INTRODUCTION

Time brings about changes in the human lifestyle. Changes are a part of the time, and we cannot detach ourselves from them. However, the real challenge is to live with these changes without losing meaning, direction, or the goal of our lives.

The present time is the time of science and technology. However, no science or technology can explain the purpose of our existence and the goal of our lives. Science only explains how different elements of the natural world are formed and how they work. Such knowledge of the natural world helps in the improvement of technology which makes our lives easier and comfortable. To find the purpose/goal and reduce the worries and tensions of our lives we need to look at religion. Unfortunately, religion in the present time has become the most misunderstood and overlooked part of our lives. The reason is its unscientific appearance. As people have become accustomed to seeing everything from the point of view of science, they refuse to accept anything that has no scientific evidence. To them, religion is unscientific; therefore, they doubt its credibility.

As the language of religion is not the language of science, people think that religion is something unscientific and outdated that has nothing to do with reality. If, however, it is interpreted in the language of science, nothing seems outdated or illogical. Rather, it discloses those areas that science cannot discover on its own. It, in fact, points in the direction of new avenues of knowledge that are otherwise impossible to find. Though with science and technology, humans have learned a lot, still there are some areas that cannot be explained unless religion is studied.  Thus, it is important to treat religion as knowledge. It is only by keeping science and religion together that we can explore the unanswered areas of human life.

Religion is an inseparable part of a healthy human life. When we explore human history, we find that religion has existed in human societies throughout time. Several trends emerged and vanished, but nothing could completely wipe out religion from human civilization. Whenever attempts were made to bring about changes in it or it was forgotten, it reappeared with new zeal and zest. Even in the age of space technology, religion is still prevailing in many human societies. Why is it so? What is keeping it alive? To know the reasons, we need to understand religion as knowledge without any inclination, grudge, or bias.

First of all, we need to understand what religion actually is. What does it do to human life? Where does it come from? Who is God? Why does He draw the attention of people towards Himself in every era? Is there any scientific evidence for His existence? Does science prove His Words true? How does He communicate with people? Is there any source other than God from which we can get the perfect religion? Do humans really need religion? Do humans really need God? What do we get from worshiping? Can we change the religion given by God? If not, why? What problems do people face when they bring about changes in the God-given religion? What problems do people face when they do not observe religion at all? The theme of religion is peace; what is peace? What is sin, or wrongdoing? What is righteousness? What is the scientific explanation of angels, jinn, and devils? How are they linked with human life? In other words, what role do they play in human life? Religion introduces life after death; is there any scientific or logical evidence for this? Satisfactory answers to all these questions can help modern man reconnect with religion. By reconnecting with religion, people can identify and fix the misunderstood areas of their lives; and find the purpose of their existence. The absence of a goal in life gives rise to directionless and purposeless behaviors. Clarity of their goal can help them eliminate all such behaviors from their lives and focus on their goal. As technology has made it possible to learn the true essence of things, now is the best time to make use of it, not only to understand religion but to dispel all misconceptions associated with it.

‘The Clarity’ is an attempt to explain religion and answer the above-mentioned questions and many others with the help of science and logic in the simplest way possible. It is neither a book of religion [that teaches how to practice religion] nor a book of science [that contains difficult terminologies and complicated equations]. It is rather a book of awareness that explains that religion is an essential part of a normal and healthy human life. The abandonment of which means doom and disaster. ‘The Clarity’ further explains why religion is taken incorrectly: What major mistakes do we make in understanding religion? Why is there so much prejudice, bloodshed, war, and violence in the name of religion? It explains that religion is not just the completion of certain rites and rituals or the fulfillment of certain worships; it is a complete package that makes human survival as a species possible.

Moreover, ‘The Clarity’ explains that the religion of God has always remained the same throughout time; every prophet and every Divine Book have delivered the same Message. Thus, there is a standard religion for all of humanity.  What we call Judaism, Christianity, or Islam; are different names or sects of the same religion. The purpose of this book is not to criticize or challenge any sect, but to spread knowledge and awareness about the successful survival of humanity.

To explain religion and prove its importance in our lives, ‘The Clarity’ has followed the methodology of science. Every work of science begins with a hypothesis; the hypothesis is followed by detailed and unbiased investigations that prove that the [hypothetical] statement is true or not; and whether the relationship between different variables exists or not. Similarly, to see whether religion is important for human life or not, ‘The Clarity’ has formulated a hypothesis that says, ‘The Word of God is true [that religion is important for life]’. To work on this hypothesis, we need Words that are absolutely the Words of God and have not been altered by humans. Written words are more reliable as compared to word of mouth because they have more accuracy and proof of changes, if any. Four Major Scriptures – the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Quran are referred to as the Words of God. The first three are no longer available in their original form; all of them have been altered by human hands. The only Divine Book that is still available in its unaltered form is the Quran; a change of even a single character has never been proven since its revelation. The truth demands only that Book be taken as a reference which contains the original version. As the Quran fulfills the criteria, therefore, it is chosen as a reference for ‘The Clarity’. Though the original language of the Quran is Arabic, however, the standard English translation is used in ‘The Clarity’ for the convenience of its readers. These translations have been done by Talal Itani, and Sahih International. Both translations are easily available in print and electronic media all over the world. In ‘The Clarity’, human research and ayahs [verses] from the Quran have been compiled in such a way that the reader can easily understand the main idea. Quranic ayahs have been shown in boldface to make them distinguishable for the reader. Surah [chapter] numbers and ayah [verse] numbers are mentioned at the end of every reference.

Arabic, in essence, is a rich language that has an extensive vocabulary ranging over hundreds of words just for one object, which conveys a different meaning in brilliant detail. A language with such a rich vocabulary can explain anything in detail without creating any confusion in its meanings. Allah/God says in the Quran:

Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran that you might understand (12: 2)

And if We had made it a non-Arabic Quran, they would have said, “Why are its verses not explained in detail? ………………… (41: 44)

It is important to mention here that the pronoun, “We” is used for Allah in translations. “We” is a plural pronoun and is used to show the Sovereignty and the highest rank of Allah; it is not linked with polytheism.

Furthermore, the words, “Allah” for God and “Rubb” for Lord are used in all translations and discussions. It has been done in compliance with commands given by Allah Himself in the Quran.

And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. And leave those who practice deviation concerning His names………. (7: 180)

The objective of this book is to make people aware of some facts/realities. Once they know the reality, they can easily adapt to changes brought about by time and avoid distractions and diversions that may disrupt peace in their life. There is no other protection against misguidance except guidance.

…………. He who has strayed cannot harm you if you are guided………… (5: 105)  

‘The Clarity’ thereby, explains different aspects of life and religion in the context of science and logic. All facts are provided according to the latest research. It is a book for the people of the present time, who weigh everything on the scale of science and logic. ‘The Clarity’ removes various misconceptions about religion and life. It gives answers to those questions that come to the human minds of the present time and provides clarity about the religion and purpose of their lives.