Chapter1: Overview on Religion and al-Din

Definition of religionThe concept of Al-DinNecessity of Religion

Definition of ReligionLiteral 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."

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”

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).

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)

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?

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

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)

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

Necessity of religion (source: al-Qaradawi)

Intellectual Need Natural NeedSpiritual NeedSocial Need

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’.

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

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.

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

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.

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.