Akbar’s Din-e-Ilahi (Political Significance)

 Fazila Nawaz

Din-i llahi was a system of religious beliefs introduced by Akbar. Akbar got this idea from the wide range of religious discussions on different topics in the academy he founded named Ibadat Khana. The term Din-i Illah means “the religion of God.” Akbar introduced this idea to combine Islam, Hinduism and aspects of Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Jainism in one faith. Akbar believed that no single religion give the whole truth and thus to get a completeness all the religions should be combined. Din-i illahi was an ethical system that prohibits sins, sensuality, pride, slander and encouraged the virtues of piety, prudence, self-denial and sympathy. Through Islamic mysticism the soul was encouraged to purify via yearning for God. Celibacy was disregarded as it was a strong feature of Catholicism and slaughtering of animals was not allowed for the reason that it is disregarded in Jainism. The rituals in Din-I illah was borrowed from Zoroastrianism.

The Din-i Illahi emphasize on morality, piety and kindness. It has no scriptures, no priest and had only few followers, Akbar and some of his followers. Historians view Din-i illahi as a state religion whose centre was Akbar himself. As a sovereign authority Akbar was not only interpreting and applying the religious laws, but formed a religious to better handle the diversified land of subcontinent. He was considering it hazardous to have division among the members themselves or with one another. Thereby, under the principles of Din-i illahi, those were applied as policies Akbar tried to being them all into one. Yet, in such a way that people should be united with all the great advantage and not losing any good that once religion and by gaining whatever is better in another. He believed that this is the only way to rendered to God, create peace among the people and gave security to the Empire.

The idealism and liberal approach of Akbar made him the great ruler of India. The principles of Din-i illahi that he applied in Indian society gave him popularity from different groups of the Indian society. The principles of Din-i illahi taught religious tolerance, abolishing of exploitation, forbiddance of alcohol and many significant policies that were also followed by his successors and that’s what enhanced the lifetime of Mughal rule in subcontinent. The principles of Din-i illah let Akbar to introduce significant revenue policies beneficial for the entire nation. Thus, other than the military victories Akbar got a large Empire for Mughals due to his fair administrative policies. His respect for every religion made it easier for him to make friendly relations with Hindu rulers and ultimately add them in his empire through inters religion marriages. The Indian politics was stabilized and united in Akbar’s rule because of his acceptance to the other religions.