Author: Zubia Munir
Supervisor: Dr. Naumana Amjad
Degree: MSc
Year: 2011-2013
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present research was conducted to explore the reasons for compliance and deviance of religious injunctions. The research was conducted in two phases. In first phase focus groups were conducted. Thirty (30) participants were asked to list the religious obligations which they may do not fulfill and also forbidden behaviors or actions that they do. They were also asked to list the reasons for it. Religious Injunctions, Religious Practices and Reasons for Non Compliance Scales were constructed. In the second phase, a study was conducted to assess relationship between religious injunctions and religious practices. The sample was selected from cross section participants’. Correlation and descriptive analysis were conducted. There was a significant negative correlation between religious injunctions and practices of Muslims. The obligation that was most frequently ignored was ritual prayer and the reasons given for not praying were laziness, less time and low will power. The most frequently carried out forbidden actions were backbiting and lying. The most frequent reasons for committing the forbidden acts of backbiting and lying were ‘pass time’ ‘for enjoyment’ and ‘fun’ ‘unconsciously’ ‘to get rid of unfavorable situations’ and ‘personal benefits’. The findings of research showed that Muslims have strong belief on their religious injunctions but do not practice as much as they believe. There is a gap between their beliefs and practices. People give different reasons, or justification for not practicing their religious obligatory duties and for doing forbidden activities
Keywords: Compliances, Deviances, Religious Injunctions.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245