Mansooruddin Faridi/New Delhi

Believing that one's own religion is true is natural. But considering other faiths inferior or dismissing them as false amounts to doctrinal absolutism. Religious beliefs are also shaped, to a considerable extent, by geography, family and social surroundings. Rather than mocking other religions or trying to prove them wrong, people should focus on seeking the truth, a pursuit that can bring them closer to reality.

These are the views expressed by Shah Rukh Nadeem, a leading Pakistani booktuber, in a video message that has received appreciation from users on Instagram.

There are thousands of religions and diverse belief systems across the world. But does believing in the truth of one's own religion necessarily mean that all other religions must be false? Nadeem explored this question in one of his videos, highlighting what he described as doctrinal absolutism—the tendency to regard one's own religion and beliefs as the ultimate truth while dismissing those who disagree as wrong or even infidels.

He explained the difference between two seemingly similar statements. One person says, “My religion is true and I believe in it,” while another insists, “Only my religion is true and my belief is the best.”

Shah Rukh Nadeem

According to Nadeem, these represent two fundamentally different attitudes. The first expresses personal faith, while the second leaves little room for the beliefs of others.

How Geography Shapes Religious Belief

Nadeem also drew attention to the relationship between religious faith and geographical and social backgrounds. People are generally born into families and societies where particular religious beliefs and traditions prevail, and these surroundings often shape their understanding of religion.

He observed that had he been born in Japan, he might have developed a different understanding of God or might not have been a Muslim. Had he been born in the United States, he might have been more likely to become a Christian.

His point was that religious identity is influenced, at least in part, by the circumstances into which a person is born and the society in which they grow up.

Nadeem said it was not unusual for followers of different religions to regard their own faith as the best or the truest. The real problem begins when they attempt to impose their beliefs on others.

He argued that the situation becomes particularly troubling when people belittle other religions, ridicule their practices or portray their followers as inferior while insisting that only their own beliefs are correct.

Such attitudes, he warned, can lead to fundamentalism, extremism and, ultimately, hatred towards those who hold different beliefs.

Shah Rukh Nadeem

Nadeem described conflicts over religious beliefs as futile, arguing that fighting with others over faith rarely serves any meaningful purpose. Instead of engaging in endless disputes or trying to force others to accept their religious convictions, he suggested that people should concentrate on their own search for truth.

“Man's search for truth is the most sacred thing.”

Concluding his message, Nadeem emphasised that the pursuit of truth was, for him, the most sacred aspect of human life. It is this search, he suggested, that can ultimately bring a person closer to reality.

Nadeem is among Pakistan's prominent booktubers and regularly discusses books, knowledge, philosophy and religion. In his latest video message, he focused on the nature of religious belief and the importance of respecting the faith of others.

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His views drew an encouraging response on Instagram, where many users appreciated his emphasis on religious tolerance and a thoughtful, non-confrontational approach to matters of faith.