Reflection of Religious Conflict in Bakhtiar Ali’s Novel Evening Parwana

Abstract

This research examines religious conflict and its impact on individuals and society, with a particular focus on the misuse of religion by those who lack a proper understanding of its principles. It explores how religion, God, and sacred concepts are sometimes employed to instill fear in individuals, leading to psychological conflict, guilt, and self-blame. The study is entitled The Reflection of Religious Conflict in Bakhtiar Ali’s Novel Evening of the Butterfly (Parwana Evening).

The research is divided into two main sections. The first section consists of two parts: the first discusses the concept of religious conflict from a theoretical perspective, while the second examines manifestations of religious conflict within the novel. The second section presents a practical analysis of the novel, focusing on the ways in which the novelist portrays religious conflicts through various characters and events.

Special attention is given to the character of Khandana, through whom the novelist presents a deeper and more authentic understanding of God, divine messages, and religious laws. The novel suggests that human beings should seek knowledge of God through reflection on the entire universe rather than relying solely on books or the extremist interpretations of individuals who claim to speak on behalf of religion. According to this perspective, God created a diverse world that embraces difference, freedom, the search for truth, and the exploration of life's mysteries. The novel emphasizes that God supports coexistence, love, and freedom, and that the real problem lies not in religion itself but in its misuse by certain individuals. Finally, the study concludes with its main findings and a list of references.