KEDUDUKAN DAN ARTI PENTING AGAMA DALAM KEHIDUPAN MANUSIA DI ERA MODERN: KAJIAN KONSEPTUAL DAN PERSPEKTIF ISLAM TERHADAP FUNGSI, RELEVANSI, SERTA TANTANGAN PENGAMALAN NILAI KEAGAMAAN

Abstract

Religion has an important position in human life because it does not only provide a theological framework for understanding the relationship between humans and God, but also provides moral, social, and spiritual guidance in everyday life. The development of modern society, marked by technological advancement, globalization, individualism, and rapid information exchange, has changed the way people understand and practice religious values. This article aims to analyze the concept and position of religion in human life, the human need for religion, the functions and significance of religion, its relevance in modern life, the importance of religion from an Islamic perspective, and the challenges of practicing religious values in contemporary society. This study employs a library research method by examining books, scientific journal articles, the Qur’an, hadith, and other relevant academic sources. The discussion shows that religion remains relevant in modern life because it provides moral orientation, spiritual meaning, social responsibility, and guidance for dealing with changes in society. From an Islamic perspective, religion is closely related to human nature (fitrah) and serves as a comprehensive guide for human life. However, the practice of religious values faces challenges such as religious polarization, misinformation, excessive individualism, consumerism, and the spread of intolerant content in digital spaces. Therefore, religious understanding needs to be developed substantively, contextual, moderate, and capable of responding to contemporary developments without abandoning its fundamental principles.