CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF RELIGION

CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF RELIGION manifestations, or outside of them, their claim is false, because true worship cannot exist within a person without them, for genuine worship cannot exist without them. Although the essence of a human being lies in a spirit that we cannot see, it is equally true that in this world, the existence of a human being cannot be conceived without the human body. Although the word ‘ibadah (worship) broadly covers the entire Shariah—as everything a servant does to please God and follow His commands is driven by the spirit of servitude—‘ibadah specifically refers to the unique act that exists only between the servant and God. How a person behaves with other people is the outcome of worship, whereas the act between God and a human being is worship in itself. For example, when a person prays, they are directly engaged in worship, bowing in submission to God without any intermediary. On the other hand, in ethical behavior and social interactions, when a person follows God’s commands, they are fulfilling the duties that come with their servitude to others. These duties are obligatory just like specific acts of worship, but it’s important to understand the difference in nature between the two, as this distinction is essential for a proper understanding of religion. Requirements are always sought in relation to something else, whereas the true reality is sought in itself.