Self-Improvement and Preparations for the Future Success of Myanmar Muslims
Part 2: Shared Virtues Across Religions — A Call for Unity, Not Division
“We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts, we make the world.”
— Dhammapada, verses 1.1–3
The Essence is the Same — Only the Forms Differ
At the core of every major religion — whether Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, or Hinduism — lies a common essence: the cultivation of goodness, the rejection of evil, and the pursuit of compassion, truth, and justice.
It is not religion that divides humanity — it is the way we practice it.
Too often, political or religious leaders manipulate people by emphasizing external differences, using rituals, clothing, or dogma as tools to create fear, hatred, or exclusion. These leaders thrive on division, feeding on our ignorance and blind loyalty.
But if we reflect deeply, we will realize that the core values across all major faiths are remarkably similar.
- Islam calls for compassion, justice, charity, and peace.
- Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness, non-violence, truthfulness, and purity of thought.
- Christianity teaches forgiveness, love of neighbor, humility, and faith.
- Hinduism advocates for karma (ethical action), self-discipline, and universal oneness.
The covering — the outer rituals, garments, or languages — may differ. But the heart of religion is one.
Human Diversity Is Divine Intention
We often chase variety in our own lives — new car models, fashion trends, different cuisines. So why should it surprise us that God created humanity with such diversity?
We are not mass-produced robots from an assembly line. We are individuals, each unique in thought, temperament, and belief. God gave us free will — the ability to choose good or evil — unlike angels who do not sin.
That freedom is what makes our moral choices meaningful. And with that freedom comes divine justice: good will be rewarded; evil will be punished.
Religions Respect Goodness Beyond Their Own Borders
Let us also correct a dangerous misconception: that people of other religions — no matter how kind or ethical — are automatically condemned.
- The Buddha never condemned good people of other faiths to hell.
- Jesus (Isa) never preached eternal damnation for righteous non-Christians.
- The Qur’an too states clearly that good non-Muslims — those who believe in God and do righteous deeds — have a reward with their Lord and need not fear. (Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:62)
So who are we to judge others harshly when even our scriptures and prophets taught compassion and fairness?
Buddhist Ethics: The Five Precepts
The basic moral code in Buddhism, known as The Five Precepts, aligns closely with Islamic values and universal ethics:
- Abstain from killing (Respect for life)
- Abstain from stealing (Respect for property)
- Abstain from sexual misconduct (Purity and responsibility)
- Abstain from lying (Truthfulness)
- Abstain from intoxication (Clarity of mind)
These five are undertaken alongside taking refuge in the Triple Gem — the Buddha (teacher), the Dhamma (truth), and the Sangha (spiritual community).
We must acknowledge these commonalities not to dilute our own faith but to build bridges of understanding — especially in a country like Myanmar where social cohesion is fragile and mistrust is rife.
A Call to Reject Religious Hatred
Our spiritual awakening must begin with rejecting religious chauvinism and embracing shared humanity. Unity does not require uniformity. Differences in rituals or names for God must never become weapons of war.
As Myanmar Muslims seeking a better future, we must lead by example — in character, not in slogans. And that includes embracing the goodness in others, regardless of their religion.
