Humanity isn't a religion, but it is more than religion

I don't want to jump into the debate of which religion preaches humanity better than others or which religion is the best illustration of humanity's actual values. Every religion is respectable for me, not because that is true, only because its followers have an emotional connection.

I have seen many debates that said, "humanity is the best religion."

People who articulate this sentence are not aware of the definition of religion .they also do not know about the history behind the fancy word humanity.

Or perhaps they are not much religious, but they are in a romance with religion unconsciously.

Religion is a revelation from any god; it is a set of rules. Britannica defines religion as:

"Religion, human beings' relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of especial reverence. It is also commonly regarded as consisting of the way people deal with ultimate concerns about their lives and their fate after death."

the primary purpose of religion is to protect the interests of its followers' supreme deity and desires. But it also motivates to hate with the people who are followers of other religions just because they don't want to follow their's faith.

Humanism is a complete philosophy; this philosophy is derived from naturalism. Secularism and liberalism are derived from humanism. Philosophers, leader, and scientists fought a heavy battle with the church .because they wanted to establish human rights before personal faith.

"the humanist magazine" defines Humanism as :

"Humanism is a rational philosophy informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming each human being's dignity, it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility.

It advocates the extension of participatory democracy and the expansion of the open society, standing for human rights and social justice. Free of supernaturalism, it recognizes human beings as a part of nature and holds that values-be they religious, ethical, social, or political-have their source in human experience and culture.

Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather than from theological or ideological abstractions, and asserts that humanity must take responsibility for its own destiny."

– The Humanist Magazine

There were many fights; one was with religion, and with its clergy because religion divides people.

One fight was with culture and customs because they divide people based on cast systems.

Every religion convicts people not following it. It draws a line between "us" and "you".

there were some fundamental beliefs of humanists :

• the belief of religion is a human-made, based on personal feelings and desires.
• God(s) didn't make humans, but humans created gods.
• State and religion should be separate.
• Legislation should not base on scriptures.
• democarasy is best form of Governament.
• Everyone is equal for a state, no matter what religion he follows.

So, religion is a cultural or geographical phenomenon, but humanism is a universal philosophy. Follower of every religion is equal for humanism.

Humanism is the welfare of humanity, not the welfare of any superpower. In humanism, humans are the central point.

Religions are enjoying freedom under humanism

the fight against slavery is the best example. Islam permitted slavery. But humanist philosophy abolished slavery from the earth. In humanist societies, every religion is treated equally. Follower of every religion is enjoying his fundamental rights mentioned in the first human declaration. They are free to practice their religions. They have equal rights.

Looking at orthodox religious societies like Pakistan and Iran, followers of other religions (Hinduism, Sikhism. Christianity) are not treated equally. States made laws against them. They cannot be a prime minister or president of the countries. They don't have equal job and education opportunities, so they are leaving these orthodox countries.

But there are many sub-sects in Islam .they are not prepared to accept each other .so in Pakistan Shia and Ahmadi Muslims are migrating to European countries. Pakistani state kicked out Ahmadi Muslims from Islam by law; the state was under pressure by the orthodox mobs. So state got involved in religion, did support to majority sects.

Humanism is safety for every belief

As I discussed above, in humanitarian societies, every religion is free. The majority of religions cannot push to minority religions. They are safe. Law of states ensures the safety of every religion. And the laws of these states are following the Humanism.

Humanism provides a nursery for science

Humanism is an open-minded and open heart philosophy. It provides open ground to science. Humanism believes in a free inquiry of the universe. It supports the scientific method. Humanism does not support dogmatism. It supports debate and accepts criticism. You can not be killed by any humanitarian if you show disagreement. But in a religious society, you cannot even dream of disagreeing with teachings and beliefs.

So humanism is not a religion or a great religion. It is a simple philosophy. It gives importance to humans; it believes in human capabilities to solve their issues.

It honours humanity by promising freedom, respect and equality.