#56 - Clear PROOF from Revelation that “Islam” is NOT a “Religion”

There are two key verses (3:19 and 3:85) which seem to suggest that “Islam” is indeed supposed to be understood as a “religion” and in fact the only valid path to God… but on closer analysis this extremely popular way of reading the verses becomes completely untenable. In this conversation these two verses are reviewed in their surrounding context - to show that the word إسلام is best understood as an existential orientation rather than a “religion” - with additional conversation on the topics of whether false doctrine can render good deeds worthless, the nature of idolatry and hypocrisy, having a founder’s mentality with regards to an effort to renew society which is rooted in faith, and the severe dangers of division that is caused by unnecessary and misleading labelling. If we stop being obsessed with doctrine, dogma and identity, and start being obsessed with meaning, practice and adding value, only then will we even begin to realise the vision for human beings presented in revelation. It’s time to unblock ourselves and let the divine light shine. (0:00) Din (دين) is orientation not religion(11:20) Verse analysis 3:19 (18:11) Contextual nuances of groups in revelation(25:34) Can doctrine make goodness worthless?(38:36) The value of humility & non-judgement(47:00) Everyone’s exposure to idolatry & hypocrisy(55:45) Faith (إيمان) & good deeds are inseparable (1:00:54) Simply subtract & let the light shine(1:07:56) Having a founder’s mentality (1:10:42) The severe dangers of division(1:15:19) Verse analysis 3:85(1:25:08) The road ahead(1:28:38) Verse analysis 10:104