President Dr. Zakir Husain said that world peace depends on the marriage of religion and science during a 1968 address [1].
The speech highlights a philosophical approach to global conflict resolution by suggesting that spiritual values and empirical knowledge must coexist. This perspective seeks to bridge the gap between traditional faith and modern intellectual advancement to foster international harmony.
Husain delivered the remarks on Jan. 10, 1968 [1]. The address took place during the inauguration of the International Inter-Religious Symposium on Peace in New Delhi, India [1].
During the symposium, Husain outlined the specific role that religion plays in establishing a peaceful world order. He said that the integration of scientific understanding with religious principles provides a comprehensive framework for human cooperation. By combining the moral guidance of faith with the logical rigor of science, he suggested that humanity could better address the root causes of global instability.
The event brought together diverse religious leaders to discuss how faith-based initiatives could contribute to a more stable international environment. Husain's presence at the symposium underscored the importance of state leadership in promoting interfaith dialogue. He said that the pursuit of peace is not merely a political objective but a moral imperative that requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Because the address focused on the synergy between different modes of human thought, it positioned the symposium as a crossroads for intellectual and spiritual exchange. The discussion in New Delhi aimed to move beyond sectarian divides to find common ground in the shared goal of planetary peace [1].
“World peace depends on the marriage of religion and science.”
This address reflects a mid-century effort to reconcile the tension between the rise of scientific secularism and the enduring influence of organized religion. By advocating for a 'marriage' of the two, Husain attempted to create a synthesis where science provides the means of progress and religion provides the ethical guardrails, suggesting that neither is sufficient on its own to maintain global peace.
