The distinction between culture and religion represents a fundamental element for properly understanding the dynamics of contemporary societies and preventing misunderstandings that often generate tension and conflict. Culture is the result of human historical experience: it is formed through habits, traditions, languages, and behaviors that develop over time within communities. By its nature, it is dynamic, evolving, and influenced by social, geographical, and historical contexts, and can therefore take different forms even among peoples who share the same religion.
Religion, on the other hand, from the perspective of believers, does not originate from human beings but from divine revelation. It constitutes a stable reference point, a set of principles and values that do not depend on cultural variations and that guide the life of both the individual and the community. The Qur’an clearly affirms this principle, stating that the Messenger does not speak from personal desire but from revelation, while at the same time recognizing the plurality of peoples and cultures as part of the wisdom of creation, inviting humanity to know one another. In this sense, cultural diversity belongs to the human dimension, whereas religion represents a higher and stable reference.
However, religion is lived and expressed within cultures, and over time some cultural practices may be perceived as religious. It is precisely at this point that confusion often arises: local traditions, social customs, or historically rooted behaviors are sometimes attributed to religion, even though they do not belong to its original essence.
The Prophetic tradition also clearly distinguishes between what belongs to revelation and what pertains to the social and cultural life of people. The Prophet Muhammad stated that people are more knowledgeable about their worldly affairs, implicitly highlighting the flexibility of cultural matters. At the same time, he warned against introducing into religion anything that does not belong to it, emphasizing the need to preserve its authenticity.
Distinguishing between what is truly religious and what is cultural allows for a more balanced dialogue, grounded in knowledge and mutual respect. It also helps avoid generalizations and improper judgments, recognizing that differences between communities often arise from cultural contexts rather than from religious principles themselves.
In a European context characterized by pluralism and interaction among diverse identities, this awareness becomes essential for fostering harmonious coexistence, in which religion can be understood in its authentic dimension and culture appreciated in its richness and diversity.
Alfredo Maiolese
President, European Muslims League (EML)
Culture and Religion: A Fundamental Distinction between the Human Dimension and Divine Revelation
