ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Political Dimension of Religion in Shiism Religious Deviations The religious history of mankind reveals that not only have religious differences crept into the purity of religion, but in many cases further alienation has existed because of those who have been motivated by politics and avarice to deceive themselves and/or the people. We are reminded of Ayatullah Muttaheri's words: Sometimes a religious creed is misused in a social system.

[^9] In any case divisions, many of which have been accompanied by bloody battles, have marred the essence of religion of those in the past. On the other hand, there are those who have gradually grown away from the Path, replacing it with a cultural by-way. Whatever the case, today we witness a mere glimmer of that which had once been a powerful glow.

Hindusim, Buddhism and tribal cultures Taking into account some of these areas regarding religious differences, we should mention that Hinduism and Buddhism still exhibit some areas within their ancient books which allude to a time when polytheism was not their focus. Tribal cultures also appear to contain elements of a past monotheism.

Judaism Unlike the previously-mentioned religions, Judaism [^10] , as we now describe it, originated from an identifiably pure source as seen with Prophet Abraham (a.s.) and was passed on by the Will of Allah through major and minor Prophets (a.s.), as is witnessed Qur'anically: "We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the Book, the Power of Command, and Prophethood; We gave them for sustenance things good and pure; and We favoured them above the nations." Surah Al Jathiyah (45:16).

However, as also witnessed Qur'anically, those who were entrusted with this Pathway of Allah fell away from His Truth.

So far did they fall that we see, even in their scriptures where human sacrifice, for a time, became part of their ritualistic belief.[^11] Their un-Godly Pathway was prompted by their arrogance and wilfulness, and Allah has given us this insight into their thought processes: "….they inherited the Book, but they chose the vanities of this world saying: (everything) will be forgiven us" Surah Al A'raf (7:169).

Had they chosen to remain on the Straight Pathway it would have led them, even as their Scriptures testified, to acceptance of the the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and the perfection of Islam.