Religion is a very sensitive subject and reason for wars all over

In the vast ocean of human history, religion has often been the guiding star for countless individuals, a beacon of meaning, purpose, and connection. Yet, as Yolanda Hadid so profoundly states, "Religion is a very sensitive subject and reason for wars all over the world." These words echo a painful truth: religion, which should unite humanity, has too often been a cause of division and conflict. Faith has been the foundation of civilizations, yes, but it has also been the spark that ignites the flames of war. In this truth lies the paradox of human existence: that which is meant to bring peace can also sow discord when wielded by the hands of the misguided.

The history of humanity is littered with the remains of wars fought in the name of God, or for the preservation of one belief system over another. From the Crusades to the Thirty Years' War, and from the rise of the Islamic conquests to the struggles between sects of Christianity, the sword has often been drawn in the name of faith. In these bloody chapters of history, religion is not a balm for the soul, but a weapon in the hands of those who seek to impose their will upon others. The wars waged over religious differences have left scars that still echo in the present, reminding us of the great responsibility that comes with faith and the dangers that arise when reason is forsaken for dogma.

Consider the Crusades, those holy wars fought by the Christian world to reclaim Jerusalem. In the name of God, countless lives were lost, and the bloodshed that ensued cast a long shadow over the centuries. The religious fervor that propelled these wars left an indelible mark on the history of Europe and the Middle East, a reminder of how easily faith can become twisted into something violent and destructive. And yet, despite the horrors of the past, the conflict between religions continues to this very day, from the struggles between Sunni and Shia Muslims, to the tension between Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the Holy Land. Even in our modern world, religion remains a fault line along which many of our fiercest conflicts erupt.

What then, can be learned from the turbulent history of religion and its role in war? The lesson is a somber one: religion, though it holds the potential for immense good, can also be easily corrupted by the forces of power, greed, and ignorance. In the hands of those who seek control, faith becomes not a source of peace, but a means of domination. When individuals and nations wield religion to justify violence, they forget the true meaning of their faith. True religion, as taught by the great sages of old, should seek to bind humanity together, not to tear it apart. It should teach compassion, understanding, and respect for all beings, not hatred and division.

To find wisdom in Yolanda Hadid's words, we must look inward and ask ourselves how religion is practiced in our own lives. Is it a force for peace and unity, or a tool used to justify our own prejudices and fears? We must remember that the divine is not found in the clashing of swords or the sound of battle cries, but in the quiet moments of reflection and understanding, when we seek to bridge the divides that separate us. The true test of faith lies not in the grand declarations of power, but in the small, everyday acts of kindness, empathy, and love that bring us closer to one another, regardless of our beliefs.

In the ancient texts, the Buddha taught that the path to enlightenment is one of inner peace, not outward conquest. The Prophet Muhammad urged his followers to treat others with respect and to seek peace, even in the face of adversity. Jesus of Nazareth, too, spoke of turning the other cheek, of loving one’s enemy, and of making peace with all people. These teachings, though rooted in different traditions, share a common thread: that the true purpose of religion is not to wield power over others, but to cultivate inner peace and compassion. And yet, too often, we forget these teachings in the heat of conflict, and in doing so, we lose sight of the very essence of what faith is meant to be.

The lesson of Yolanda Hadid's quote, then, is one of great importance. Religion, when practiced with true understanding, is a force for peace, unity, and compassion. But when it is used as a weapon, it becomes a source of endless conflict and suffering. The path forward is not in seeking to impose our beliefs on others, but in learning to respect and understand the diversity of faiths and traditions that exist in our world. We must practice our faith with humility, recognizing that peace begins not with others, but within ourselves. Let us take action to build bridges, not walls—seeking to heal the wounds that divide us, and to bring light where darkness has reigned.