There are six reasons why religion is important:

1. Our values, behavior and actions are determined by what we believe
as the norm in our inner conscience. This norm is shaped by our
culture which we inherit. The cultural norm is heavily influenced by
the faith, whatever that faith may be. Without a cultural norm (or
benchmark) our life orientation will be confused, leading to a lack
of sense of direction, emptiness and breakdown of values and norms
as perceived by the society, thus creating social as well as individual’s
inner disorder. Therefore, at the onset religion is important because it
defines the faith which defines our cultural norm and worldview. It is
our social as well as personal integrity guarantor so to speak.

2. Religion is the only source of knowledge concerning God: Who is
He, what are His attributes and what is His nature? Thus, religion is
important because denying religion is akin to denying God.

3. Religion is the only source of knowledge concerning things which
are beyond human perception and yet real. It is religion which tells
about the eternal nature of the human soul, the life after death, the
Angels, and so on. Thus, without religion one is totally oblivious of
these realities which are beyond our physical perception.

4. Religion tells us about the purpose of life: Why am I here? Where
am I ultimately going? What are the consequences of my choices in
this life? Many people are in despair because they lack this sense of
purpose in life.

5. Religion is defined as the way of life; a code of living which aims
at protecting and preserving human dignity and safety as well as
creating conditions for a harmonious and happy living. Religion
defines moral standards and equitable justice system for us to live
by. Ignoring religion leads to the whole catalogue of human evils;
exploitation, injustice, oppression, greed, discrimination, corruption,
and the list goes on. Religion is necessary for our own collective good.

6. Last but not least, religion is important because it tells about how
we can prepare for our next life. As argued in Section 9, life after
death is a reality and what lies ahead depends upon the choices which
we make in this life. Religion tells us exactly what our Creator is
expecting from us, how we should conduct our lives and what will be
the consequences of our actions in the hereafter.

Life without religion is a life oblivious of the purpose of life and the wider
view of our existence, as well as a life which lacks the vision of things to
come. It is not wise to brush aside religion as the following verses of the
Qur’an admonish us (67:6-12):

"For those who reject their Lord (and Cherisher) is the
Penalty of Hell: and evil is (such) destination. When they
are cast therein, they will hear the (terrible) drawing in
of its breath even as it blazes forth. Almost bursting with
fury: every time a group is cast therein its Keepers will ask
“Did no Warner come to you?”. They will say: “Yes indeed:
a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said
`Allah never sent down any (Message): you are in nothing
but an extreme delusion!’ “ They will further say: “Had we
but listened or used our intelligence we should not (now)
be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!”. They will
then confess their sins: but far will be (Forgiveness) for the
Companions of the Blazing Fire! As for those who fear their
Lord unseen, for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward."