symbolised the supreme power at work in the universe. Worship is a
characteristic religious activity and the anthropologists have
amassed ample evidence to prove that primitive man did worship
something or other. It has also been proved that primitive tribes,
even now living, cherish beliefs and engage in practices which are
undeniably religious in character inasmuch as they refer to some
deity or deities and to life after death.
In light of these findings one can safely affirm that religion is a
universal phenomenon (for the simple reason that, as explained in
the Introduction, the instinct of self-preservation is inherent in
man). Plutarch, who flourished in the first century of the Christian
era with extensive knowledge of the world of his time, affirms:
In wandering over the earth, you can find cities without walls, without
science, without rulers, without palaces, without treasures, without
money, without gymnasium or theater, but a city without temples to
gods, without prayer, oaths and prophecy, such a city no mortal has yet
seen and will never see. (1)
In the modern age, religion is visible in many different aspects –
sometimes it is looked upon as a natural phenomenon and as such it
falls within the sphere of science. But, as the experience of
individual man, it falls within the purview of psychology, while, as a
social fact, it is the concern of the sociologist. The sociologist is,
however, interested only in the function of religion as a cohesive
force in society. The role of religion in human history has also not
been overlooked: it has been studied. In our attempt to understand
the nature of religion, therefore, we will first consider the
definitions which have been offered by the various scientists and
thinkers who have made a special study of the subject.
II. The Definition of ReligionThe student of religion is as much bewildered by the diversity
and variety of religions as he is baffled by the complexity of each
single religion. He finds it well-nigh impossible to extract the
essential element from the complex and heterogeneous mass of
beliefs and practices in which it is embedded. In these
circumstances, it is natural for him to select some aspect which he
happens to regard as an important characteristic and try to define
Islam: A Challenge to Religion 36