 Dear students, in this module we are going to discuss the functionalist perspective about religion in great detail. In our previous module, we discussed these three major perspectives and their point of view about religion. Now, we are going to talk in detail that how functionalists are viewing the religion and religious practices in any society. Religion plays a vital role in maintaining social order and stability by providing individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning. In any society, the role of religion is very important and plays a very important role. Especially when we talk about the relationships between the people, their spiritual and their behavioural and their interaction patterns. So, the functionalist point of view is that religion is actually a binding force that keeps people connected. So, a very important role is that the rest of the religious institutions are also present such as family institutions, political institutions, economic institutions. In these, religious organizations keep people connected to each other. Especially when we talk about morality or morals, the morals of the people because religion is the definition of right and wrong. So, the functionalist point of view is that the definitions of right and wrong are shared standards of desirable behaviour that we have to act in any context such as how we have to interact with each other, how we have to reflect our values. So, we get all these standards from religion. So, religious institutions and practices help to reinforce these shared values and beliefs within the society. And because these beliefs and values are shared, a majority of them are practicing and that is why we feel the connection with each other. For example, when you go to the mosque and pray, this is also a reflection of shared feelings, a reflection of sharedness in which you can see how people are performing an act with each other in one way or another. So, the functionalist point of view is that religion is a very basic feature or function that creates a bondage in people. Then, religion can provide individuals with a sense of community and belonging which can foster the social integration. Interestingly, the bondage process is connected with the collectivity of the individual and the purpose of life, the purpose of coming into the world and especially how he has to live his life. All these things are derived from religion. Religious institutions also provide a framework for moral and ethical decision making. Right or wrong definitions are coming from religion. In any scenario or situation, religion tells us that either you should behave this way or that way. For example, practice of zakat, which is charitable giving in Islam, is seen as a way to support those in need and promote the social welfare. So, the philanthropic actions that religion always supports, if you give zakat or satka, then it is very much appreciated in religion. So, the functionalist point of view is that it performs a very positive role and performs a very positive function. Then, religious festivals such as Idul Fitr, Idul Azha provide an opportunity for people to come together and reinforce the shared cultural values and practices. On the occasion of Eid, people take part in worship. This also develops the feeling of social cohesion and cooperation in people. So, it is a food for thought for you that you should see from the functionalist point of view that how our different religious values are performing a functional role in the society.