Allamah Tabatabaii on Sociology of Religion in the Light of al-Mizan

The main question of this paper is what Allamah Tabatabaii -particularly in his al-Mizan- says on sociology of religion. Having adopted an analytical-deductive method in his effort, the author has first tried to introduce religion from its early source i.e. from the divine will of law to its development in social life, and then to study different facets of religion -came to the attention of sociologists- coming up with Allamah’s views particularly in the light of his al-Mizan. According to the findings, Allamah’s definition of religion is epistemological. He also holds that materialistic definitions of religion suggested by some scholars do not seem correct. Having regarded the origin of religion from the supernatural  world, Allamah Tabatabaii holds some functions in the area of social life; mention can be made to the “management of social life and treating deviations”.