Role of Religion in Understanding Norms and Values

Islam distinguishes itself from other religions, ideologies and worldviews by its absolute and universal norms. These norms and values not only provide legal safeguards, but also a very effective moral system. Islamic values are next to the nature of man, and are complimentary to his moral and spiritual evolution. The fundamental Islamic norms and values provide effectiveness and solidarity to the community, establishment and development; the values and philosophy stipulate a particular social constitution and interpersonal associations; taking temperance, restraint, harmony, serenity and equanimity as its fundamental principle as against hostility, antagonism and vengeance. Muslim thinkers developed different views regarding the role of religion (Islam) in society. The religious modernists advocate the modernization of society and restrict the application of religion to private sphere of life, i.e. they tend to separate the religion and state, while others advocate the application of norms of religion as contained in religious law to all aspects of life, in particular social and public life. They want to base the actions on norms contained in Shariah (Islamic Law) with direct reference to the Quran and Sunnah. Islamic approach for the establishment of peace and welfare of humanity emphasize on --the establishment of social peace, moderation and snubbing all destructive activities and permitting only the positive actions.