THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION

although mostly correct in some respects—cannot be aligned with Quranic verses in the way intended by the interpretation. The Quran, it appears, completely denies accepting this perspective. For example, one might say that “Islam has provided guidelines for economic matters,” and this claim would surely be supported by Islamic sources. However, if someone claims that the Prophet was sent specifically to establish a specific economic system based on divine economics, this claim does not hold—even though Islam addresses economic issues. Framing it as the purpose of prophethood is unfounded, and the Quran and Hadith will clearly reject this idea. In the book, one of the five meanings of Rabb (Lord) is interpreted as “the center of gathering” (p. 63), or “the central entity around which people gather” (p. 29), the “central authority whose sovereignty serves as the foundation for the unity of all citizens of a state” (p.40), and “the central personality that forms the basis of a land’s civilization and unity” (p. 51). Accordingly, the interpretation of God as Rabb would mean: “His allegiance is the natural foundation on which we rightly build the structure of our collective life. Association with His central personality creates a bond of unity among the scattered individuals and groups, forming a single community” (p. 68).