THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION

dominance and superiority, to relinquish one’s freedom and independence in comparison, to abandon defiance and resistance, and to submit to him. This embodies the true nature of servitude and slavery. Thus, the first thing an Arab would likely think of from this word is servitude and slavery. Then, because the primary duty of a slave is to obey and follow his master’s commands, the idea of obedience naturally accompanies it. The example of love that I mentioned earlier does not mean that the requirements listed in the book for the four terms are necessarily requirements of the same level. It is simply an example I used to illustrate the nature of the issue, as it is well known that requirements are not all of equal importance. When a slave, in his servitude and obedience to his master, not only fully surrenders himself but also, in belief, acknowledges his superiority, admits his greatness, and is filled with gratitude for his kindnesses, he then goes to great lengths in showing him honour and reverence. He expresses acknowledgment of favours in various ways and performs acts of service and devotion in many forms. This is called worship, and this concept becomes part