Mahatma Gandhi's view on Religion. Religion was central to Gandhi's life, thought and work .His religious ideas were complex and varied according to the occasion. Writing in 1927 in Young India he said, “It (Hinduism) was the most tolerant of all religions.

Aryan Ray,

Gandhiji's views on religion and politics can be summarized as follows:

b) Religion should be ahead of politics

Gandhiji believed that religion should take precedence over politics. He saw religion as the foundation of morality and ethics, and believed that political decisions should be guided by these principles. He emphasized the importance of spirituality and the moral values derived from religion in shaping political actions and policies.

Religion as the Foundation of Morality and Ethics
Gandhiji believed that religion provided the moral and ethical framework for individuals and society. He saw religion as a means to cultivate virtues such as truthfulness, non-violence, compassion, and justice. According to him, these principles should guide political leaders and their decisions. He emphasized that politics should be grounded in the values and teachings of religion to ensure a just and ethical society.

Importance of Spirituality in Politics
For Gandhiji, spirituality was an essential aspect of politics. He believed that political leaders should have a spiritual outlook and strive for self-realization. He emphasized the importance of introspection, self-discipline, and self-control in political life. According to him, political leaders should work towards self-purification and selflessness, and prioritize the welfare of the people over personal gain.

Religion as a Unifying Force
Gandhiji saw religion as a unifying force that transcended divisions of caste, creed, and religion. He believed in the principle of Sarvadharma Sambhava, which means equal respect for all religions. He emphasized the need for religious harmony and tolerance in a diverse society like India. According to him, politics should promote religious pluralism and ensure the equal participation and representation of all religious communities.

Criticism of Religious Fanaticism
While advocating for the importance of religion in politics, Gandhiji also criticized religious fanaticism. He believed that religion should not be used as a tool to justify violence or discrimination. He emphasized the need for an inclusive understanding of religion, where different faiths could coexist peacefully. According to him, politics should challenge and overcome religious divisions, and work towards creating a society based on equality, justice, and harmony.

In conclusion, Gandhiji believed that religion should be ahead of politics. He saw religion as the foundation of morality and ethics, and believed that political decisions should be guided by these principles. He emphasized the importance of spirituality, religious harmony, and the promotion of virtues in politics. At the same time, he criticized religious fanaticism and called for an inclusive understanding of religion.