Chapter 2THE FUNCTION OF DEENI. Deen and ManWE have stated that a careful study of Islam is likely to give us an
insight into the nature and function of deen. Before embarking on
this study, however, it would be advisable to consider its role in
human life. The primary function of deen is the development of
human personality. It determines man’s outlook on life and makes
life meaningful to him. It aims at the transformation of man’s
character by organising his desires into a harmonious system of
living. To the extent that it succeeds in this aim, it eliminates the
sources of internal conflict and enables man to live at peace with
himself and at peace with his environment. Success and happiness
are basically the fruits of a genuine personal conviction. But deen has
its social side as well. It is concerned with man as he exists in a
network of social relationship. It does not isolate man from his
social setting; rather, it brings him closer to his fellow-beings. It has a
meaning for man as an individual; but it has a far richer meaning for
him as a member of a social group. Deen leads man to the realisation
that he can develop his potentialities only by co-operating with his
fellow men in the attainment of common ends. In this way, it plays a
vital part in the development of customs, laws and institutions. It is,
therefore, the proper subject of study not only for the psychologist
but also for the historian and the sociologist. All are equally bound
to take it seriously and are not justified in explaining it away (as in the
case of religion) as an illusion or a matter of mere personal concern.
The philosopher, too, has the right to examine the validity of deen’s
view of Reality and to assess its value as a cohesive force in society.
Deen has nothing to fear from an impartial inquiry. It has survived
the fiercest onslaughts of science and philosophy so far directed
against it.
Iqbal* has rightly observed: “Higher religion(1) ... recognized the
necessity of (concrete)** experience as its foundation long before
* ** See next page