Hindus more likely to link faith to national identity than Muslims, finds the Pew survey
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A new Pew Research Centre survey has revealed that 67% of Indians consider religion an important factor in defining national identity. The study, which surveyed nearly 55,000 people across 36 countries, highlights stark differences in how religious communities in India perceive the role of faith in shaping the nation’s identity.
According to the report, 73% of Hindus believe that being Hindu is very important to being “truly Indian.” In contrast, only 12% of Muslims agree that religion plays a significant role in national identity. This disparity underscores the complex relationship between religion and nationalism in a country that constitutionally identifies as secular.
The survey also explored the concept of “religious nationalism,” with 24% of Indians identifying as such. Religious nationalists strongly associate national identity with adherence to the country’s dominant religion, support the influence of religious teachings on laws, and believe that holy scriptures should take precedence over public opinion in policymaking. Among Hindus, 57% support basing Indian laws on religious teachings, compared to just 26% of Muslims.
Globally, the survey found that middle-income countries, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, place a higher emphasis on religion as a cornerstone of national identity compared to high-income nations. For example, in Bangladesh, where 90% of the population is Muslim, 94% believe religion benefits society. In contrast, only 42% of people in Sweden, a largely secular nation, share this sentiment.
In India, the findings reveal a deep connection between religion and societal values. A significant 79% of Indians believe that religion does more good than harm, with 68% agreeing that it promotes tolerance. However, 53% reject the notion that religion fosters superstition. These views were more pronounced among those who pray daily, with 27% of daily worshippers identifying as “religious nationalists,” compared to 17% of those who pray less frequently.
The survey also highlights a key divide in India. While the majority of Hindus regard religion as essential to national identity, a much smaller percentage of Muslims hold the same view. This division underscores the broader tensions surrounding the role of religion in a secular democracy like India.
Dr Anjali Desai, a sociologist, commented, “The survey reflects the deep connection between religion and identity in India. However, it also raises important questions about inclusivity and the future of secularism in a diverse democracy.”
The Pew survey, conducted from January to May 2024, provides a comprehensive look at the role of religion in shaping national identity and policy-making across the globe. In India, the findings come at a time when debates over religious identity and nationalism are increasingly polarising society. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, the survey offers a nuanced perspective on how religion shapes national identity, both at home and abroad.
