How Does Hosseini Use Religion In The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner Essay Saja Qureshi

Religion is it different for each character or used for the same purpose? Each character is religious in their own special way. In the book the Kite Runner, the author Khaled Hosseini expresses that religion is used differently by each character for their own selfish propose. Amir, Hassan, and Assef all have different views of the world, and their views on how to use religion reflect that. Everyone is selfish when they want to be, and these characters are no exception.
Amir is not very religious, but when he needs something done, he turns to god. As children Amir and Hassan would run kites together. One

He does not want to believe in God or His existence. Once they move to America, Amir’s world changes and he becomes isolated. In fact, all that Amir has left to turn to in his hour of need is the God, the same God he never believed in. As Baba’s illness grows, Amir’s need for God’s help grows. Amir finds the right time to seek the help he needs when, he says, “I used it as a prayer rug...I envied his faith and certainty.” (Hosseini, 163) Amir has become desperate as he envies the mullahs’ that he once made fun-of. Amir’s lost faith upon Islam has been awakened as he prayers for Baba’s health and well-being. His faith is still not strong enough as he is fearful to pray in front of Baba. Once again, Amir’s faith is only awakened when he needs something to ask of God. 15 years without praying,

Hassan is only discovered in the alley because of his strong faith. When Hassan does not show up for the fourth daily prayer Amir goes to look for him and says, “Hassan never missed any of the five daily prayers.”(Hosseini, 73) Hassan uses God to reassure and guide him when he sends Amir the letter and writes, “I pray that this letter finds you in good health and in the light of Allah’s good grace.”(Hosseini, 227) For Hassan religion is his life, faith, and belief as it guides him upon his journey and keeps him happy even in hard times. Even in a simple black and white photograph he is happy, even though he is resides in a war torn country. Amir notices this and says, “Exuded by a sense of self-assuredness, of ease,” (Hosseini, 227) Hassan was at peace because he knew that he was safe as Allah had guided him down the right path; this was a path of happiness and joy. Hassan’s world in Kabul is great and he lives the life he wants as Amir says, “A man who thought that the world had been good to him,”(Hosseini, 227) now even Amir can see that he was happy no matter the circumstance as he has followed the right path. Hassan uses religion to his own advantage a way to escape and seek the guidance he needs. This is Hassan’s way of selfishly using religion to find peace of mind and happiness he