Towards Understanding Religion

By Dr. Javed Akhatar, New Age Islam

17 August 2023

The article “Towards Understanding Religion” explores the concept of religion and its various aspects. Here are the five major points summarized:

Innate Curiosity and Exploration of Religion

The article begins by acknowledging humanity's historical connection with religion. It highlights the persistent curiosity humans have shown throughout history to understand the mysteries of the unknown, leading to the formation of various religious beliefs and practices.

Personal and Collective Spiritual Journeys

 The narrative emphasizes the personal and collective nature of the spiritual journey. Using the story of Abraham as an example, it portrays religion as a deeply personal quest for truth while also suggesting that multiple individuals undertake similar journeys to explore ultimate truths.

Inner Experience and Divine Guidance

The article discusses the role of inner experiences and divine guidance in religion. It suggests that humans receive guidance from the divine through various channels, both verbal and non-verbal, which serve to lead them toward their ultimate purpose.

Connection between Personal and Social Responsibilities

 The article delves into the relationship between personal religious beliefs and social responsibilities. It asserts that faith requires individuals to both nurture inner piety and engage harmoniously with society, highlighting the dual aspects of religion's personal and communal dimensions.

Diversity, Coexistence, and Freedom of Belief

The article addresses the diversity of religious beliefs and the need for coexistence. It emphasizes that individuals should not impose their beliefs on others but rather respect diversity, understanding that true nobility is based on righteousness. It underscores the principle of free will and individual autonomy in matters of faith.

Overall, the article seeks to underscore the personal nature of religious experiences, the importance of embracing a sense of responsibility toward both the divine and fellow humans, and the necessity of respecting diversity while avoiding the imposition of beliefs on others.

Religion has accompanied humanity throughout its history. Our persistent exploration of 'religion,' whether through uncovering ancient artifacts, delving into anthropological findings, expanding geographical insights, or unearthing historical truths, eloquently demonstrates that as individuals or as a society, we've always nurtured an innate curiosity about the mysteries beyond our grasp. This profound yearning to unveil the enigmatic, I dare say, forms the bedrock upon which the grand structure of religion is built, binding us to the realms of the unknown.

Today, it stands as a widely acknowledged truth that in days gone by, a multitude mistakenly revered natural phenomena as supreme entities, with the power to shape their lives. Yet, amidst this confusion, a courageous few embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries behind these phenomena. This inclination was, of course, only human. Regrettably, a considerable number halted their exploration prematurely, mistaking a mere milestone for the ultimate culmination of their expedition. In contrast, a persistent group pressed forward on their journey, only to realize that they had merely scratched the surface of understanding, and the heart of the matter remained uncharted, like an unexplored forest beckoning them to venture deeper.

The sorrow of humanity lies in its tendency to pause at mere signs, without mustering the curiosity to look beyond. Yet, those who resist the allure of these signs, steadfastly pursuing their journey, eventually find their way to the intended destination. This principle, resonating within the pages of the Quran, the sacred text of Islam, finds embodiment in the lives of Abraham, a revered figure in both the Biblical and Islamic narratives. Born and raised within a polytheistic society, Abraham's soul remained an unending quest for the Ultimate Truth. One night, as he gazed upon the stars illuminating the heavens, he contemplated their divinity.

However, as the moon rose, causing the stars' brilliance to wane, he found himself unable to venerate them. Turning his reverence towards the moon, he bowed his head. But with the advent of morning, as the sun absorbed the stars and moon into its radiance, Abraham's faith shifted once more. As dusk approached, the sun's descent prompted yet another shift in his perspective. Amidst these ceaseless changes, Abraham's heartrending realization emerged—none of these celestial bodies could be the Ultimate Creator. Rather, he proclaimed, the genuine God was the one orchestrating the dance of the stars, the moon, and the sun, wielding mastery over them all.

The journey undergone by Abraham is perhaps seen by some as the personal voyage of an individual, spanning from the first glimmer of the morning star to the gentle descent of the evening sun. Yet, could we not interpret it as a collective human journey, a narrative etched over countless years, known only to the divine? For me, it transcends being solely Abraham's tale; it could well encompass numerous souls akin to Abraham, each compelled by an inner calling to persistently explore the depths of ultimate truth.

This intimate "inner experience," as beautifully phrased by Gandhi ji, embodies the essence of religion. It's through this personal journey that one finds the path to the ultimate purpose. This inner voyage is a unique expedition for each individual, crafting them into practitioners of varying degrees of devotion. Yet, let's not misunderstand this as religion being solely a solitary affair. Rather, it springs forth from personal encounters and gradually gathers a multitude of souls. They come together as a community, a fellowship of faith, where individuals with deep, modest, or even no spiritual experiences coexist. This phenomenon is what gives rise to the tapestry of diverse religious groups that we observe across our world—a natural and unavoidable outcome.

Can humans attain a religious experience on their own, without assistance from the divine? While some might argue in favour of this notion, pointing to the lives of remarkable prophets, seers, and sages who seemingly achieved their spiritual goals without external aid, a closer examination reveals that their connection with the divine was ultimately facilitated by a higher intervention. This divine assistance in Islamic terminology, holds a significant role in the belief systems of nearly every religion. For those journeying along the spiritual path, it serves as a guiding light, much like a beacon illuminating their way.

Humans receive divine guidance through various channels. At times, it comes in the form of spoken messages conveyed through human language. Other times, it takes on a non-verbal nature, manifesting through the beauty of the natural world. Although these expressions differ in their presentation, their shared purpose is to guide humans towards their ultimate purpose. Regardless of the form, it's important to note that the initiative for these forms of guidance stems from the divine, and it's up to humanity to respond to this call.

The messages conveyed through words are found within the revealed books, and these are intended to be embraced by humanity as guiding lights. On the other hand, the unspoken messages are often embodied in the beauty of natural phenomena – the soothing rain, the gentle breeze, the intricate dance of the heavens and earth, the rhythmic transition of day and night, and even the lessons in challenges like natural disasters. All of these elements are essentially symbolic pointers to the divine's involvement in the human journey. They carry profound purpose and significance, not existing without reason.

Imagine the way a road sign guides a traveller towards their destination, gently directing their gaze without demanding fixation. Similarly, the marvels of nature act as our celestial guides. They transform from mere occurrences into meaningful beacons, beckoning us to look beyond the surface. This essence that lies beyond is none other than, in the language of faith, the Divine itself – or to be more precise, various facets of the Divine like His Kindness, His Might, His Supreme Rule, His Equitableness, and more. Human intellect has been bestowed upon us to decode and interpret these signs, the very indicators of God's existence. There's no necessity for an intermediary when we engage our innate power of contemplation.

This path is often considered a particularly natural approach to connect with the divine, and some argue that it might be the most intuitive way to reach God. However, it's not realistic to expect every individual to independently attain this level. We can't all be like Abraham, who eventually discovered God through a process of gradual understanding. Most of us require guidance, someone to show us the direction and illuminate the path. This is where the concept of divine revelation gains immense significance. Neglecting its importance would leave us wandering lost in the dense wilderness we navigate. Divine revelation serves as the conduit for God to establish a connection with humanity, allowing Him to share His presence and intentions with us.

In an Islamic teaching, it's likened that God was akin to a treasure veiled from sight. He brought humanity into existence with the intention of revealing Himself. Once God's presence is recognized, what does He anticipate from us in response to His blessings? The answer lies in wholeheartedly surrendering ourselves to God. This entails that our prayers, deeds, life, and even our passing are devoted to God's ownership, a profound act of acknowledgment and devotion.

Now comes a natural inquiry: what awaits those who wholeheartedly yield? The simple response is contentment. Yet, we must ponder over the nature of this contentment and its underlying intention. At first glance, contentment seems tied to having our material wants met and our wishes granted. If this is the core of contentment, then I dare say, organized religion might seem to offer rather limited solace. It's hard to imagine any religion asserting that its adherents, even the sincerely devout, would entirely transcend the realm of human wants and needs. Inherent to our human essence is a sense of restlessness, a constant yearning for greater and finer things in life.

Religion doesn't promise us a life of worldly ease. In fact, those who hold steadfast in their faith often encounter trials, as the Quran suggests. This suggests that contentment isn't an external outcome; rather, it resides within us, within the depths of our minds, hearts, and spirits. It's intricately tied to our inner spiritual journey. If we approach our connection with the divine with genuine sincerity, a profound sense of fulfilment will inevitably unfold.

Our existence in this realm, undeniably tangible, is nonetheless fleeting. Islam's perspective regards this life as a training ground for the everlasting and genuine world that follows. Within this worldly realm, humanity is granted a chance to shape the course of their eternal future. The outcome hinges upon the present choices we make, for we hold the pen to script our destiny. When the moment arrives for us to stand before the divine, there won't be anyone to intercede on our behalf. Each soul will be answerable for their own actions, bearing the responsibility they've chosen to carry.

If we consider this matter, and I'm quite convinced that it's accurate to do so, then the concept of religion, which involves surrendering to a higher power, is deeply intimate and individual. I want to emphasize that it remains personal as long as we don't take individualism to an extreme where we believe personal contradicts being part of a community. In my view, the opposite of being social is being an individual, not being personal. It's entirely possible to embrace both personal and social aspects simultaneously. Consequently, a person's ultimate well-being hinges on wholeheartedly and unconditionally dedicating themselves to their faith, which is a deeply personal endeavour. However, this doesn't excuse them from fulfilling their social duties.

In a truly beautiful sentiment, religion instils within a person an inherent commitment to the betterment of our world. According to the teachings of the Quran, humanity willingly embraced the profound responsibility of guiding our world towards a righteous path. Embracing this 'Responsibility' is, in essence, recognizing a divine trust placed upon us. The Quran recounts a moment of creation when God presented this sacred trust, the amanah, to all living beings. Amidst hesitation, only humanity stepped forward to shoulder this duty. This act likens us to caring shepherds, entrusted with the well-being of our flock.

As a result, it is our inherent duty to engage with the affairs of the world and to embrace it as a shared home. Neglecting this duty not only harms our own existence but also casts a shadow on the broader world. We cannot evade our responsibility by pointing fingers at others' wrongdoings; instead, we must rise to the occasion. Just as a shepherd safeguards their sheep, we are called to safeguard the world we inhabit.

In the wise words attributed to Prophet Muhammad, we find a compelling analogy about our shared social responsibilities. Imagine a ship with two decks, where the upper deck holds the precious drinking water. Those on the lower deck must repeatedly ascend to access the water, causing frustration to those above. To ease their own discomfort, the upper deck occupants may choose to seal the connecting door. This prompts some on the lower deck to consider a drastic solution: drilling a hole to directly draw water from the river. This scenario is truly concerning.

In this situation, if those on the upper deck, enjoying their comfort, turn a blind eye, and those on the lower deck fail to discourage the hole-drillers, disaster looms. Everyone aboard risks being carried away by the river's current, even though many bear no direct responsibility for the hole or the door. This illustrates the imperative: if we witness wrongdoing, regardless of who commits it, we cannot remain passive. We must stand up against it. Caring for others holds a deeply personal significance, yet its rewards extend far beyond the individual who practices it. Its influence ripples through society, embodying a true surrender to a higher purpose. To elaborate on the idea of "personal," consider the Arabic term "Din," which can be likened to the English word "religion." "Din" encompasses two distinct meanings in Arabic. In one sense, it embodies "Taqwa," akin to "piety" in English. Here, "din" or "religion" maintains a personal essence, detached from communal ties, and linguistically lacks a plural form. In the other sense, it assumes a plural form as "Adyan" and refers to specific religious systems. Thus, the concept of religion encompasses both aspects: individual piety and a structured way of practicing faith. These aspects are not mutually exclusive; instead, they coexist harmoniously, complementing one another in an interconnected manner.

Hence, in order to embrace religion, or what we term as "Din," there are two fundamental prerequisites. First, an individual must nurture inner piety, known as "Taqwa," within themselves. Second, they must cultivate the ability to coexist harmoniously with others while upholding their religious principles. Achieving these two facets demands a profound acceptance of the Quranic proclamation: that God's presence is closer to us than even our own jugular vein. Once we internalize this realization—that the All-Knowing, All-Seeing Creator resides within us—aligning with the righteous path becomes an undeniable calling.

In the beautiful realm of Islam, amidst the numerous names that adorn the Divine, there shines the name "Allam ul Ghuyub," meaning the Knower of the Hidden. Embracing this faith means embracing all the facets of God's essence. Once this profound connection is established, the path of transgression, be it personal or communal, seems to dissolve into the distant horizon.

In this context, a poignant tale from the early days of Islam, during the era of the illustrious second Caliph, Umar the Great, comes to mind. It is recounted that one night, as he walked through a dimly lit street, he overheard a milkmaid tenderly instructing her daughter to dilute the milk with a few drops of water before taking it to the market. However, the young girl firmly declined her mother's request, standing her ground with an unwavering conviction that such an act of adulteration was a transgression of values. She cited the Caliph's admonishment against such deeds as her reasoning. The mother, perhaps swayed by the darkness of secrecy, responded by suggesting that the absence of the Caliph's watchful eyes granted them a veil of invisibility, and thus their act might go unnoticed. But the resolute daughter, guided by an unshakable belief, countered her mother's argument. She reminded her that even though the Caliph's physical presence was absent, the Divine presence was eternal and all-encompassing, aware of their every intention and plan.

This simple yet profound anecdote encapsulates the heart of faith and the essence of conscientious living. It reminds us that beyond the boundaries of human sight, there exists a higher knowledge that transcends all hidden motives. Just as the girl saw beyond the shadows and recognized the omnipresent gaze of God, may we too embrace the wisdom to make choices that honour the light of truth, even when concealed in the veils of obscurity.

The unwavering belief the young girl displayed by refusing to tamper with the milk was not only a deeply personal conviction, but it also underscored her profound sense of social responsibility. This kind of faith is a fundamental expectation from every individual who aligns themselves with any religious path. It's these very individuals who possess the ability to infuse a sense of devotion into the fabric of society, irrespective of their chosen faith.

A society is far more than just a collection of individuals drifting about without direction. It ought to possess a clear purpose and a defined objective. The societal vision depicted by religion paints a portrait of a united community of believers, embodying the very essence of a passage from the Quran that aptly declares: "You are the best community that has been raised up for mankind. You enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency." This, undeniably, encapsulates the core mission of a religious community.

Yet, the pursuit of righteous endeavours cannot thrive without first examining our own flaws. There's no hidden force within such a statement, for those who perceive their mission as a mere occupation and deem their responsibilities fulfilled once they've presented their daily reports to their superiors. This perspective, sadly, falls short of delivering the desired outcome. A mission isn't a mere task—it's a dedication. Every individual must regard it as their duty to refine themselves before guiding others, an indispensable condition for both the society and the individual to genuinely embrace a religious spirit.

A devout believer cannot retreat from society's needs when they're most crucially required. Instead, they should step forth in those moments, selflessly extending a helping hand while retaining the purity of their intent. Sincerity, the very bedrock of human endeavours, plays an instrumental role in determining the fruits of our actions. It's been taught that even many of our virtuous deeds may be dismissed by the Divine on the Day of Judgment, primarily because they were pursued solely for our personal gratification. As the Prophet eloquently phrased it: "Religion is sincerity."

When it comes to the matter of dedication and engagement, the Quran treats everyone with equal regard, regardless of whether they embrace it as divine teachings or not. It emphasizes that every individual, as a believer, carries a responsibility towards both their relationship with the Divine and their interactions with fellow humans. The former is referred to as "Huquq ul Allah" – signifying the rights of the Divine, while the latter is known as "Huquq ul Ibad" – highlighting the rights of people. Within its verses, the Quran eloquently conveys to each believer that while forgiveness is possible for those who may fall short in fulfilling their obligations to the Divine, there can be no forgiveness for those who disregard the rights of others.

Hence, it's quite clear that the profound belief in a single, all-powerful God, the sense of brotherhood among all humans, and the anticipation of a future Day of Judgement accompanied by the concept of taking personal accountability for one's actions, collectively form the very essence of religion.

Certainly, a plethora of religions exist, and their adherents frequently find themselves in disagreement. This puzzling state of affairs raises a pertinent question: why does this strife persist, especially when each faith proclaims to be a herald of peace and unity? From my perspective, uncovering the underlying reason isn't an arduous task. Primarily, it stems from the belief that individuals have been divinely chosen to guide the entire world along a singular path. Yet, they often fail to recognize that this responsibility is not one bestowed upon them by a higher power. God has granted every person autonomy, and each individual must endeavour to pursue their own well-being.

Holy Quran beautifully illuminates the fact that diversity is an intrinsic part of our world's tapestry. It emphasizes that humanity's unique individuals, shaped from the essence of both men and women, come together in various groups and tribes to foster mutual understanding. In the eyes of the divine, true nobility is determined by one's righteousness. A person of faith is naturally inclined not only to seek goodness for oneself but also to extend those wishes to others.

However, this sacred perspective doesn't grant anyone the authority to impose their viewpoint on others. Genuine faith, as the Quran underscores, should always be free from coercion. Guided by the wisdom of the divine, if circumstances dictate, one might need to proactively seek their path when it doesn't readily present itself. Should the endeavour to persuade others to embrace their beliefs prove unfruitful, the noble response is to peacefully let them be. Echoing the Quran's sentiment, it's apt to say, "To you be your way, and to me be mine."

Nevertheless, in the realm of reality, many individuals tend to overlook this principle and assume the weighty task of compelling the entire world to walk their chosen course. Regrettably, this goes against the very wishes of the divine.

The preceding discussion, I trust, has illuminated the concept I've been conveying – that religion embodies a person's earnest devotion to a Creator who has intentionally crafted humanity with distinctive characteristics. Yet, at their core, all individuals share a common origin as offspring of a single parent. This profound belief profoundly influences how a believer interacts within society. The belief in a singular Deity serves as a means to dismantle the artificial barriers that the world has erected, ironically, under the guise of religion itself.

In its quest to foster a virtuous, wholesome, and equitable community, religion speaks directly to each individual. It encourages self-awareness, reminding each person of their personal responsibility for their journey. A person's salvation isn't contingent upon their affiliation with any particular group; rather, it hinges upon their faith and conduct. When one earnestly treads this authentic path, the essence of religious ideals comes to fruition.

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Javed Akhatar is Assistant Professor (Contractual), Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia

 

URl:    https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/understanding-religion/d/130462

 

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