REL 100 The Seven Dimensions of Islam
The Seven Dimensions of Islam
To help us understand religion better, Ninian Smart formulated the seven dimensions of religion, which can be identified in all religions. The practical and ritual dimension covers the practical portion of religion. The important experiences of the founders of religion as well as their followers are explained in the Emotional and Experiential dimension. The stories within each religion are also important as expressed in the Narrative and Mythical dimension. The Ethical and Legal dimension constitute the codes of behavior whereas the Doctrinal and Philosophical dimension refers to the belief system found in each religion. The last two dimensions, Social and Institutional, and Material refer to the incarnation of religion in social and material forms respectively.
These dimensions can be applied to all religions but my focus would be on Islam. Anyone who is relatively knowledgeable in the religion of Islam can easily identify some examples related to some dimensions from a first look. The most obvious one off course is the practical and ritual dimension. Other dimensions like the Emotional and Experiential dimension may be a little tricky to pinpoint some examples right away. Nevertheless, with careful analysis, they can be determined.
As already mentioned, the practical and ritual dimension refers to the practices involved in religion. There is virtually no tradition in this world that does not in one way or the other engage in certain practices exclusive to it. Likewise, every religion has its own unique rituals. Islam is a religion that strongly requires its followers to show their obedience through actions as well as faith. Prayer is a commonality in religions but the frequency varies in each religion. A Muslim is required to pray five times daily at prescribed times of the day. Fasting during the month of Ramadan, which can also be compared to the Lent in Christianity, is another Islamic ritual that is performed annually. Like
To help us understand religion better, Ninian Smart formulated the seven dimensions of religion, which can be identified in all religions. The practical and ritual dimension covers the practical portion of religion. The important experiences of the founders of religion as well as their followers are explained in the Emotional and Experiential dimension. The stories within each religion are also important as expressed in the Narrative and Mythical dimension. The Ethical and Legal dimension constitute the codes of behavior whereas the Doctrinal and Philosophical dimension refers to the belief system found in each religion. The last two dimensions, Social and Institutional, and Material refer to the incarnation of religion in social and material forms respectively.
These dimensions can be applied to all religions but my focus would be on Islam. Anyone who is relatively knowledgeable in the religion of Islam can easily identify some examples related to some dimensions from a first look. The most obvious one off course is the practical and ritual dimension. Other dimensions like the Emotional and Experiential dimension may be a little tricky to pinpoint some examples right away. Nevertheless, with careful analysis, they can be determined.
As already mentioned, the practical and ritual dimension refers to the practices involved in religion. There is virtually no tradition in this world that does not in one way or the other engage in certain practices exclusive to it. Likewise, every religion has its own unique rituals. Islam is a religion that strongly requires its followers to show their obedience through actions as well as faith. Prayer is a commonality in religions but the frequency varies in each religion. A Muslim is required to pray five times daily at prescribed times of the day. Fasting during the month of Ramadan, which can also be compared to the Lent in Christianity, is another Islamic ritual that is performed annually. Like