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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON ONE: CONCEPT OF RELIGION The purpose of this book is to explain the beliefs of Islam, known in Islamic terminology as ‘The Principles of Religion’ (Usūl al-Dīn). Before delving into this subject it is necessary to briefly define the word ‘religion’. A definition in the art of Logic marks the beginning of conceptualisation.

The Arabic word for religion is, ‘dīn’ and carries a lexical meaning of obedience, reward and subjugation. In technical terminology, religion means to have a belief in the ‘Creator’ of man and universe. The prescribed actions that accompany such a belief also fall within this definition. Those who believe in a creator, even if their beliefs are mingled with perversions and superstitions are regarded as being ‘religious’.

Those who consider the universe to be merely accidental, resulting from an effect of a material or natural cause are called ‘materialists’. On this basis contemporary religions can be divided into true or false religions. A true religion can be termed as a tradition, which holds correct beliefs, which are consonant with the reality, and from which emanates behaviour, which is expounded and intensified with the sense of being right and secure.

The principles of religion and its branches By understanding the technical definition given to the word ‘religion’, it becomes clear that religion can be divided into two major components: The fundamental belief or beliefs, which are held to be the foundation. The practical rules, which are related to, and emerge from the fundamental beliefs.

The section, which relates to the religious belief, is termed as its ‘principle’ (usūl), and the section relating to the practical rules are known as its ‘branches’ (furū’). Islamic scholars use these terms to identify these two categories. a. Worldview and Ideology Worldview can be defined as being a series of universal and harmonious beliefs concerning man and the universe. Ideology can generally be taken to mean a series of universal and harmonious views regarding human behaviour.

By consideration of the above, the term ‘worldview’ can be applied to the ‘principles of belief’, and ‘ideology’ can be used in connection with the branches or universal practical rules. It must be noted though, that neither worldview nor ideology includes the particular aspects of the principles or the branches.