Fanatic Hindu, fanatic Muslim, fanatic Sikh, fanatic Christian, fanatic Jew, fanatic Buddhist—labels like these are unfortunately common, often tacked onto people of different faiths based on negative encounters or broad assumptions. The prefix “fanatic” taints the essence of any religion it’s attached to, overshadowing its spiritual heart and misrepresenting its purpose.

Religious fanaticism springs from prioritizing rituals and customs over the core theological principles of a faith. When one’s devotion becomes solely about defending and preserving traditions, the spirit of the religion fades, replaced by a rigid sense of duty toward ceremonial practices. This mindset fosters a belief that religion is under threat, though, in reality, no religion needs protection from external forces—only from the fanaticism within.

Fanatics cling to rituals, mistaking them for the whole of their faith, siphoning off its divine energy and spiritual intent. Rituals provide identity, structure, and a shared cultural bond, but when practiced excessively, they become a tool of fanaticism. This kind of fervor offers no true connection to the underlying faith but instead feeds on fear and rigid ideology.

Ultimately, a fanatic is just that—a fanatic, defined by their obsessive intensity, not by the nuances of any particular faith. In truth, no religion requires fanatical defenders; what it needs are followers who seek the depth, compassion, and wisdom it truly offers.

– Promod Puri