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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Need for Religion Need for Religion What is Religion? The Arabic word “Deen” دين which is translated as “Religion” in English is used for several meanings: (a) “Islam; Belief in unity of God; Worship; Obedience; All the acts of worship; piety;” All these meanings are interrelated and are connected with the belief in Creator.

(b) “Judgment; Reward or Punishment; Account; Order; Law;” These meanings are inter-related and point to the belief in the Life-Hereafter. (c) The third group of its meanings is: “Custom; character; Habit; Religion revealed and traditional both.’” The idea behind the word (دين ) “deen” is that man, by his nature, has to have a pattern of life based upon some spiritual ideals or ideas which we call ‘belief’.

It appears that the word دين is more comprehensive than the English word ‘’Religion’’ which puts emphasis on only ‘’Human recognition of super-human controlling power and especially of a personal god or gods entitled to obedience and worship, effects of such recognition or conduct of mental attitude, particular system of faith and worship.” What is the Need of Religion? There are many reasons why religion is needed for Mankind: (a) We know that man is a social animal.

Every man depends upon millions of people for his life and its necessities. Also we know that every society needs some laws to prevent injustice and preserve the rights of every member of the society. But who is the right authority to make the Law? One man (be he a monarch or a dictator)? No! Because he, instinctively, will look, first of all, after his own interest. A group of people (be it an aristocracy or democracy)? No!

Because every one of them is capable of wrong judgment; and a lot of wrong decisions do not add up to a right decision. (b) Also, it is apparent that no group of people disengage itself from self-interest. For example, in colonial days the assemblies and councils of colonies were enacting laws to suit the interest of the White rulers. Now, the same institutions (but with different members) are making laws keeping in view the interest of the local population.

Self-interest was, and still is, the key word of legislation in the whole world. (c) Moreover, no man or group of men is in a position to make a comprehensive law based on perfect equity and justice.