Throughout history, as humanity evolved, enlightened saints, sages, and prophets gave rise to various religions across different parts of the world. Though these religions were founded in diverse eras and cultures, a closer look reveals that the core values and principles they espouse are strikingly similar. At the heart of every religion lies a common thread: the laws of life, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of inner peace and universal harmony. Each religion encourages practices such as meditation, prayer, contemplation, and self-discipline—guiding individuals not just toward personal salvation, but also toward contributing to a balanced, compassionate, and peaceful society. Religion, in its truest form, is a way of life. It teaches us to understand our duty towards ourselves, our families, and our fellow human beings. These principles are deeply aligned with the natural laws of the universe, forming a timeless and profoundly scientific code of conduct. In fact, religion can be seen as one of the earliest sciences—one rooted in morality, ethics, and the spiritual evolution of mankind. As humans began to live in larger groups, the need for a shared moral compass became essential. Religion emerged from this necessity—to guide behavior, promote harmony, and help individuals and societies live conflict-free, meaningful lives. Over time, the primal essence of religion evolved. Virtuous and visionary individuals, driven by compassion for humanity, looked beyond themselves and worked to codify values that would ensure not only human survival but also societal well-being. These values, rooted in truth and experience, have stood the test of time. Despite differences in rituals, symbols, and practices, believers of all religions express their faith in an invisible divine force—the God, the Almighty—that sustains and governs the universe. Religion, therefore, is a bridge between the finite and the infinite. It is through surrender, prayer, and devotion—performed in the unique formats prescribed by different faiths—that individuals come closest to their true, divine nature. In those sacred moments, one touches the essence of the soul. Even if others’ methods of worship seem unfamiliar or even strange to us, it is far more meaningful to seek understanding than to cast judgment. True spirituality lies in respecting every individual’s path to the divine. The ultimate goal of all religions is the realization of God within the soul. As the great sages have said, “Each soul is potentially divine.” This realization can be attained through devotion, meditation, self-discipline, or philosophical inquiry. The purpose is to transcend the trivialities of life and reach a sublime state of mind, heart, and intellect. Yet, a crucial question arises: If all religions preach the same universal values of love, compassion, and peace, why do conflicts and bloodshed still occur in their name? The tragic answer lies not in religion itself, but in its misuse. Religion becomes a tool of division and violence only when individuals distort its message for personal gain, ego, or political power. These selfish motives create chaos, misunderstanding, and hatred in the name of faith. To counter this, we must embrace two vital qualities—tolerance and awareness. First, we must develop respect for all religions, recognizing the beauty and truth each holds. Second, we must make a sincere effort to understand our own religion—its teachings, values, and true essence—rather than following blindly or remaining ignorant. In a world growing increasingly divided, there is a greater need than ever to return to the original, universal message of religion: to live with compassion, to uplift others, and to realize the divine within. The paragraphs that follow aim to offer a humble overview of the principles and wisdom found in the world’s major religions—reminding us that while paths may differ, the destination is the same: peace, truth, and unity.