THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION T he concept of religion, as presented by Maulana Maududi, is most clearly and comprehensively laid out in his book Quran Ki Char Bunyadi Istilahain. (Four Key Concepts of the Quran). This book holds a significant place in the literature generated under this school of thought because it is the only text in which an intellectual effort has been made to substantiate this thought. It is the scholarly foundation of this ideology. In the Tarjuman al-Quran, Special No. Mansab-e-Risalat (September 1961), this book was introduced with the following words: “Truly, it is the key to understanding the Quran. Read this book and then read the Quran; the doors of understanding will open.” To understand Maulana Maududi’s concept of religion, Quran Ki Chaar Buniyadi Istlahein (Four Key Concepts of the Quran) is the most suitable and credible source among all his works. Therefore, I have selected this book as the basis for the discussion in this chapter.