DARZ KKG

Across human history, the divine message has reached us in many forms, languages, and traditions. Yet beneath the outward diversity of rituals, names, and symbols lies a single truth: all religions share the same moral foundation. The Ten Commandments, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Qur’anic injunctions toward justice and compassion, and the Hindu code of dharma all teach honesty, kindness, respect for life, and devotion to truth. Humanity’s differences lie not in morality but in the manner of worship and cultural expression.

The Multiplicity of the Divine

In Hinduism, divinity manifests in countless forms—described poetically as 330 million deities. Each god or goddess represents a facet of the one supreme reality, Brahman, the infinite essence of all existence. Similarly, Lord Buddha revealed that there have been innumerable Buddhas—“as many as the sands on the banks of the Ganges”—each arising in different eras to guide humanity toward enlightenment.

In Islam, too, the idea of divine guidance is vast: “For We assuredly sent amongst every people a messenger” (Qur’an 16:36). Islamic tradition records that around 124,000 prophets were sent to every nation and tribe on earth, all carrying the same essential message—to worship one God and live righteously.

Is it mere coincidence that the numbers of Buddhas and prophets are both described as immeasurable? Or could it be that these are parallel expressions of the same sacred truth—that divine compassion has never left any nation unguided?

I humbly believe that these enlightened beings—whether we call them Buddhas, Prophets, Rishis, or Saints—are all honourable messengers of the same Divine Source. The forms differ, but the Light is one.

The Divine Plan of Diversity

If God had willed, He could have made all humanity one race, one language, and one faith—angels without sin or conflict. But He chose diversity as a means for mutual recognition, learning, and growth. The Qur’an beautifully states:
“O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you before God are the most righteous of you.” (49:13)

Diversity, therefore, is not a curse but a divine design. The division of humanity into nations, races, and religions was meant for cooperation, not competition; for understanding, not arrogance. No nation or creed is superior to another by birth or label—only by moral consciousness and compassion.

Common Ground in the Abrahamic Faiths

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are often called the Abrahamic religions, tracing their spiritual lineage to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), a model of unwavering faith. All three proclaim monotheism—the belief in one supreme God—and share a reverence for divine revelation and prophecy.

Their scriptures tell the stories of Adam, Noah, Moses, and David, whose lives serve as moral examples for believers across faiths. Differences do exist in theology—such as in the understanding of Jesus and the finality of prophethood—but the moral essence remains shared: faith in one God, compassion toward others, and accountability for our deeds.

Bridging East and West: Buddha and the Prophets

Some scholars have drawn thought-provoking parallels between the teachings of the Buddha and the messages of the prophets. The Qur’an mentions a figure called Dhul-Kifl, interpreted by some as “the man from Kifl,” possibly a reference to the Buddha’s birthplace, Kapilavastu. Whether literal or symbolic, such connections remind us that divine wisdom knows no boundaries.

The Gospel of Buddha records that when Ananda asked, “Who shall teach us when thou art gone?” the Blessed One replied that another Buddha, Maitreya, would arise in due time. The Sanskrit Maitreya (or Pali Metteyya) means “the compassionate, the merciful.” The Qur’an describes Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as “a mercy to all creatures” (21:107). The Arabic Rahmat and the Sanskrit Maitri share the same essence: universal compassion.

Unity Through Understanding

In Hinduism, the divine manifests as Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Transformer—expressions of one supreme Brahman. In Buddhism, enlightenment reveals the universal truth of compassion. In the Abrahamic traditions, revelation brings the moral law and divine guidance. In every tradition, the ultimate goal is the same: to live with compassion, truth, and justice, and to realize the unity of all existence.

If we truly understand this, religious differences no longer divide us—they enrich us. Each tradition becomes a unique melody in the great symphony of divine expression.

Conclusion: The One Light, Many Lamps

Humanity’s longing for the Divine is ancient and universal. Whether expressed in temples, mosques, churches, synagogues, or stupas, that yearning is the same. The prophets, Buddhas, and sages did not come to create divisions but to remind us of our shared origin and destiny.

Let us, therefore, look beyond the outer forms and see the inner light that unites all faiths. For as the mystics say:

“The lamps are different, but the Light is the same.”

When we understand this truth, interfaith harmony will cease to be a dream—it will become the natural expression of our shared humanity.