I. Introduction
Religion is the path that takes human beings to their ultimate destination. Logic demands that whatever one’s goal in life is. There should be a means for reaching that goal. Thus, it is a religion that provides man ultimate path in order to achieve his goals.
II. What is Religion
Religion is a set of dogmas, rituals of worship, and a number of social customs to celebrate important life events. Religion deals with individual life.
According to Muhammad Mazhar-Uddin Siddiqui:
“Religion affects every step of life. It has a great impact on politics, life, economics, domain, philosophy, and other spheres of life. It glorifies the concept of the universe.”
III. Necessity of Religion
1. Spiritual Need
When one is stuck in the materialistic world, and sometimes lacking that spiritual connection one wants to meditate to connect with nature. Religion helps man to mediate, leave temporary things of life and maintain spiritual relations with God in a calm place.
2. Physiological Need
When one feels pain-worship, zikr-religion lowers the pain of man. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do heart finds rest.” (Al-Quran)
3. Social Need
Religion makes man responsible for social life. In this way, he feels the hunger of other men like during fasting.
4. Emotional Need
When a person feels hopeless, he needs someone who gives hope, Religion gives him hope.
Allah says in Holy Quran:
“Do not be hopeless.” (Al-Quran)
Thus, Religion helps man even when he is down emotionally.
IV. Importance of Religion for Man
1. A Source of Guidance
The primary function of religion is to guide people toward the right path.
In Surah Al-Nahl verse: 89, Allah Almighty says:
“And we have sent down the Book explaining all things as a guide, a Mercy and Glad tidings to the Muslims.” (Al-Quran)
2. Shows the clear path
Religion provides man the Divine light of Allah which shows the clear path, right from wrong, the true from the false.
In Surah Al-Maida verse: 15, Allah Almighty says:
“There has come to you from Allah a new light and a manifest Book.” (Al-Quran)
3. A Light for Dark
Religion leads people out of the ignorance of darkness and evil into the light of goodness and piety.
In Surah Abraham verse: 1, Allah Almighty says:
“This is the Book which we have revealed to you O Prophet so that you may lead people out of darkness and into light, by the will of their Lord, to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.” (Al-Quran)
V. Impacts of Religion on Human Life
1. Personal Grooming
a. Humility
Humility comes from knowing about Allah and recognizing His greatness, venerating Him, loving Him, and being in awe of Him; and it comes from knowing about oneself and one’s own faults and weaknesses.
In Surah Al-Furqan verse: 63, Allah Almighty says:
“And the slaves of Allah are those who walk on the Earth in humility and calmness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.” (Al-Quran)
b. Patience
Religion teaches man the attributes of patience and calmness. It gives man a belief that the Lord of the Universe is with him.
In Surah Al-Baqarah verse: 153, Allah Almighty Says:
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer – Indeed Allah is with those who are patient.” (Al-Quran)
c. Simplicity
Religion teaches man simplicity like Muslims perform Hajj in two white clothes etc. Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“Simplicity is a part of faith.” (Al-Hadith)
2. Social Cohesion
a. Unity
Religion teaches man unity among each other. Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you will have faith until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari)
b. Empathy
Religion teaches man to understand the pain of others. Empathy is a powerful psychological tool that can bring about tranquility and goodwill to this world that is filled with so much hatred and animosity.
VI. Conclusion
Religion is an important part of man’s life. Man needs religion in spiritual, physical, social, and emotional matters. Besides this, religion teaches man a clear path and shows light in the darkness. This helps men in personal grooming and leads to social cohesion.