This is a re-post, I posted this in the 2010 Exam section as well.

Dear fellows, AlhumduLILLAH, today's paper went well, I just have doubts about my Essay, and I would like someone to comment on it.

I chose the topic, Religion has done more harm and help human relations in the world.

I will just write the points I wrote.

Introduction
-How over the span of history, religion has been forefront for many wars and bloodshed.
-How from it's inception, it has been a cause of dissent and divergence between people.
-How, we need to exemplify the plight caused to humans by religion and analyze whether religion was the sole factor.

Beginning of Religion
-Expulsion of Adam and Eve, creation of the world, start of man kind.
-Guidance of Man kind, broadly, divine religions and man-made.
-Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Zionism.

Consequences of Religion
-Plight of Bani-Israel, Prophet Musa, stood against Pharaohs.
-Crucifixion of Jesus, although he was considered a shepherd and guide.
-Persecution of Muhammad P.B.U.H, and forced migration to Medina.
-Arab Isreal wars.
-Hindu Muslim issues in the Subcontinent.

Analysis of the above events
-Religion used as a tool and abused.
-Real motives were hegemonic and greedy.
-Cruel rulers did not like the teachings of religion and enlightenment of public.
-Hidden political agendas, religion used as a pretext.

Examples of Religious Help
-Treaties between Muslims and non-Muslims.
-Charter of Medina
-Hindu-Muslim Unity, possible in practice, but did not work due to personal revenges and agenda.
-Religion preaches peace and equality.

Non-religious Plight upon Man kind
-WWI, WWII, Jewish Holocaust by Nazi Hitler.
-Aggressions by Secular India and secular US.
-Clash of Civilizations, East vs West.
-Arms and resource race, competition to become number one.
-World domination and Colonial period did more harm to humans than religion.

Current Scenario
-Colonialism replaced by Neo-colonialism
-Political motives to exploit other nations
-Terrorism, associated with religion
-Islam under direct attack - Defense of Islam, Religion of peace etc.

-Conclusion
-All religions teach peace and not violence.
-Marked events through history, man fought before popularity of religions.
-Innate nature of man to dominate others.
-Religion used as a pretext, Instigation between sects for political agenda.
-The relations between mankind are strained due to our own problems and limitations and policies of exploitation and dominance, religion does not really have a role in it.
-Being a human, responsibility to seek out the truth and the true religion.
-If followed properly, religion will not be the cause, but a discouragement from violence and bloodshed.
-Humans need to put their act together, otherwise a WWIII may happen, and we may not be able to survive it.


These are the points I remember, but I think these were pretty much all. I am in doubt, if I handled it okay, no one in my center or friends attempted this topic, and I am quite upset, since I have been told it was a bad choice for essay, so I would appreciate honest comments, I pray I make through this, InshALLAH Ameen.

Thank you.

__________________
"When He decreeth a matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is."