THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION of the meaning of ‘ubudiyyah only when the slave’s heart is bowed before his master as well as his head.” (Quran ki Char Bunyadi Istelahien, Second Edition, pp. 71–72) Thus, the book ends up reversing the definitions of these four key terms. The other ‘aspects’ of of Ilah (God) and Rabb (Lord) are derived from the notion of “authority,” whereas, in fact, it is the sense of human need and divine providence that constitutes the common denominator between all their facets. In discussing Ibadah (worship), acknowledging supremacy and then adopting obedience in response is considered the foundation of its other “components,” even though the essence of worship is the servant’s humble and passionate relationship with God. From this, other aspects arise as its demands or consequences. Similarly, the concept of “system” is deemed the unifying cause of other elements within Deen (religion), even though in its essence, Deen is a state of inner submission and subjugation, from which other aspects manifest. This difference in the interpretation of the four terms is not merely a matter of wordplay. It distorts the fundamental essence of Deen. Despite defining a comprehensive meaning for Quranic terms, the true and highest purpose of the Quran is obscured. It is indeed true that the greatest benefit a believer