Zwemer Institute of Muslim Studies 7435 Montlcello Rd. Columbia, SC 29230 USA http://www.ciu.edu/muslimstudies  1-800-777-2227 X3325 The ultimate purpose of the Zwemer Institute is to enable Muslims everywhere to have a valid opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to see that the Church is planted among each Muslim people group. To this end, the Institute offers a) Muslim Awareness Seminars for churches interested in becoming involved in mission and ministry among Muslims,  b) Training Programs for outreach to Muslims,  c) Research into who our Muslim neighbors are and what they believe and practice,  d) Independent Stud…

What is religion? This question has puzzled theologians throughout human history. But how did religion start in the first place? Why did it start? In order to understand some of these issues, let us have a look at the etymology of the word “religion” itself, and see that when and where this word was used for the very first time in the human history.

The word religion was used for the very first time in the Latin language. The actual word used in Latin was “religio”, which changed into religion when came into English. The roots of the Arabic word “Mazhab” or “Deen” can also be traced back to “religio”. In the Latin language, the word “religio” had three basic meanings; which are Faith, Trust & Belief.

If you further analyse these three words, faith, trust and belief; then you realize that there are actually three different characteristics