Religion as a pillar for establishing a civilization: Al-M?ward?‘s perspective

Abstract

This study examines religion in terms of establishing and maintaining a civilization based on Ab? al-?asan al-M?ward?‘s (d. 1058) contribution, “Kit?b adab al-duny? wa-al-d?n.” In this paper, the central argument is that religion is a pillar for establishing and maintaining civilization. There are no possibilities for a civilization to be constituted and maintained without a central role for religion. I will elaborate on the meaning of religion from al-M?ward?‘s perspective and its role in constructing a civilization. This paper considers several religious notions and concepts proposed by al-M?ward? for this purpose. For instance, ‘al-Targh?b wa al-Tarh?b’ (persuasion and intimidation) and al-ulfah (social affinity) indicate how religion can affect individual behaviors and actions and helps create and maintain civilization. As a methodology, this paper analyses al-M?ward?‘s contribution and compares it with significant contributions to civilization Studies. It concludes that a profound understanding of religion’s role in any civilization gives a proper direction for understanding civilization and how religion can enhance and improve people’s behavior and manners, which reflects positively on religion’s role in establishing and preserving a civilization. © 2021, University of Management and Technology. All rights reserved.