2. Definition of Religion
Literal Meaning
Latin (religio) - "taboo, restraint."
a combination of two words;
‘re’ and ‘ligare’.
Re is a prefix meaning "return"
Ligare means "to bind;“
therefore, religion literally means
"return to bondage."
3. Technical Definitions & General
Perspectives (refer to al-Qaradawi)
According to Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Diraaz
Psychological approach: “The belief in the existence of a being
(or beings) that is supreme and unseen, that has perceptions
and volition, and that manages and controls matters which
concerned mankind.”
General perspective: “The total body of theoretical laws that
identifies the traits and attributes of a divine power, and the total
body of practical rules that specify the way to worship that
Divine being.”
General Muslim scholars’ view: “state of divine origin leading
sound-minded people, by their own choice, to what is good for
them in this life and the Hereafter”
4. Al-Din: Quranic terminology
(refer to al-Maududi)
al-Din (with definite article ‘al’) refers to the
complete way of life
Comprises of four underlying elements;
i. Sovereignty & supreme authority
ii. Obedience & submission to the authority
iii. Implementing the system of thought &
action (rules & regulations).
iv. Retribution in consideration of obedience or
transgression (reward or punishment).
5. Al-Din - Arabic word (DYN) – has many
interrelated significations that can be deducted
to four meanings.
a. indebtedness (bonded)
b. submissiveness
c. judicious power
d. natural inclination; (custom, habit, disposition)
-man has natural tendency to establish
society, follow
the laws and seek for true authority.
The Concept of Al-Din
(refer to Al-Attas)
6. The literal meaning of al-Din
Is derived from the verb ‘dana’ carries the
meaning of ‘being indebted.’
‘da’in’ refers to both debtor and creditor.
‘da’in’ is someone who subjects himself to
laws of governing debts that govern the
creditor.
The one in debt is under obligation or ‘dayn’.
Discussion: How could the concept of
indebtedness be translated in the religious
context?
7. Al-Din as a true religion
There are repetitions of the word al-Din in Al-Quran. The
verses referring it as the true religion are as follow:
(42:13), (9:33), (30:30), (98:5), (3:83), (2:256)
In sum, Al-Quran refers the true religion as the ‘religion of
Islam’.
Other terms applied to denote ‘the religion of Islam’:
a) Din al-Haq (The true religion) - (9:29), (9:33)
b) al-Din ‘ind Allah (The religion with God) - (3:19)
c) Din al-Islam (The Islamic religion) - (3:85)
d) Din Allah (Allah’s religion) - (11:2)
The Quranic perspectives of al-Din
8. Al-Din as a false religion
In many times Al-Quran also mentions Al-din
referring to false religion that would be
rejected. Several relevance Quranic verses
as follow:
(9:33)
(109:6)
(40:26)
(3:24)
(6:137)
9. Four meanings of the term ‘al-Din’ derived from al-Qur’an;
i. Judgment and Power.
(40:65), (42:13)
ii. Submission and Obedience to Almighty.
(10:105)
iii. A Complete system and its practical rules and Allah as Real
maker
(12:40), (10:104)
iv. Existence of rewards for those who have faith an punishment
for those who reject the truth from Almighty.
(51:5-6), (82:14-15)
Quranic Notions of the Term of al-Din
11. 1.Intellectual or Mind Need
Man always questions about the nature of
himself, the existence of the Ultimate Truth,
the creation of the universe etc.
The true answers only can be revealed by
genuine religious perspectives that will satisfy
the intellects and soothe the hearts of the
believers.
A man who lives without religious beliefs is
obviously ‘deprived and wretched’ because
his life is ‘governed by uncertainty and
blindness to the essential truths of existence’.
12. it is an innate nature of human need for
religion because man is ‘the integration of
mind, soul, heart and emotions.’
Scientific &technological advancements,
luxuries and pleasures do not fulfill his self
satisfaction of having faith in God.
Religious faith acts like an anchor in life. It
provides ‘security to self and mind, peace
to the soul, and meaning to the
individuals’.
2.Natural or Inborn human need
13. 3.Psychological and Spiritual need
Man wishes for a reliable supporter and a
super power at the time of difficulties and
hardships.
Religious faith provide him support, strength,
hope, condolence & patience.
E.g. When he believes that Allah is just and
able to judge people in the Hereafter, he will
become patient, strong and optimistic.
Hence, religious faith inspires man with
psychological peace & spiritual strength that
make him able to endure his sufferings and
see them as part of this worldly life.
14. Society needs self-motivation & moral controls
that encourage its members to perform their
duties sincerely.
Civil laws are insufficient because do not provide
motivation and quite easy to cheat.
The presence of a ‘healthy conscience’ can
cultivate ‘the goodness of a person’ as a whole.
Thus, the religious faith is inevitable in
promoting that conscience, self-control &
motivation.
4(a)The Social Need for Moral
Motives & Controls
15. 4(b)Social Need for Cooperation &
Solidarity
Religion strengthens human relationships by
considering all human beings as ‘creations of
one God’ and as of ‘the same descent.’
e.g. Islam considers all Muslims are brothers.
(49:10)
society needs cooperation among its
members and it must be regulated by laws.
An authority is vital to motivate them to follow
the laws which specify their duties & rights.
16. References
1. Al-Attas, Syed Muhammad Naquib. (1995). Islam:
the concept of Religion and the Foundation of
Ethics and Morality. Kuala Lumpur: ABIM.
2. Al-Qaradawi, Yusuf.(1997). Introduction to Islam.
Muhammad Higab. (Trans.). Cairo: Islamic Inc.
Publishing and Distribution.
3. Maududi, Abul ‘Ala. (2000). Four Basic Quranic
Terms. Lahore: IslamicPublications limited.
