The Essence of Religion and the Peculiarity of Islam - Coursework Example

Religion is a set of beliefs followed by a select group of people. It defines the way the people act, live their life, perform certain ritual acts and show their devotion to the Being. The need for religion arises when people are left baffled by the inexplicable powers of nature; when they are unable to prove a natural phenomenon scientifically, people associate it to the presence of the One Being who is the Creator of everything. Phenomenons which are beyond human control evoke fear and hence people seek the refuge of religion to call upon the Deity to help them.

Although the idea of God is different for every religion, the essence remains the same- followers extol the One Being and incorporate the commandments of their religion in their lives; these injunctions are aimed to structure their life on a model of an exalted standard of character.The second-largest religion in the world, Islam articulates the belief of the Oneness of God. Since the advent of Islam in the 7th century, it is one of the fastest-growing religions of the world. The Muslims believe that the Holy Quran was revealed by Allah to the Last of the Messengers- Prophet Muhammad.

The laws that God is said to have devised so that man may order his life are explained in their totality as the ‘Shariah’ (Turner 206). Islam is a religion of peace and a good Muslim is one who not only follows the injunctions of Allah but also gives due rights to his fellow brothers and sisters.