Functions of Religion and Faith in Chapter Two of Hypocrisy and Divine Religion

An Academic Analysis of Sadeq Khademi’s Work

Introduction

Chapter Two of Hypocrisy and Divine Religion by Sadeq Khademi, titled “Functions of Religion and Religious Faith,” elucidates the role of religion and faith in human life from a theological and philosophical perspective. This chapter presents religion as an assured conduit for connecting with God, fostering identity, tranquility, and salvation. Drawing on the text of Chapter Two and authoritative Islamic sources, this article analyzes the key functions of religion, including inner divine connection, identity formation, truth and fulfillment, and tranquility. The aim is to offer a coherent and scholarly perspective on these functions and their significance in religious life.

Section One: Inner Connection with God

Khademi defines religion as the formal instrument of assured connection between humanity and God, providing a divine program for living (Khademi, 1403/2024). This program links individuals to God as their eternal companion, enabling intimacy, coexistence, and concrete union. Finding God inwardly and submitting to His rulings ensures well-being and salvation. This connection is unique and private, giving meaning to human freedom. Any imposition or indoctrination distorts this inner essence, depriving individuals of religion’s innate purpose (ibid.).
The Holy Quran underscores the importance of this bond: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Ar-Ra’d, 13:28), highlighting the tranquility derived from divine connection. Khademi posits this connection as the ultimate goal of religion, achieved through faith in the unseen and conscientious affirmation of God.

Section Two: Religious Identity Formation

Religion, through assured affirmation and faith in divine revelation, shapes identity and provides security (Khademi, 1403/2024). Identity is the existential essence of a person, distinguishing them from others and rooted in nature and conscious choices. Religion aligns this identity with God, imbued with divine light, defining human value, the purpose of creation, and one’s place in the cosmic order. It liberates individuals from self-referentiality, granting a pleasant and tranquil life.
Religious identity manifests the true self in pursuit of divine proximity, shaped by awareness of strengths and limitations. Khademi emphasizes that innate religion is God’s will to free humans from ignorance, particularly regarding God’s essence and rulings, and to protect against practical oppression. This process occurs through direct connection to God as the source of truth, within the framework of divine revelation (ibid.).

Section Three: Truth and Fulfillment of Religion

Religion is an existential program for natural, balanced living, aligned with levels of religiosity (Khademi, 1403/2024). When divinely chosen, it descends inwardly, conveying God’s ultimate will and forming the most devout individual. Religion animated by a divine intermediary embodies truth, authenticity, and maximal knowledge, attracting and guiding all—believers, disbelievers, or adversaries—to their inner nature. Due to its experiential and comprehensive nature, it is sweet, delightful, and invigorating, endowing life with meaning. Its outcome is either acceptance of truth and salvation or denial and deprivation.
The Quran affirms this: “So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth—the nature of Allah upon which He has created mankind” (Ar-Rum, 30:30), aligning religion with divine nature. Khademi views this nature as the basis of religion’s fulfillment, fostering unity, peaceful coexistence, and access to truth.

Section Four: Tranquility and Assurance

One of religion’s greatest functions is providing tranquility and assurance (Khademi, 1403/2024). The devout, hoping in divine mercy and connected inwardly to God, are freed from anxiety and doubt. This assurance safeguards the human psyche from identity crises and distress, fostering ethical love, responsibility, and altruism. Universal guardianship sustains these values, surpassing moral and social justice.
Lack of assurance leads to doubt, darkness, and aimlessness, pushing individuals toward nihilism or domination. Khademi stresses that religiosity, with its pure divine attribution, protects against these afflictions, granting a predictable future and sound judgment (ibid.).

Section Five: Abrahamic Monotheism and Unity of Religions

Khademi considers Abrahamic monotheism the finest exposition of God, shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (Khademi, 1403/2024). This monotheism is rational and comprehensive, portraying God as indescribable in essence yet manifest in attributes. Abraham’s character, marked by kindness and tolerance, serves as a model for religious unity, extinguishing the fires of discord. Faith in “Allah” as the common ground fosters unity and coexistence among Abrahamic faiths.
The Quran reinforces this unity: “Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us’” (Al-Baqarah, 2:136), establishing faith in God as the foundation of religious commonality. Khademi views this unity as the key to knowing and sustaining God inwardly, rendering theology meaningful.

Section Six: Ultimate Goal of Religion

The goal of religion and faith is human perfection, God’s satisfaction, divine proximity, and eternal salvation (Khademi, 1403/2024). This is achieved through pure worship, avoidance of polytheism, and loving adoration of God. Religion, grounded in knowledge and legitimate authority, brings purity, dignity, and human honor. This religiosity, fostering individual and collective satisfaction, curbs conflict and violence. Conversely, defiance of religion or arrogance against truth results in regret and deprivation.
The need for religion is innate and intrinsic, as humans seek connection to the absolute, singular God. Khademi deems this need irreplaceable, as God’s eternal presence and inherent love underpin coexistence and divine manifestation (ibid.).

Conclusion

Chapter Two of Hypocrisy and Divine Religion profoundly and coherently elucidates the functions of religion and faith. By fostering inner connection with God, shaping identity, providing tranquility, and guiding toward salvation, religion endows human life with meaning. Khademi’s emphasis on Abrahamic monotheism, religious unity, and the pivotal role of assurance and guardianship, supported by Quranic verses, offers a comprehensive perspective that can serve as a foundation for theological studies. This analysis invites reflection on the functions of religion and its role in achieving human perfection.

References

• Khademi, Sadeq. (1403/2024). Hypocrisy and Divine Religion. Shiraz: Sobh-e Entezar.
• The Holy Quran. Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 136; Surah Ar-Rum, Verse 30; Surah Ar-Ra’d, Verse 28.