Describe the necessity and importance of religion for man and its effects on human life.


comments,criticism and suggestions are highly encouraged.

Introduction:
Religion plays an integral role in both the individual and collective aspect of the society.even a coursory glance of history tells us that religion has been important in all the times.tracing back to the beginning of humanity, we learn religion is found anywhere and everywhere.
Although, many philosophers and theologians have attempted to define religion,but the truest and simplest definition would “relationship between man and GOD(superpower) on which a man has a belief and depends upon”

significance of religion
From the point of a view of a normal human,the basic purpose of religion is to integrate different aspects of society. it integrats an individual with God, integrates individuals with other individuals, integrates collective aspects of society and integrates individuals with the nature.

Classification of religions
The religions of the world are broadly classified into two major division, revealed and non-revealed.the former provides sure knowledge of known aspects while the latter does not and cannot. revealed religion focus on spiritual aspects of an individual’s life but non-revealed fail to touch such aspects and leave believers at loss on such mysterious areas. Revealed religions have a practical aspect whereas non-revealed are just philosophical and based on theories.

Impact of religion
Religion leaves an indelible mark in all the aspects of an individual and collective life.it explains the concepts and beliefs which science fails to address such as how world was created? Why world was created? What is the purpose of life? it acts as a “guide” showing a path to be followed by its adherents. all the religions of the world advocated an individual to practice righteousness and to shun evil.
At a conference on religion, a query was asked “why is religion so important? Why can’t human beings follow the basic principles of right and good doing based on humanity”. the answer to such a query would be a counter question “who decides what is good and right?”. Miniskirts and jeans may be considered good and right for any western society buit in Pakistan it is viewed as indecent and immoral. On similar lines, alcohol ,the fatalist drink is considered a part of the norm and customs in some societies while holding a negative image in muslim societies.
The fact is, if left to man to decide, he would never be able to unanimously agree upon items as being right and wrong. this leaves us at the disposal of the creator,who has created us and is aware of our necessities and requirements.

Effects of religion

Economic impact: religion has a interrelated relationship with the economy of any country. religion encourages men to gives alms and charity to help the poor and destitute and to earn a reward for it in hereafter.
As Quran says “ and the poor and the destitute have a due share in their wealth”

Welfare: looking at the history, we learn that religion has played a commendable role in the welfare of individuals. Major religions of the wealth have contributed to the field of medicine. in addition, it encourages the adherents to help fellow beings by establishing hospitals, orphanages, religious organizations, inns ec.

Education: religions in all times have propagated education. In the time of Holy prophet (P.B.U.H),mosques served as the primary educational institution. similarly, in ancient times, churches were used as the source for dissemination of knowledge and information.

Explains sufferings: religion explains sufferings. it creates a belief in its followers the feeling that worldly sufferings are temporary and the hereafter is eternal. it exhorts the believers to belief that even his worldly sufferings are meaningful.

Consolation to aggrieved: religion provides solace and consoles the depressed and aggrieved. It propagates that everything is in the hand of the creator and it is He who gives pain or pleasure and that man should submit himself to His will to earn HIS pleasure. As is rightly said “prayer does not change god, it changes him who pray”

Social cohesion: religions are a source of social cohesion. it unites different sections of the society and inculcates the feeling of unity, commonness and struggle for a common goal.

Conclusion: religion is not the following of particular rituals, rites or going to a certain religious instituition (temple,mosque or church),it is the spiritual communion of the man with his creator. This,thus, leaves a mark on each and every aspect of the society.