UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE framework of religion. As a result, this “system” was placed at the center of Islam, with all other aspects understood through this perspective. Consequently, even though all components of religion are part of this unifying explanation, they are moved away from their true positions. Now, every aspect of religion is valued solely as a part of the system. Beliefs and tenets of faith are included because they form the “intellectual foundation” of this way of life. Worship practices are seen as components because they serve as “training courses” to prepare the followers or adherents of this system. The teachings related to interpersonal conduct are regarded as the “moral code” for those involved with this system. Punishments and legal boundaries are considered the “social foundations” of this system. Leadership and governance, viewed as components, provide the means for this system to become a dominant institution, enforcing itself through power, and so on. The natural outcome of this interpretation was a shift in the core objective. Religion, when viewed as a “system,” gained prominence, but its devotional aspect weakened. The inner essence of religion was pushed into the background, and its external, systemic aspect took precedence. Just as, in the earlier interpretation of “human being,” the transformation of social conditions