Religion has been an important social institution that performs various functions in maintaining social order, unity, and stability. The functional interpretation of religion focuses on the role that religion plays in society rather than examining its beliefs or origins. Functionalist sociologists view religion as a system of values, norms, and practices that contributes to the continuity and integration of society. Thinkers such as Emile Durkheim, Bronislaw Malinowski, and Talcott Parsons have significantly contributed to this perspective. Emile Durkheim provided one of the most influential functional interpretations of religion. According to him, religion is a social fact that reflects the collective consciousness of society. In his study of Australian Aboriginal tribes, Durkheim argued that religious rituals and beliefs create social solidarity by bringing individuals together. He distinguished between the sacred and the profane, suggesting that societies classify certain objects, symbols, and activities as sacred, which strengthens group identity. For Durkheim, when people worship religious symbols, they are actually expressing respect for the society and its collective values. Thus, religion functions as