (Pihama et al, 2014). Additionally, Islamic teachings promote a connected society and brotherly love and care between individuals. The prophet Mohammed, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever” (The Hadith, n.d.). This hadith shows how Islam cares about connectivity and cohesion within its Ummah (Muslim society). This hadith reminds one of the Levithian book cover, the cover has one king that is formed from the body of several citizens. The book cover reflects the hadith if one part of the body ached the whole body will fall. This book argues that the sovereign must be obeyed in all matters to ensure peace among the nation; faking nationalism and support to the king so that the country does not ache (Leviathan (Hobbes book), n.d.). Furthermore, salah (prayer) which is the first pillar of Islam is performed five times a day. This act of worship teaches discipline and brings people together. It creates harmony as people from around the world stand shoulder by shoulder and pray together despite their cultural and language differences (Kermalli, 2003). To ensure modesty, men and women pray in different areas during this act of worship (Kermalli, 2003). In the culture compas, Muslim countries have a lower rate of individualism among their citizens. For example, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an individualism rate of 25, whereas, the United States of America has an individualism rate of 91 (Country comparison, 2021). Although some religions encourage more individualistic rituals than connected ones, the act of worshiping the same being or following the same religion makes individuals cohesive and united. 

 

CACE, S. (2012). The role of religion in several Roma communities. Working Together, 162–174. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-role-of-religion-in-several-Roma-communities-Cace-Tomescu/8c40b7a43b824bf4a907d1231520c5209338802a

 

Country Comparison. (2021, June 21). Hofstede Insights. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/saudi-arabia,the-usa/

 

Dingley, J. (2011). Sacred communities: religion and national identities. National Identities, 13(4), 389–402. https://doi.org/10.1080/14608944.2011.629427

 

Kermalli, F. (2003, April 26). The power of prayer in Islam. The Morning Call. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from https://www.tribpub.com/gdpr/mcall.com/

 

Leviathan. (1651, April). [Book cover]. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Leviathan_by_Thomas_Hobbes.jpg

 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Religion. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion

 

Pihama, L., Tipene, J., & Skipper, H. (2014). Nga Hua A Tane Rore The benefits of kapa haka. Ministry for Culture and Heritage, 1–86. https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10289/12603/Nga%20Hua%20A%20Tane%20Rore%20%20The%20benefits%20of%

 

Priya, R. (2014, December 1). The Durkheim’s Sociology of Religion and Its Function. Your Article Library.

https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/sociology/the-durkheims-sociology-of-religion-and-its-function/43749

 

The Hadith, (Sahih Bukhari 6011).

https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2012/03/03/believers-like-body/

Wikipedia contributors. (2022, April 1). Leviathan (Hobbes book). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(Hobbes_book)#:%7E:text=Leviathan%20or%20The%20Matter%2C%20Forme,derives%20from%20the%20biblical%20Leviathan.