Meaning of the word 'Deen'

8-3-2006 | IslamWeb

Question:

What does the word "Deen" mean? How is it different from "religion"?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

The English word "religion" is translated into Arabic by Deen. Nonetheless, the Arabic language is rich, so this word has many meanings.

It means compulsion, and Dayyaan means the Most Irresistible.

It may also mean reward and reckoning, and means the Day of Recompense. It also has other meaning such as: Obedience, custom, matter, law and politics. Dayyaan also means the governor, the ruler the one who legislates. 

Allaah Knows best.