Religion, Religiosity and Its’ Relationship with Societal Qualities of Identity: A Study of Pakistani University Students

Abstract

University students are a vital component of society. Their societal role demands sound knowledge of religion and social behaviors. We, in current study investigated different religious dimensions of Pakistani University students, their social attitude and the relationships between religiousness and social attitude. The 960 university students were selected using multi-phase random sampling technique to collect data. A research tool containing two measurement scales (Muslim Religiosity Measurement Scale & Social Attitude Measurement Scale) to gauge the students’ religiosity and social attitude was developed. The construct to measure the religiosity factor intended to scale the presence of prayer, conduct and religious affiliation among the students; whereas three aspects of social attitude of the university students, i.e. social beliefs, social practices and social participations were gauged through the second part of the tool. Statistical examination of the data demonstrated high validity, reliability, accurateness, comprehensiveness, and consistency. We concluded that social participation of the university students has significantly correlated with their religious conduct. Similarly, the relationship between the students’ social beliefs and prayers was direct and significant. The findings of the study also revealed that the relationships between the three dimensions of the students’ religiousness and the aspects of social attitudes were different in their intensities. University students, generally, supported religious harmony and undermined religious sectarianism. Students’ religiousness is expressed through their behavior, conduct, manners, and even routine actions.