Let me make it clear at the outset that the study of Islam as a religion must necessarily be founded on the presumption that religion is not a delusion.Those who do not agree with this proposition cannot be said to be ready consider the merits and demerits of any religion whatsoever.Those who do not believe in religion will find my talk considerable different from their expectations.
The Quran tells us as to what is righteousness and why men ought to become righteous.The purpose is not to flatter God to gain His favors but to do good because it is for man's own benefit.
The Quran says that turning the face towards east and west at the time of offering prayer has no intrinsic merit in itself because God is in the east as well as in the west.The real merit lies in leading a good life.At another place, the Quran says that the sacrifice which man makes in the name of God by killing an animal does not benefit God because the blood and flesh of the animal which is killed do not go to Him.