Discuss Akbar's religious policy. Discuss the political significance of Akbar's religious policy and Deen-e-Ilahi.
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Akbar's religious policy:-
Among the Muslim rulers of India, Akbar was the first to adopt a liberal policy towards the Hindus and strengthen the foundation of the Mughal Empire by gaining their help and support. This liberality can also be seen in the field of religious policy. In Akbar's religious policy, harmony, tolerance and the incorporation of the beneficial aspects of all religions can be seen.
Reasons for adopting a liberal religious policy by Akbar:-
Akbar adopted a liberal policy in the field of religion. The reasons for this were -
(i) The descendants of Timur Lang, i.e. Akbar's ancestors, were influenced by Sufi doctrine. There was no religious fanaticism among them. Akbar was inspired by this ideology.
(ii) The liberal religious attitude of the Rajput nobles influenced Akbar.
(iii) Akbar's tutor Abdul Latif was a liberal humanist. His teachings deeply influenced Akbar.
(iv) He became irritated with the orthodoxy of Islam after coming in contact with Sheikh Mubarak, Abul Fazl etc.
(v) Akbar's childhood was spent in Persia and Kabul. During this time he got the opportunity to come in contact with people of different religions.
(vi) Under the supervision of Bairam Khan, Akbar got the opportunity to get acquainted with various Sufi saints from his childhood. Their liberal religious mentality influenced Akbar.
(vii) Also, Akbar realized that introducing orthodox Islamic policies in Hindu-majority India would not be favorable for the Mughal Empire. Therefore, modern historians believe that Akbar adopted a liberal policy in the field of religion, showing political foresight.
Three stages of Akbar's religious policy: -
Akbar's religious life and his religious policy can be divided into three stages - namely: -
First stage: He was a devout Sunni Muslim until 1575. During this time, he followed all the rules of Islam.
Second stage: From 1575 onwards, his religious policy is considered to be the second stage. At this stage, he tried to seize all the power in the religious field and by publishing a document, he established the supreme power of the emperor in the state and religious fields. Smith has called this document the Infallibility Decree. The main point of this directive was that the emperor's decision was final in all religious matters. Besides, in 1875, he established the Ibadatkhana. Initially, only Muslim scholars participated in the discussions. But Akbar closed the Ibadatkhana, noting their religious fanaticism. Then in 1578 AD, the Ibadat Khana was called again and this time scholars of all religions including Muslims were invited for discussion.
Third Stage: Introduction of Din-i-Ilahi:- The third stage of Akbar's religious policy is Din-i-Ilahi. In 1581 AD, he introduced Din-i-Ilahi. He incorporated the liberal and humanistic features of all religions into his new monotheistic theology. Badauni called this doctrine "Tawhid-i-Ilahi" or divine monotheism. This new religion was made up of the essence of all religions. For example, the worship of Hindus, reincarnation; non-violence of Buddhists and Jains; the holiness of Islam, etc. In this new religion, there was no place for religious leaders or priests. There was also no place for any special religious rituals.
Smith's opinion: - Smith criticized Akbar's Din-e-Ilahi and said - Din-e-Ilahi was an anti-Islamic religion and it was the ultimate sign of Akbar's stupidity. But Smith's comment is not acceptable; because, Din-e-Ilahi was not a new religion and Akbar did not force anyone to accept this religion. Din-e-Ilahi was actually a policy of Akbar through which Akbar wanted to unite India, inhabited by different races, religions, languages, and cultures, into one.
Badauni's opinion: - According to Badauni, after introducing Din-e-Ilahi, Akbar introduced various anti-Islamic policies. He banned eating beef; fasting during Ramadan and traveling to Mecca. But Badauni's statement is biased. Because, (a) He was influenced by popular belief. (b) Badauni was a strong critic of Akbar. (c) Abul Fazl was receiving excessive royal favors. In fact, orthodox Muslims and clerics made these complaints out of fear of their influence decreasing.
The political importance of Din-e-Ilahi:-
Firstly, due to the introduction of Din-e-Ilahi, the Indian people accepted Akbar as a complete Indian emperor and a patriot.
Secondly, Din-e-Ilahi paved the way for the emergence of national unity in India, which was inhabited by many races, languages and religions.
Thirdly, the influence and prestige of fanatic and orthodox ulema was destroyed.
Fourthly, Akbar's total control was established in all religious and state affairs.
Fifth: Professor Atahar Ali believes that Akbar strengthened the foundation of the administration and the Mughal Empire by bringing together people of different religions.
Sixth: He became a pan-Indian leader by introducing Sul-hi-Kul.
Seventh: The differences between Hindus and Muslims were largely eliminated.
Eighth: A new way of thinking began in the spiritual field.
Ninth: The most important political aspect of Din-e-Ilahi is that by introducing this policy, he gained the unwavering support of the Hindus.
