The sacred, in the sociological study of religion, refers to those aspects of life, including objects, places, times, symbols, and beliefs, that inspire attitudes of awe, reverence, respect, and even fear among believers in a given set of religious ideas. The sacred is set apart from the ordinary and mundane aspects of everyday existence, which are considered profane. Émile Durkheim emphasised the fundamental distinction between the sacred and the profane as the basis of religious life, arguing that the sacred represents the collective beliefs and values of a society, fostering social solidarity and a sense of shared identity among members of a religious community. Rituals and ceremonies often revolve around the sacred, reinforcing its significance and the emotional bonds between believers.