SPIRIT OF ISLAM JULY 2O18

37 Spirit of Islam Issue 67 July 2018 The role of rituals can be described as a reminder of spirit through routine. When you observe the rituals at their prescribed times, it reminds you that rituals should be performed keeping in mind their inner content, that is, spirit. Rituals are apparently a mere form but this is not so, for form symbolizes the inner spirit. If the inner spirit has real value, then rituals have symbolic value and both are equally important. Rituals, the external aspect of the inner spirit, help maintain the inner spirit. Without them the spirit would be reduced to an abstract idea. In such a situation, ritual, or form, serves the role of a compulsory or a regular reminder. There is a scientific relationship between the inner spirit and external rituals. The spirit, when externalized, is not an entirely detached phenomenon. It is very much attached to inner consciousness. Without inner consciousness, no one can perform external rituals. Both are complementary to each other. It is difficult to understand the inner spirit without external form or external form without inner consciousness. Religion always begins from consciousness. This consciousness gradually, or sometimes even suddenly, expresses itself in the form of rituals. So, rituals stem from consciousness. Consciousness is the real source of rituals. An important role that ritual plays is to give a religion an identity— without which religion would remain an abstract idea. o NOTICE Subscribers are requested to inform us about non-receipt of their copies, latest by 15 th of the month, providing their full name and address. WhatsApp & SMS 8050202626 email: thecentreforpeace@gmail.com A fresh copy will be promptly despatched.