deen or mazhab me farq. by Dr Israr Ahmed rh

Understanding the Difference Between Religion and Faith

Definition of Religion and Faith

• The speaker discusses the terminology used to differentiate between "religion" (مذہب) and "faith" (دین), emphasizing that religion is a broader concept.

• The term "religion" appears in various Islamic texts, but it is not explicitly used in the Quran or Hadith for Islam; instead, "faith" refers to a complete system of life.

Components of Religion

• Religion encompasses personal beliefs such as faith in one God, rituals like birth ceremonies (e.g., Aqiqah for Muslims), and funeral practices.

• It also includes social aspects like marriage, inheritance laws, and moral guidelines prohibiting actions such as usury, gambling, and substance abuse.

Political and Economic Systems within Faith

• The speaker highlights that Islam provides a political framework alongside religious teachings, including laws governing society's economic responsibilities.

• Examples include systems for providing basic needs through Zakat (charity), ensuring no one suffers from poverty or hunger.

The Role of Secularism in Modern Society

Secularism Explained

• Secularism advocates for equal status among all religions while maintaining that societal governance should be free from religious influence.

• This leads to diverse religious practices coexisting without interference in public law or policy.

Implications of Secular Governance

• In secular societies, individuals can create their own laws through representatives; this has led to legal recognition of same-sex marriages despite being against traditional values.

• The speaker argues that while personal freedoms are respected under secularism, they may conflict with natural law or traditional norms.

The Nature of Divine Law vs. Human Law

Distinction Between Types of Laws

• The discussion emphasizes that divine law (دین اللہ), royal decree (دین الملک), and popular sovereignty (دین جمہور) cannot coexist; only one can prevail at a time.

• While multiple sectarian interpretations exist within Islam regarding personal laws (e.g., Hanafi, Shafi'i), overarching divine principles must remain unified across the community.

Discussion on Poetry and Its Role in Society

The Nature of Poetry in Religious Context

• The discussion begins with the assertion that poetry should not be used to promote sectarian differences; rather, it should align with the teachings of God and His Messenger.

• It is emphasized that current societal structures allow for religious representation by public figures, which can lead to misinterpretations or misuse of religious tenets.

Historical Significance of Poets

• Historically, poets would gather annually at a festival where they presented their best verses; the most acclaimed poet would receive recognition and honor.

• This tradition served as a means to celebrate poetic excellence and acknowledge the contributions of poets within society.

The Duality of Poetry's Purpose

• While poetry has been criticized in some contexts (as noted in the Quran), it also serves as a source of guidance when aligned with faith.

• Poets who possess true belief and convey messages rooted in faith are distinguished from those who do not adhere to these principles.