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मजहब

A1 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

मजहब

mazhab Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips मजहब in 30 Seconds

Explanation मजहब in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that मजहब (Majhab) means 'religion'. It is a masculine noun. You use it to say what religion you or others follow. For example, 'Mera majhab Hindu hai' or 'Uska majhab Islam hai'. At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning and the fact that it is used with 'मेरा' (mera) or 'आपका' (aapka). It is a common word you might see on forms or hear when people introduce themselves. Don't worry about the complex history yet; just treat it as a label for religious identity.

At the A2 level, you begin to use मजहब (Majhab) in simple sentences about society. You can say things like 'India mein bahut majhab hain' (There are many religions in India). You should also learn the adjective form 'मजहबी' (majhabi), which means 'religious'. For instance, 'majhabi tyohar' (religious festival). You should notice that the 'z' sound is important for correct pronunciation. Start using the word in the context of describing your community or your country's culture.

At the B1 level, you can use मजहब (Majhab) to express opinions and discuss social values. You might use phrases like 'मजहब की आजादी' (freedom of religion). You should be able to distinguish between 'Majhab' and 'Dharma', understanding that 'Majhab' is often more associated with the institutional side of faith. You can also handle the oblique plural form 'मजहबों' in sentences like 'Hum sabhi majhabon ka samman karte hain' (We respect all religions). This is the stage where you start seeing the word in news reports and short stories.

At the B2 level, you understand the poetic and historical weight of the word मजहब (Majhab). You can appreciate its use in Bollywood lyrics and Urdu poetry. You should be comfortable discussing complex topics like 'मजहबी कट्टरता' (religious extremism) or 'मजहबी सद्भाव' (religious harmony). You understand that the word carries a certain stylistic flavor compared to the more formal 'Dharma'. You can use it fluently in debates about secularism and the role of faith in modern life, using varied sentence structures.

At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of the etymological roots of मजहब (Majhab) and its journey from Arabic to Hindustani. You can discuss the nuances between 'Majhab', 'Deen', and 'Aqeeda'. You are able to analyze literary texts where the word is used as a metaphor for identity and division. Your usage is precise, and you can switch between 'Majhab' and 'Dharma' depending on the audience and the desired tone (e.g., choosing 'Majhab' for a more inclusive, Hindustani feel or 'Dharma' for a traditional Sanskritized context).

At the C2 level, you use मजहब (Majhab) with the mastery of a native scholar. You understand its specific meanings in Islamic jurisprudence (the four 'Madhhabs' of Sunni Islam) and how that history informs its broader usage in Hindi today. You can engage in high-level philosophical discussions about the 'Majhab of Love' in Sufi poetry versus institutional 'Majhab'. You can use the word to critique social structures and engage in complex wordplay, understanding every cultural and historical allusion associated with it.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

मजहब in 30 Seconds

Majhab is the Hindi/Hindustani word for 'religion' or 'faith'.
It is a masculine noun and comes from Arabic roots.
It is widely used in poetry, songs, and daily conversation.
It often emphasizes social and communal identity over personal duty.

The word मजहब (Majhab) is a profound and ubiquitous term in the Hindi-Urdu (Hindustani) lexicon, primarily signifying 'religion' or 'faith'. Originating from the Arabic word 'Madhhab', which literally means 'a way of going' or a 'path', it has evolved in the Indian subcontinent to denote an organized system of beliefs, rituals, and moral codes. While the Sanskrit-derived word 'धर्म' (Dharma) is often used as a synonym, मजहब specifically carries a connotation of institutionalized religion or a specific sectarian identity. In daily conversation, people use it to identify their spiritual background or to discuss the collective values of a community. It is a word that resonates deeply in secular discourses, emphasizing that while paths may differ, the essence of humanity remains the same.

Linguistic Root: Derived from Arabic 'Madhhab', referring to a school of thought or a path of belief.

इंसानियत ही सबसे बड़ा मजहब है। (Humanity is the greatest religion.)

In India's diverse cultural landscape, the word is a bridge between different communities, often used in the context of 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb' (the syncretic culture of North India). It appears in legal documents, political speeches, and classical poetry alike. Unlike 'Dharma', which can also mean 'duty' or 'nature' (like the dharma of fire is to burn), मजहब is almost exclusively used for the concept of religion as an identity.

Cultural Nuance: It is frequently used in Urdu poetry (Shayari) to contrast formal religion with the 'religion of love' or 'humanism'.

उनका मजहब शांति का संदेश देता है। (Their religion gives a message of peace.)

Furthermore, the word is central to the famous line by Allama Iqbal, 'मजहब नहीं सिखाता आपस में बैर रखना', which translates to 'Religion does not teach us to bear animosity towards each other.' This single sentence has made the word a symbol of communal harmony in India. In modern Hindi, while 'Dharma' is more common in formal Sanskritized speech, मजहब remains the soul of Hindustani literature and Bollywood lyrics.

Usage in Media: News headlines often use it when discussing 'Majhabi mamle' (religious matters) or 'Majhabi azadi' (religious freedom).

हर मजहब का सम्मान करना चाहिए। (Every religion should be respected.)

Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to comprehend the social fabric of India and the nuances of the Hindi language as it is actually spoken.

Using the word मजहब (Majhab) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical gender and its typical associations. As a masculine noun, it is modified by masculine adjectives and possessive pronouns. For example, 'मेरा मजहब' (my religion), 'बड़ा मजहब' (great religion), or 'सच्चा मजहब' (true religion). It is often paired with verbs like 'मानना' (to follow/believe) or 'सिखाना' (to teach).

Possessive Case: Always use 'का' with Majhab, never 'की'. Example: 'मजहब का नाम' (The name of the religion).

आपका मजहब क्या है? (What is your religion?)

In complex sentences, the word can function as the subject or the object. When it is the subject, it often dictates the verb ending in '-a' (for masculine singular). For instance, 'मजहब प्रेम सिखाता है' (Religion teaches love). Here, 'सिखाता' (sikhaata) matches the masculine singular nature of Majhab. If you are referring to multiple religions, the plural form remains 'मजहब' in the direct case, but changes to 'मजहबों' (majhabon) in the oblique case (with prepositions).

Pluralization: Direct: कई मजहब (Many religions). Oblique: सभी मजहबों में (In all religions).

भारत में कई मजहब साथ रहते हैं। (Many religions live together in India.)

Another common usage is in the adjective form 'मजहबी' (Majhabi), meaning 'religious'. For example, 'मजहबी किताबें' (religious books) or 'मजहबी नेता' (religious leader). This is a very productive way to expand your vocabulary. You might also encounter it in historical or political contexts where 'मजहब' is contrasted with 'सियासत' (politics).

Adjectival Use: Add the 'ee' sound to the end to make it an adjective: मजहब + ई = मजहबी (Religious).

वह मजहबी कट्टरता के खिलाफ है। (He is against religious fanaticism.)

प्रेम का कोई मजहब नहीं होता। (Love has no religion.)

Using the word in these patterns will help you sound more like a native speaker, especially when discussing philosophy, social issues, or personal identity.

The word मजहब (Majhab) is a staple of Indian popular culture, particularly in Bollywood and Hindustani poetry. If you listen to classic Hindi film songs from the 1950s to the 1990s, you will hear this word frequently. It is often used to evoke a sense of universal brotherhood or to lament the divisions created by religious identity. For instance, in the movie 'Padosi' or 'Dharmputra', the word is central to the narrative of communal unity.

In Music: Listen for it in lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi or Kaifi Azmi, who often wrote about social justice and secularism.

'मजहब के नाम पर लड़ना गलत है।' (Fighting in the name of religion is wrong.)

Beyond entertainment, you will hear मजहब in the streets of Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad, where the Urdu influence is strong. It is the word of choice when people are talking about their faith in a way that is respectful and inclusive. In public debates on television, politicians use it to discuss 'मजहबी भेदभाव' (religious discrimination) or 'मजहबी समानता' (religious equality). In literature, the word is used to explore the human condition. Famous writers like Premchand or Saadat Hasan Manto used मजहब to highlight the ironies of religious conflict. It is also common in Friday sermons (Khutbahs) in mosques or in Sufi gatherings (Qawwalis), where the 'majhab of love' (Ishq ka majhab) is a recurring theme.

In Literature: Manto's stories often use the word to critique the partition of India and the religious violence that accompanied it.

'मजहब तो जोड़ता है, तोड़ता नहीं।' (Religion unites, it doesn't divide.)

You might also hear it in the context of marriage and family. When families from different backgrounds meet, they might discuss 'मजहबी रस्में' (religious rituals). In the modern digital age, the word appears in social media debates regarding secularism and individual rights.

In Daily Life: When filling out forms or talking about identity, you might hear: 'आपका मजहब क्या है?' (What is your religion?)

'मेरा मजहब मुझे सबकी मदद करना सिखाता है।' (My religion teaches me to help everyone.)

'मजहब की दीवारें गिरा देनी चाहिए।' (The walls of religion should be brought down.)

Thus, मजहब is not just a vocabulary word; it is a key to understanding the heart of South Asian social dynamics and its rich linguistic heritage.

Learners of Hindi often make several common mistakes when using मजहब (Majhab). The most frequent error is regarding its gender. Because many abstract nouns in Hindi ending in 'a' or 'i' can be tricky, students often mistakenly treat मजहब as feminine. Remember: it is always masculine. Avoid saying 'बड़ी मजहब' or 'अच्छी मजहब'; the correct forms are 'बड़ा मजहब' and 'अच्छा मजहब'.

Gender Error: Mistake: 'यह मेरी मजहब है' (This is my religion). Correct: 'यह मेरा मजहब है'.

गलत: उसकी मजहब क्या है? (Wrong: What is her religion? - feminine form)

Another common mistake is the pronunciation of the 'z' sound. In the word मजहब, the 'j' has a dot under it (nuqta) in Devanagari (मज़हब), making it a 'z' sound as in 'zebra'. Many beginners pronounce it as a hard 'j' like 'judge' (maj-hab). While people will understand you, the 'z' sound (maz-hab) is more accurate and reflects the word's Arabic roots. Confusion between 'Majhab' and 'Dharma' is also prevalent. While they can be used interchangeably in many contexts, they are not identical. 'Dharma' has a much broader range of meanings, including duty, righteousness, and the natural law of the universe. Using मजहब to mean 'duty' (e.g., 'It is my majhab to help you') sounds unnatural. In that case, 'Dharma' or 'Farz' (duty) should be used.

Contextual Error: Mistake: Using Majhab for 'natural duty'. Use 'Dharma' for that.

सही: बड़ों की सेवा करना मेरा धर्म है। (Correct: Serving elders is my duty/dharma.)

Additionally, some learners forget to use the oblique form 'मजहबों' when a preposition follows a plural. For example, 'सभी मजहब में' is technically incorrect; it should be 'सभी मजहबों में' (In all religions). Lastly, avoid using 'Majhab' in extremely formal Sanskritized Hindi settings (like a Hindu religious ceremony), where 'Dharma' is the standard term. Conversely, in a mushaira (poetry gathering) or an Urdu-heavy conversation, 'Majhab' is much more stylistic and appropriate. Understanding these nuances will prevent social awkwardness and improve your fluency.

सही: हमें मजहबों के बीच की दूरी कम करनी चाहिए। (Correct: We should reduce the distance between religions.)

गलत: वह अपने मजहब की पालन करता है। (Wrong: He follows his religion - incorrect gender/usage)

By being mindful of these points, you can use the word with the same precision as a native speaker.

To truly master the word मजहब (Majhab), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. The most important comparison is with धर्म (Dharma). While both translate to 'religion', Dharma is a Sanskrit word with deep philosophical roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It encompasses 'duty', 'moral order', and 'the way things are'. Majhab, being Arabic in origin, is more aligned with the Western/Middle Eastern concept of 'faith' or 'creed'—a specific system of belief and worship.

Majhab vs. Dharma: Majhab is usually more specific to organized religion, while Dharma can mean universal law.

हिंदू धर्म और इस्लाम मजहब—दोनों शांति सिखाते हैं। (Hindu Dharma and Islam Majhab—both teach peace.)

Another similar word is दीन (Deen). This is also an Arabic word, often used in religious texts and poetry to mean 'faith' or 'way of life'. While 'Majhab' refers to the institution, 'Deen' often refers to the internal spiritual commitment. A person might say 'मेरा दीन-ईमान' (my faith and integrity) to describe their core values.

Majhab vs. Deen: Majhab is the external system; Deen is the internal spiritual path.

दीन की बातें सबको अच्छी लगती हैं। (Talk of faith is liked by all.)

Then there is पंथ (Panth). This word specifically means 'path' or 'sect'. It is often used to refer to specific branches within a religion, such as the 'Khalsa Panth' in Sikhism or various 'Panths' in the Kabir tradition. It is less broad than Majhab. संप्रदाय (Sampraday) is another alternative, meaning 'community' or 'denomination'. It is a formal, Sanskritized term used in academic or sociological discussions about religious groups.

Majhab vs. Sampraday: Majhab is conversational and poetic; Sampraday is formal and administrative.

विभिन्न संप्रदायों के लोग यहाँ रहते हैं। (People of various denominations live here.)

Lastly, अक़ीदा (Aqeeda) refers to 'belief' or 'creed'. It is more specific to the theological doctrines one holds. If someone asks about your 'Aqeeda', they are asking about your specific theological stance. In contrast, 'Majhab' is the general label of your religion. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact word that fits the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey in Hindi.

मेरा मजहब मेरी पहचान है। (My religion is my identity.)

सच्चा मजहब इंसानियत है। (The true religion is humanity.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Arabic, 'Madhhab' is still used for legal schools (like Hanafi or Shafi'i), but in Hindi, its meaning expanded to cover all world religions.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmʌz.hʌb/

US /ˈmɑːz.həb/

The stress is on the first syllable 'Maz'.

Rhymes With

अजब (Ajab) गजब (Gajab) सब (Sab) कब (Kab) तब (Tab) लब (Lab) अदब (Adab) मतलब (Matlab)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'z' as 'j' (Maj-hab instead of Maz-hab).
Dropping the 'h' sound (Ma-zab).
Over-emphasizing the 'h' (Maz-HAA-hab).
Treating it as two distinct words 'Maz' and 'Hab'.
Using a hard 'p' sound at the end instead of 'b'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in Devanagari; common in all texts.

Writing 3/5

Nuqta (dot) under 'j' to make 'z' is often forgotten.

Speaking 3/5

Requires clear pronunciation of the 'z' sound.

Listening 2/5

Very common in songs and news; easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

नाम (Name) मेरा (My) क्या (What) है (Is) लोग (People)

Learn Next

ईश्वर (God) प्रार्थना (Prayer) शांति (Peace) संस्कृति (Culture) समाज (Society)

Advanced

धर्मनिरपेक्षता (Secularism) सांप्रदायिकता (Communalism) अध्यात्म (Spirituality) तसव्वुफ़ (Sufism)

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

Mera (my) majhab, not Meri (my).

Oblique Case Plural

Majhabon mein (in religions), not Majhab mein (unless singular).

Adjective formation with '-i'

Majhab + i = Majhabi (Religious).

Nuqta Usage

The dot under 'j' (ज़) is essential for the 'z' sound in Majhab.

Postposition 'ka/ke/ki'

Majhab ka naam (The name of the religion).

Examples by Level

मेरा मजहब क्या है?

What is my religion?

Masculine singular usage.

यह एक पुराना मजहब है।

This is an old religion.

Adjective 'purana' matches masculine 'majhab'.

आपका मजहब क्या है?

What is your religion?

Interrogative sentence.

उसका मजहब इस्लाम है।

His religion is Islam.

Subject-predicate agreement.

सच्चा मजहब प्रेम है।

The true religion is love.

Abstract noun usage.

मजहब अच्छा होता है।

Religion is good.

General statement.

वह मजहब मानता है।

He follows a religion.

Verb 'maanna' (to follow/believe).

मेरा कोई मजहब नहीं है।

I have no religion.

Negative construction.

भारत में कई मजहब हैं।

There are many religions in India.

Plural direct case.

यह मजहबी किताब है।

This is a religious book.

Adjective 'majhabi'.

मजहब शांति सिखाता है।

Religion teaches peace.

Masculine singular verb 'sikhaata'.

वे मजहबी लोग हैं।

They are religious people.

Adjective 'majhabi' modifying 'log'.

मजहब का नाम क्या है?

What is the name of the religion?

Genitive case with 'ka'.

हर मजहब का सम्मान करो।

Respect every religion.

Imperative sentence.

मजहब हमें जोड़ता है।

Religion joins us.

Transitive verb usage.

वह मजहब के बारे में पढ़ रहा है।

He is reading about religion.

Postposition 'ke baare mein'.

मजहब नहीं सिखाता आपस में बैर रखना।

Religion does not teach us to bear animosity towards each other.

Famous poetic line.

हमें सभी मजहबों का आदर करना चाहिए।

We should respect all religions.

Oblique plural 'majhabon'.

मजहबी आजादी सबका अधिकार है।

Religious freedom is everyone's right.

Compound subject.

उसने मजहब के लिए घर छोड़ दिया।

He left home for religion.

Purpose indicated by 'ke liye'.

मजहब और राजनीति को अलग रखना चाहिए।

Religion and politics should be kept separate.

Conjunction usage.

यह मजहबी मामला बहुत संवेदनशील है।

This religious matter is very sensitive.

Adjective 'majhabi' with 'maamla'.

मजहब के नाम पर हिंसा गलत है।

Violence in the name of religion is wrong.

Phrase 'ke naam par'.

क्या मजहब हमें इंसान बनाता है?

Does religion make us human?

Interrogative 'kya' at the start.

मजहबी कट्टरता समाज के लिए खतरा है।

Religious fanaticism is a threat to society.

Abstract noun phrase.

उनके बीच मजहब की दीवार आ गई।

The wall of religion came between them.

Metaphorical usage.

मजहब के आधार पर भेदभाव नहीं होना चाहिए।

There should be no discrimination on the basis of religion.

Formal phrase 'ke aadhar par'.

वह मजहबी रस्मों को बहुत मानता है।

He follows religious rituals very much.

Plural feminine object 'rasmon'.

मजहब व्यक्ति का निजी मामला है।

Religion is a person's private matter.

Possessive 'vyakti ka'.

विभिन्न मजहबों के बीच संवाद जरूरी है।

Dialogue between different religions is necessary.

Preposition 'ke beech'.

उसकी शायरी में मजहब का जिक्र अक्सर आता है।

Mention of religion often comes in his poetry.

Noun 'zikr' (mention).

मजहब के बिना नैतिकता संभव है?

Is morality possible without religion?

Philosophical question.

मजहबी पहचान अक्सर राजनीतिक लाभ के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है।

Religious identity is often used for political gain.

Passive voice construction.

कबीर ने मजहब के बाहरी दिखावे का विरोध किया।

Kabir opposed the external displays of religion.

Historical reference.

मजहब की व्याख्या समय के साथ बदलती रहती है।

The interpretation of religion keeps changing with time.

Complex verb 'badalti rehti hai'.

क्या हम मजहब से ऊपर उठकर सोच सकते हैं?

Can we think by rising above religion?

Participial phrase 'uthkar'.

मजहबी ग्रंथों का गहरा अध्ययन आवश्यक है।

A deep study of religious texts is necessary.

Genitive plural 'granthon ka'.

सूफी संतों ने प्रेम को ही अपना मजहब माना।

Sufi saints considered love alone as their religion.

Emphatic particle 'hi'.

मजहब के नाम पर होने वाले दंगों ने देश को दहला दिया।

The riots in the name of religion shook the country.

Participle 'hone waale'.

उसका मजहबी विश्वास अडिग है।

His religious faith is unwavering.

Adjective 'adig'.

मजहबी संस्थागत ढांचा अक्सर व्यक्तिगत आध्यात्मिकता को दबा देता है।

The institutional framework of religion often suppresses individual spirituality.

Highly formal vocabulary.

मजहब और विज्ञान के बीच का द्वंद्व सदियों पुराना है।

The conflict between religion and science is centuries old.

Noun 'dwandwa' (conflict).

मार्क्स ने मजहब को 'अफीम' की संज्ञा दी थी।

Marx had termed religion as 'opium'.

Idiomatic 'sangya dena'.

मजहबी कट्टरपंथ आधुनिक लोकतंत्र के लिए एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

Religious fundamentalism is a major challenge for modern democracy.

Political terminology.

कला और साहित्य अक्सर मजहबी सीमाओं को लांघ जाते हैं।

Art and literature often cross religious boundaries.

Verb 'laanghna' (to cross/leap over).

मजहब की दार्शनिक मीमांसा अत्यंत जटिल विषय है।

The philosophical critique/analysis of religion is an extremely complex subject.

Sanskritized term 'meemansa'.

धर्मनिरपेक्षता का अर्थ मजहब का अभाव नहीं, बल्कि सर्व-धर्म-समभाव है।

Secularism does not mean the absence of religion, but equal respect for all faiths.

Constitutional concept.

मजहबी जुनून में इंसान अक्सर अपनी विवेकशीलता खो बैठता है।

In religious frenzy, a person often loses their rationality.

Compound verb 'kho baithta hai'.

Synonyms

धर्म पंथ अकीदा मत संप्रदाय दीन

Antonyms

अधर्म नास्तिकता

Common Collocations

मजहबी दीवार

मजहबी जुनून

मजहबी तालीम

मजहबी कट्टरता

मजहबी सद्भाव

मजहबी त्यौहार

मजहबी पहचान

मजहबी रस्में

मजहबी ग्रंथ

मजहबी नेता

Common Phrases

मजहब के नाम पर

— In the name of religion; often used to describe actions done for religious reasons.

मजहब के नाम पर लड़ना बेवकूफी है।

मजहब की आजादी

— Freedom of religion; the right to practice any faith.

संविधान हमें मजहब की आजादी देता है।

अपना-अपना मजहब

— To each their own religion; emphasizing personal choice.

सबका अपना-अपना मजहब है, हमें सबका सम्मान करना चाहिए।

सच्चा मजहब

— True religion; often referring to humanity or love.

सच्चा मजहब वही है जो दूसरों का दुख समझे।

मजहब से ऊपर

— Above religion; prioritizing humanity or nation over faith.

हमें मजहब से ऊपर उठकर सोचना होगा।

मजहब की बातें

— Religious talk or discussions.

मजहब की बातें दिल को सुकून देती हैं।

मजहबी मामला

— A religious matter or issue.

यह एक निजी मजहबी मामला है।

मजहब और ईमान

— Religion and faith/integrity; combined to show total commitment.

उसने अपने मजहब और ईमान की रक्षा की।

मजहब का प्रचार

— Propagation or spreading of religion.

वह शांति से अपने मजहब का प्रचार करता है।

मजहबी एकता

— Religious unity.

मजहबी एकता ही देश की शक्ति है।

Often Confused With

मजहब vs धर्म (Dharma)

Dharma is broader and can mean 'duty' or 'nature'. Majhab is specific to faith/creed.

मजहब vs जाति (Jati)

Jati refers to 'caste', while Majhab refers to 'religion'. They are distinct identities.

मजहब vs देश (Desh)

Desh means 'country'. Sometimes confused in the context of identity.

Idioms & Expressions

"मजहब नहीं सिखाता आपस में बैर रखना"

— Religion does not teach us to hate each other. A very famous line used to promote peace.

याद रखो, मजहब नहीं सिखाता आपस में बैर रखना।

Poetic/Popular

"मजहब की चश्मा पहनना"

— To look at everything through a religious lens (often negatively).

हर बात को मजहब की चश्मे से मत देखो।

Informal/Critique

"मजहब का रंग चढ़ना"

— To become deeply influenced by religion.

उस पर अब मजहब का रंग चढ़ गया है।

Neutral

"मजहब के नाम की रोटी सेंकना"

— To exploit religion for personal or political gain.

नेता मजहब के नाम की रोटी सेंक रहे हैं।

Informal/Slang

"मजहब की दीवार खड़ी करना"

— To create a divide based on religion.

नफरत फैलाकर मजहब की दीवार खड़ी मत करो।

Neutral

"इश्क का मजहब"

— The religion of love; a Sufi concept where love is the only faith.

मेरा तो बस एक ही मजहब है—इश्क का मजहब।

Poetic

"मजहब का चोला पहनना"

— To pretend to be religious for a hidden motive.

उसने मजहब का चोला पहनकर सबको ठगा।

Informal

"मजहबी लबादा"

— A religious cloak; similar to 'chola', meaning a religious appearance.

मजहबी लबादे के पीछे शैतान छुपा है।

Literary

"मजहब की अफीम"

— Religion as opium; referring to the Marxist critique.

कुछ लोग मजहब की अफीम में डूबे हैं।

Academic/Political

"मजहब के पाबंद"

— Strictly following religious rules.

वे अपने मजहब के पक्के पाबंद हैं।

Neutral

Easily Confused

मजहब vs मत (Mat)

Both can mean 'sect' or 'belief'.

Mat usually refers to an opinion or a specific sub-sect, while Majhab is the entire religion.

मेरा मत अलग है।

मजहब vs पंथ (Panth)

Both refer to a spiritual path.

Panth is often used within Indian traditions (like Sikhism), while Majhab is a general term.

कबीर पंथ के अनुयायी।

मजहब vs ईमान (Imaan)

Both relate to faith.

Imaan is more about personal integrity and belief in God, Majhab is the organized system.

अपना ईमान मत बेचो।

मजहब vs अक़ीदा (Aqeeda)

Both mean belief.

Aqeeda is the specific theological doctrine, Majhab is the religious label.

मेरा अक़ीदा मज़बूत है।

मजहब vs संस्कृति (Sanskriti)

Religion and culture are linked.

Sanskriti is culture (language, food, arts), Majhab is the spiritual faith.

भारतीय संस्कृति महान है।

Sentence Patterns

मेरा मजहब [Name] है।

मेरा मजहब हिंदू है।

[Name] एक [Adjective] मजहब है।

सिख एक महान मजहब है।

हमें [Plural Noun] का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

हमें सभी मजहबों का सम्मान करना चाहिए।

मजहब [Noun] नहीं सिखाता।

मजहब नफरत नहीं सिखाता।

मजहब के नाम पर [Verb-Noun].

मजहब के नाम पर लड़ना गलत है।

मजहब की [Abstract Noun] [Verb].

मजहब की दार्शनिक व्याख्या बदल गई है।

यह एक [Adjective] मामला है।

यह एक मजहबी मामला है।

क्या आपका कोई [Noun] है?

क्या आपका कोई मजहब है?

Word Family

Nouns

मजहब (Religion)

मजहबियत (Religiousness/Religiosity)

Verbs

मजहब मानना (To follow a religion)

Adjectives

मजहबी (Religious)

ला-मजहब (Irreligious/Atheist)

धर्म (Dharma)

ईमान (Faith)

अक़ीदा (Creed)

दीन (Faith)

संप्रदाय (Sect)

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in daily life, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Meri majhab' → Mera majhab
Majhab is masculine, so it takes 'mera'.
Pronouncing it as 'Ma-jab' → Maz-hab
The 'z' sound is essential for correct pronunciation.
Using Majhab for 'duty' → Dharma / Farz
Majhab specifically means religion, not general duty.
Saying 'Sabhi majhab mein' → Sabhi majhabon mein
Plurals before prepositions must be in the oblique form.
Using Majhab in a Sanskrit prayer → Dharma
In purely Hindu religious contexts, 'Dharma' is more appropriate.

Tips

Gender Check

Always remember Majhab is masculine. Say 'Mera majhab' not 'Meri majhab'.

The Z sound

Practice the 'z' sound. Saying 'Maj-hab' with a 'j' sound is a common learner mistake.

Adjective form

Learn 'Majhabi' (religious) alongside 'Majhab' to double your vocabulary.

Secular context

Use 'Majhab' when talking about communal harmony; it has a very inclusive feel in Hindi.

Nuqta

Don't forget the dot under the 'j' (ज़) when writing in Devanagari.

Interchangeability

You can use 'Dharma' and 'Majhab' interchangeably in many social contexts.

Song Lyrics

Listen to old Bollywood songs to hear the word used in poetic ways.

Respect

When discussing मजहब, always use respectful language like 'सम्मान' (respect).

Mnemonic

Recall 'Maz-hab' as 'My-Hub' of faith.

Etymology

Knowing it means 'path' helps you understand its use in Sufi poetry.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Maze' (Maz) that leads to a 'Hub' (hab) of people. A religion is like a path (maze) where people gather at a central belief (hub).

Visual Association

Imagine a compass pointing to different symbols (Cross, Crescent, Om). The compass itself is the 'Majhab'—the path you choose to follow.

Word Web

Religion Faith Path Identity Belief Community Ritual Spirituality

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite festival using the word 'मजहबी' (religious) or 'मजहब'.

Word Origin

The word originates from the Arabic root 'dh-h-b' (ذ ه ب), which means 'to go'. From this root comes 'Madhhab' (مذهب), literally meaning 'a place of going' or 'a path'. In Islamic history, it referred to specific schools of jurisprudence.

Original meaning: A path, a way of going, or a school of thought.

Semitic (Arabic) -> Persian -> Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu).

Cultural Context

Be respectful when asking someone about their मजहब. In urban India, some may prefer not to discuss it, while in rural areas, it is a standard part of identity.

English speakers might find 'Majhab' more similar to 'Faith' than 'Religion', as it often carries a more personal and poetic tone in conversation.

Poem: 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' by Iqbal ('Majhab nahi sikhata...') Movie: 'My Name is Khan' (exploring religious identity) Book: 'Tamas' by Bhisham Sahni (on religious conflict)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Introductions

मेरा मजहब...
आप किस मजहब को मानते हैं?
मजहब की पहचान
पारिवारिक मजहब

Social Discussions

मजहब और समाज
मजहबी एकता
मजहब की दीवारें
मजहब का प्रभाव

Poetry/Music

इश्क का मजहब
मजहब का दर्द
मजहब और खुदा
मजहबी बंदिशें

Legal/Official

मजहब की स्वतंत्रता
मजहबी अल्पसंख्‍यक
मजहब का पंजीकरण
मजहबी आधार

Philosophy

मजहब का सार
मजहब और विज्ञान
मानवता का मजहब
मजहबी सत्य

Conversation Starters

"आपके मजहब में सबसे महत्वपूर्ण त्यौहार कौन सा है?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि मजहब और राजनीति को अलग होना चाहिए?"

"मजहब के बारे में आपकी सबसे पुरानी याद क्या है?"

"क्या मजहब हमें एक बेहतर इंसान बनाता है?"

"आपके पसंदीदा कवि ने मजहब के बारे में क्या लिखा है?"

Journal Prompts

मेरे लिए मजहब का क्या अर्थ है? क्या यह सिर्फ एक पहचान है या जीवन जीने का तरीका?

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने मजहबी सद्भाव (harmony) का अनुभव किया हो।

क्या मजहब के बिना नैतिकता संभव है? अपने विचार विस्तार से लिखें।

अगर दुनिया में कोई मजहब न होता, तो समाज कैसा होता?

मेरे मजहब की कौन सी शिक्षा मुझे सबसे ज्यादा प्रभावित करती है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a Hindustani word used in both. It has Arabic roots but is fully integrated into Hindi vocabulary, though 'Dharma' is its Sanskrit equivalent.

It is masculine. You should always use masculine modifiers like 'mera' (my) or 'accha' (good).

It is pronounced like the 'z' in 'zebra'. In Hindi script, it is written as ज़ (with a dot).

Yes, it can be used for Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, etc.

It is neutral to slightly formal. It is very common in literature and songs.

Majhab is often seen as the institutional 'faith', while Dharma includes duty, morality, and cosmic order.

The word is 'मजहबी' (Majhabi).

In India, it's a common question, but in professional or urban settings, it can be sensitive. Use discretion.

The direct plural is 'मजहब', and the oblique plural (used with prepositions) is 'मजहबों'.

In its original Arabic, yes, but in Hindi, it usually means the whole religion.