Chapter 1: The History of Religion

Question 1

Explain the Etymology of the word “Religion”.

Answer 1

Religion is derived from the French word “Religiun,” which translates to “respect for what is sacred.”

The word is also derived from the Latin word “Religionem,” which means “reverence for the gods.”

Keywords: religiun, respect, religionem, reverence.

Question 2

Define “Deen”.

Answer 2

In Arabic, the word “Deen | دین” is used commonly to refer to religion.

The word Deen can mean all sorts of things, such as:

• Retaliation
• Recompense
• Requital
• Commandment
• Judgment

Keywords: religion, belief, judgement

Question 3

Define “Mazhab”.

Answer 3

In Urdu, we use word “Mazhab | مذہب”, which is an Arabic word that describes a methodology one must follow to attain purity.

Other descriptions of Mazhab include:

• “A way to go”
• “A path to walk”
• “A style”
• “A method”

Keywords: way of life, a style

Question 4

Which word is used most commonly to describe religion in The Qur’an?

Answer 4

Deen.

Question 5

What are the different definitions of religion?

Answer 5

Religion can be defined in all the following ways

• The belief in spiritual being
• Unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things
• The feelings, acts and experiences of individual men in their solitude, whatever they may consider the divine.

Keywords: belief in spiritual, feelings for divine.

Question 6

What is the difference between the eastern and western perspective on religion?

Answer 6

Western scholars tend to view religion as a matter of thought, emphasizing individualism and resisting its intrusion into daily life and society.

In contrast, the divine perspective sees religion as practical, emphasizing practice, collectiveness, and its role in success.

Keywords: western individualism, muslim congregations.

Question 7

Why do humans need religion?

Answer 7

Religion is an essential need of mankind as it gives meaning to life, creates an objective of existence and establishes the core of mankind.

Humans seek meaning in life, pondering origins, purpose, and an afterlife. These profound questions persist, guiding us to consider a divine Creator and religion’s role in answering them.

Keywords: religion gives meaning to life.

Question 8

Why do humans follow religions?

Answer 8

The paradox of desiring freedom while adhering to religions with constraints affects 80-85% of the global population.

This apparent contradiction is explained by humanity’s inherent inclination to believe in an unseen, powerful force.

People, often unconsciously, seek security and benefits through religion due to experiences of failure, suffering, and fear of a potentially harmful superior entity.

Religion arises from humanity’s profound longing for assurance, peace, and purpose, ultimately fulfilled through faith in a divine being.

Keywords: humans need religion to find purpose.

Question 9

Describe the concept of “Innate Human Nature”

Answer 9

“Innate Human Nature” asserts that humans are naturally inclined to believe in an unseen higher power, as in the Qur’an.

A pre-earthly covenant affirms this belief i.e. belief was instilled in the hearts of all human beings by Allah, suggesting an inherent inclination toward the existence of Allah.

all humans need religion

Question 10

What is the history and background of all religions?

Answer 10

Religion has been integral to human societies throughout history. Archaeological evidence, such as Hammurabi’s law tablets, supports the significance of religion.

Plutarch noted that every city had places of worship, emphasizing religion’s pervasiveness.

Even ancient burial practices, like tombs and pyramids, highlight the role of religion in human culture, as taught in religious texts like the Qur’an.

Keywords: religion, old, tombs, plutarch.

Question 11

What are the universal beliefs of all religions?

Answer 11

• Faith and belief
• Rituals and customs
• Ethics and morality

Keywords: faith, rituals, ethics

Question 12

How does religion affect human beings?

Answer 12

Religion wields significant influence on both individual and collective human life.

It provides believers with a sense of satisfaction, a connection to a higher power, and psychological and spiritual support during hardship.

Religion also forms the foundation of societies, shaping civilizations and cultures. It governs social relationships, emphasizing respect for others’ rights and communal welfare over personal gain.

Keywords: satisfaction, support, foundation of societies.

Question 13

How are religions differentiated from each other?

Answer 13

All religions belong to one of the two following categories:

Revealed Religions: These religions claim to have divine scriptures for human guidance. Examples include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Non-Revealed Religions: Religions in this category do not claim to possess divine scriptures, even though they may have sacred and holy books.

Keywords: revealed, book, non-revealed, no book.

Question 14

Define Theology and list different theological beliefs

Answer 14

Theology studies God and religious concepts, acknowledging the limits of human understanding.

Various theological ideas exist, including:

• Atheism (denying God’s existence),
• Agnosticism (doubt about God’s existence),
• Deism (belief in God without divine intervention),
• Pantheism (equating God with nature),
• Monotheism (belief in one God, often supported by scriptures)
• Polytheism (belief in multiple gods).

Keywords: study, god.