Religion as a pillar for establishing a civilization: Al-Māwardī‘s perspective

Abstract

This study examinesreligion in terms of establishingand maintainingacivilization based on Abū al-Ḥasanal-Māwardī’s(d.1058) contribution, “Kitāb adab al-dunyāwa-al-dīn.”In this paper, the centralargument is that religion is a pillar for establishingand maintainingcivilization. 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 religionfrom al-Māwardī’sperspectiveanditsrole in constructing a civilization. This paper considers several religious notions and conceptsproposed by al-Māwardīfor this purpose.For instance,‘al-Targhīb wa al-Tarhīb’(persuasion and intimidation)and al-ulfah (social affinity)indicatehow religioncan affectindividual behaviorsand actions and helps createand maintaincivilization. As a methodology, this paper analyses al-Māwardī’scontribution and comparesit withsignificantcontributions tocivilization Studies. Itconcludes that a profound understanding of religion's role inanycivilization gives a proper directionfor understanding civilizationand how religion can enhance and improve people's behavior and manners, which reflectspositively on religion’s role in establishingand preservinga civilization.