Lecture#2

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Topic: Introduction to World Religion
Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool
2 Outline:
Meaning of Religion

Islamic concept of Religion

Basic elements of Religion

Importance of Religion in human life

Classification of Religion

Types of Religion

Five Major Religion in the World

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

3 ❑ Meaning of Religion
▪ What is Religion?
A religion is a set of beliefs and actions generally held by several
people. Religion is often described as a communal system of belief
focusing on a system of thought, unseen power, that is
supernatural, sacred, divine or of the highest truth. Moral codes,
practices, values, institutions, traditions and rituals are often
traditionally associated with the core belief.
▪ The Arabic derivation and meaning:
The equivalent word for religion in the Arabic language is (dal, ya’
and nun) which has various connotations from Its linguistic
derivations. In his book al deen wa al wahywa al Islam, Mustafa
Abdur Razzaq related that there are more Than twenty linguistic
meanings of the word deen.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

4 ▪ The authors of lisan al arab, mu’jam al wasit and Mukhtar al sihah
Indicate that the word ‘al diin’ with kasrah vowel sound (p. Al
adyaan), has various literal meanings. These include Al-Adah
(custom), al- jaza’ (reward), al -dhillu (humbleness) And al- taa’ah
(obedience).
❑ The English Derivation and its Meaning:
The word "religion" comes from the Latin word "religare," which
means to "re-link" or connect with God. It originally involved
practices like meditation.
Today, "religion" can mean a lot of different things because it
covers a broad range of beliefs and practices. Generally, religion
involves believing in one or more powerful beings, like gods. This
belief usually includes following rules, showing respect, and
worshiping as part of a system that guides how to live a good life,
whether spiritually or materially.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

5 ❑ Definition of Religion:
The human brain which has always placed an object of worship for
him is commonly known as religion. Apart from this religious aspect
the proper definition of religion is still unknown. Many great people
have tried to define religion in their own ways, but their definitions
and interpretations were always different from each other.
➢ According to Immanuel Kant, considering every prayer as the order
of God is religion”.
➢ Religion may be defined as “an organized system of beliefs,
ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods”
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2014).
➢ Professor Taylor has very simply defined religion as "belief in
supernatural beings" The concept of religions is different in different
people, but there is one thing which is common in most of them i.e.,
Belief in presence of supernatural power.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

6 ➢ Allamah Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi – Need for Religion:
“The Arabic word “Deen” which is translated as “Religion” in English
is used for several meanings:
✓ “Islam; Belief in unity of God; Worship; Obedience; All the acts of
worship; piety;” All these meanings are interrelated and relate to the
belief in Creator.
✓ “Judgment; Reward or Punishment; Account; Order; Law;” These
meanings are inter-related and point to the belief in the Life-
Hereafter.
✓ The third group of its meanings is: “Custom; character; Habit;
Religion revealed and traditional both.’
➢ Allamah Tabatabaei (ra) in Islamic Teachings in Brief;
“Religion refers to the beliefs and a series of practical and moral
instructions that the prophets have related on behalf of Allah to
guide and lead human beings.”
Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool
7 ❑ Islamic Concept of Religion:
▪ In Islam Religion (Deen) refers to the entire way of life prescribed by
Allah (God) through the teachings of Quran and the Holy Prophet
(PBUH). Religion is a comprehensive system of beliefs, values,
practices and principles pertaining to personal, social, moral and
spiritual dimensions.
Allah says in the Holy Quran.
“Truly, Islam is the only Deen (Religion) in Allah’s sight.”
(Al-i-Imran, 3: 19)
“And whoever seeks a deen (religion) other than Islam that shall not
at all be accepted from him.”
(Al-i-Imran, 3: 85)

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

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 Allah says in Holy Quran:
“Today, I have perfected your Deen (Religion) for you, and have
completed My Blessing upon you, and I have chosen for you Islam
(as) Deen (complete code of life).”
(Al-Maidah 5:3)
 In Islam Religion (Deen) means,
Absolute Sovereignty (of Allah)
Absolute submission (of man to the absolute Sovereignty)
Religion (Deen) indicates reward and accountability
Religion (Deen) express a way of life or a code of Conduct

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

9 ❑ The Basic Elements of Religion:

 There are some common elements which can be observed in in all

religions, these are:

Beliefs Practice Ethics

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

 ❑ The Basic Elements of Religion:
 Belief:
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Belief and faith are fundamental element, without beliefs there is no
religion, therefore people who practiced no faith were named as
munafeeqeen in the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the
worst place in hell was announced as their reward in hereafter.
Belief in religion is like roots for a tree. It is necessary for the religion
to grow strong.
 Practices:
They are the second element of religion. They are like fruits on a
tree, Practices should be followed to be a good believer.
 Ethics:
Ethics is about good behavior. All religions teach their followers to
be good people. The first two elements of religion are about our
relationship with God, the third element is about our relationship
with other people. Studying different religions can teach us about
ethics. They have many similarities and often focus on improving
ourselves and our society.
Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool
11 ❑ Importance of Religion in human life:
 The concept of “Religion" holds significant importance in human life,
especially in the context of Islam, built principles can be applied
more broadly as well.
 Religion provides guidance in every walk of life:
“And We have revealed to you that Glorious Book which is a clear
exposition of everything and is guidance, mercy and glad tidings for
the believers.”
(an-Nahl, 16 : 89)
Religion benefits human by providing guidance in every walk of life.
From waking up in the morning till going to bed at night. Religion
dictates man to enjoy a prosper life. Islam has given clear details
about politics, economics and social spheres of life. The concept is
profound instructions for controlling the economic administration of a
country.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

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❑ Religion facilitates man with sense of belonging, equality
and brotherhood:
Religion establishes a strong foundation of morality and ethics. It sets
standards for how individuals should treat others, emphasizing values
like compassion, honesty, justice, and empathy. This helps
foster/encourage a harmonious society where individuals respect
each other's rights and dignity.
The rituals of Islam are steeped/ingrained with the concept of
belonging and equality. The concept of ihram in Hajj dictates that all
human is equal in front of Allah. Man are instructed to wear white
colored ihram.
Moreover, the concept of congregational prayer in masjid rejects
the filth of class, creed or social status. All Muslims. stands together in
front of Almighty Allah joint Shoulder to shoulder.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

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❑ Religion provides structure to society:
“And We have revealed to you that Glorious Book which is a clear
exposition of everything.”
(an-Nahl, 16 : 89)
Religion benefits man in a concisely structured way, seen
elaborates on obligations, rights and responsibilities of a man to
promote harmonious life. The socio-eco-political system of Islam
conjugate both communism and capitalism socio-eco-political
system, which means it is a combination of both system depending
upon the need of the hour. The system of zakat explains that wealth
should not be hoarded//stored in one hand only. Rather it is to be
circulated among the chains of society in this way the poor would
not remain poor but have equal opportunity in upgrading their
social status.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

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❑ Religion bestow bravery upon human:
Religion (Islam) instills/bestows/gives encouragement in individuals.
Allah Himself communicates with man through the Quran,
elevating/rasing his morals. The Quran advises believers to remain
steadfast during times of hardship, assuring them that relief will
follow every difficulty. This divine guidance helps Muslims to stay
resilient/strong and hopeful, knowing that after every period of
struggle ease will come. Allah says in Holy Quran,
“So surely ease (comes) with every hardship. Verily, with (this)
hardship (too) there is ease.”
(ash-Sharh, 94 : 5-6)
This ayah convinces human to bravely face hardships.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

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❑ Religion provides principles for Establishment of Justice:
A vital function of the Religion is to guide in the establishment of
balance system of justice and equality. Allah says in Quran,
“(O Glorious Messenger!) Surely, We have revealed to you the Book
based on Truth so that you may judge between the people in
accordance with (the Truth) which Allah has shown to you.”
(an-Nisa, 4 : 105)
❑ Religion teaches morality and ethics to man:
Religion encourages a balanced lifestyle by setting guidelines for
various aspects of life, including personal health, family
relationships, work, and leisure. This helps individuals avoid extremes
and live a life of moderation. Religion plays a significant role
teaching morality and ethics to individual. It provides
comprehensive guidelines and principles that help people
distinguish/recognize right from wrong. Moreover, encouraging
behavior that are aligned with values such as compassion, honesty,
humility and respect for others.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

16 There are moral teachings often shape individual’s actions and
decisions,
• Helping them,
• manage ethical dilemmas/quandary/difficulty and
• contribute to society.
Religion is structured in a way that taking care of living things is more
important than any other obligation on man.
 Classification of Religion according to the Revelation:
There are two kinds of religion,
✓ Revealed and
✓ Non-Revealed.
The revealed religion which has been revealed to the prophets
which have the concept of Tawheed, risalat, akhirah etc. like Islam,
Christianity and Judaism.
Non revealed religions are those who have not been revealed but
based on mankind experiences, superstitions and meditation like
Buddhism, Hinduism etc.
Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool
17
Monotheism

Types of
Religion

Atheism Polytheism

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

18 ❑ Types of Religion:

 Monotheism:
It means those religions who believe in one Supreme God. The
examples of these religions are Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
 Polytheism:
It means those religions who believe in more than one God. Hinduism
is the best example of it.
 Atheism:
It means those religions which do not believe in the existence of
God, Angels, Heaven and Hell, Resurrection etc. Its examples are
Shinto religion of Japan, Jainism and Buddhism in India.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

19 ❑ There are five major Religion in the world:

Islam

Christianity

Judaism Hinduism Buddhism

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

20 ❑ Christianity:
 Christianity is a monotheistic religion that is based on the teaching
and life of Jesus. The Christian faith centers on beliefs regarding the
birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 Christians generally believe in Jesus to be the son of god, the second
person of the Trinity.
 Just like Judaism and Islam, Christianity is an Abrahamic religion,
Christianity started out as a Jewish sect in the eastern
Mediterranean, It quickly grew in number of believers and influence
over a few decades, and by the 4th century, it had become a
dominant religion in the Roman empire.
 As a tradition, Christianity is more than a system of religious belief. It
also has generated a culture a set of ideas, ways of life, and
practices that have been handed down from generation to
generation since Jesus first became the object of faith.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

21 ❑ Jesus’s Teachings:
Some of the main themes that Jesus taught, which Christians later
embraced, include:
• Love God.
• Love your neighbor as yourself.
• Forgive others who have wronged you.
• Love your enemies.
• Ask God for forgiveness of your sins.
• Jesus is the Messiah and was given the authority to forgive others.
• Repentance of sins is essential.
• Don’t be hypocritical.
• Don’t judge others.
• The Kingdom of God is nearby. It’s not the rich and powerful—but the
weak and poor—who will inherit this kingdom.
Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool
22 • The agent of Christianity is the church, the community of people
who make up the body of believers.
• Christian scripture incorporates both the Torah with the story of Jesus
and his teachings. These form the Bible, the central text of the
Christian faith.
• Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with roughly 24 billion
or 33% of the total population.
❑ Concept of God in the Bible:
• “God Is Light “The Bible also says that God is light.
• This is the message we have heard from him and announce to you,
that God is Light, and in him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
• The Quran contains verses that highlight the commonalities
between Christians and Muslims but contains other verses warning
Christians against sliding toward polytheism due to their worship of
Jesus Christ as God.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

23 ❑ Buddhism:
➢ Siddhartha Gautama the founder of Buddhism who later became
known as “the Buddha,” lived during the 5th century B.C.
➢ Gautama was born into a wealthy family as a prince in present-day
Nepal. Although he had an easy life, Gautama was moved by
suffering in the world.
➢ Buddhism is both religion and philosophy. The Buddha lived in the
eastern part of ancient India,
➢ Followers of Buddhism don’t acknowledge a supreme god or deity.
They instead focus on achieving an enlightenment state of inner
peace and wisdom. Some scholars don’t recognize Buddhism as an
organized religion, but rather, as a “way of life” or a “spiritual
tradition.”
➢ Buddhism is today the fourth largest religion in the world, being the
majority religion of many countries in Southeast Asia.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

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• The Four Noble Truths, which Buddha taught, are:
• The truth of suffering
• The truth of the cause of suffering
• The truth of the end of suffering
• The Truth of the Path that frees us from Suffering
❑ Buddhist Holy Book:
Buddhists revere many sacred texts and scriptures. Some of the
most important are:
➢ Tripitaka: These texts, known as the “three baskets,” are thought to
be the earliest collection of Buddhist writings.
➢ Sutras: There are more than 2,000 sutras, which are sacred
teachings embraced mainly by Mahayana Buddhists.
➢ The Book of the Dead: This Tibetan text describes the stages of
death in detail.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

25 ❑ Hinduism:

➢ Hinduism began about 4000 years ago in India. It was a religion of

an ancient people known as the Aryans, whole philosophy, religion,
and customs are recorded in their sacred texts known as the Vedas.
➢ The fundamental teaching of Hinduism is that a human being’s
basic nature is not confined to the body or the mind. Beyond both is
the spirit or the spark of God.
➢ Hindus worship different idols; there are many Hindus who believe in
one God and different Goddesses as different images of the same
God.
➢ Hindus believe in reincarnation. The basic belief is that a person’s
fate is determined according to his deeds; these deeds in Hinduism
are called Karma.

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool

26 ❑ Judaism:
➢ Judaism the first and the oldest of the three great monotheistic
faiths is the religion and way of life of the Jewish people.
➢ The basic laws and tenets of Judaism are derived from the Torah.
➢ The most important teaching and tenets of the Jewish are that
there is one God, who wants all people to do what is just and
merciful.
➢ Jewish people serve God through study, prayers, and observances
of the commandment set forth in the Torah.
➢ Jewish religious observance is centered in the home; this includes
daily prayers, which are said three times each day, in the morning,
in the afternoon, and after sunset.
➢ Congregational prayers usually take place in a “synagogue” a
Jewish house of prayer and study

Lecture by Ms. Sara Batool