Religious Politics
CFRPSAIL Religious Politics Blog Syed Tajammul Abbas Political Systems September 20, 2026 Introduction: For centuries, religion has inevitably influenced politics. Religion and politics have never been fully separated, and each has depended on and influenced the other. In ancient times, rulers claimed God’s will to justify their rule, with the support of religious institutions, and in return supported them (Fox, 2012). Moreover, in modern politics, even in liberal and secular societies, policies are shaped with religious beliefs in mind, and in some countries, religion is either the source of political power or the basis of the governing system. The reason is that people have various faiths and belief systems that shape their worldviews. These worldviews influence their socio-political movements, such as the caste system in India, the Promised Land of Israel, extremism in Pakistan, and even religious views influence public debates in the United States (Wienclaw, 2019). Hence, this article examines the historical relationship between religion and politics and the contemporary relevance of religious politics. Background: Ancient and Pre-Modern Period: The pre-modern era had a sacred monarchy, when political rulers legitimized their powers through religious beliefs, and thus religion became a crucial part of the state (Wienclaw, 2019). Here is a historical timeline of ancient religio-political evolution: Prehistory — before c. 3000 BCE. Leaders had sacred kinships in tribal societies. Mesopotamia — c. 3500–2000 BCE. One of the oldest written civilizations, where kings ruled through religious authority. Ancient Egypt — c. 3100 BCE onward. Egyptian Pharaoh, a divine ruler. Ancient Persia — c. 550 BCE onward. Persian kings claimed to have authorization to rule from Ahura Mazda (Ehsan, 2004). Ancient Greece — c. 800–300 BCE. Religion and the city-state were interconnected. Ancient Rome — c. 500 BCE–476 CE. Emperors’ association with divine authority and imperial cults. Medieval Europe — c. 500–1500 CE. Christianity dominated political authority. Islamic Arabia, 610–632 CE. Medina, an early Islamic state. Caliphate to Ottoman Empire, 632–1922. Political rule under religious law. Modern Era and Contemporary Period: As a result of the decline of religious unity, such as Christianity, and the religious wars, multiple political ideologies emerged, dominated by secularization. From the Middle Ages to the 20th century, traditional religions declined with the development of modern religious politics under secularization. Hence, new political ideologies adopted new religious beliefs, rituals, and symbols for the creation of new political faith (Burrin, 1997). However, compared to the past, religion is quite separate in most of the contemporary Western and European nation-states, such as the United States, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and China in the Asia, but few states have adopted a religious form of government, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, whereas in some states, religion has a direct influence in politics, such as Pakistan and India. Though religious ideologies became private from the 16th to the 20th century as secular ideologies emerged, they still profoundly influence the contemporary political paradigm (Asad, 1992). Definition: To understand the real context of religious politics, we must go through politics and religion first. The political scientist Harold D. Lasswell defines politics as “who gets what, when, and how”(Lasswell, 2018). This definition explores the competition and distribution of power and resources to influence groups of people and mobilize their support. Religion can be defined as a belief system or practices that connect humans to a divine, spiritual, sacred, and supernatural power (Dictionary). Thus, religious politics can be described as the interlink between religion and political power. It occurs when religious identity and institutions are deeply involved in political activities, such as when politicians use religious institutions and shared beliefs in political activities to influence people (Institute, 2026). Significance: Politics and religion are intertwined. Neither one acts independently of the other. Scholars have observed that religious politics has always been of great significance in every era. Because it directly impacts democracy, social reforms, unity, and minority rights. For instance, dominant religious interference in elections can make emotional identity politics a real policy debate instead of realpolitik. It can also create an insecure environment for minorities and communal violence. However, religion is important in the political sphere to mobilize people for a common cause, promote equality, justice, national unity, and social reforms (Institute, 2026). Advantages and Limitations: Religious politics can have both positive and negative consequences, such as: Advantages: Religion in politics can sometimes promote social justice by challenging discrimination and inequality. It can also mobilize masses for a common political cause that benefits them. Political actors can draw on religious moral frameworks to show mercy to people and ensure peace and stability. Religion in politics can also promote moral guidance on responsibility in the use and exercise of power. Alongside this, it can also encourage cooperation, dialogue, tolerance, and pluralistic values (Price, 2007). Limitations: Religious absolutism in politics is like an incurable disease. Politicians claim that their power represents God’s will; hence, their positions become unquestionable. Tis way they can misuse and abuse political power. It creates political polarization in a way that differences in religious views can divide people into opposing political groups. Moreover, there is a high risk of imposing one religious belief on society in the form of law; this can result in sectarian conflicts, inequality, and discrimination. Lastly, the most dangerous thing that happens when religion is used in politics is the loss of humility, which means fighting for your political cause is the same as fighting for God’s cause (Price, 2007). Case Studies: Pakistan: Since its inception, religion has played a significant role in Pakistan’s political structure. The formation of Jamaat-e-Islami in the 1940s and the establishment of other major religio-political parties exemplify religion’s vital role in political activism in Pakistan. Moreover, under his military dictatorship, Zia-ul-Haq implemented the policy of “Islamization”, which means that every political and social domain would function according to Islamic laws. This major development gave birth to extremism and sectarian violence in Pakistan (Yaghouti, 2025). India: In India, not the religious parties but the Hindu caste system, which is deeply rooted in religion, influences