The Meaning of Deen
The word Deen has been used in various contexts in the Arabic language. However, when all its usages are considered, it becomes clear that the term represents four fundamental concepts:
1. Dominance and Authority: Referring to the power of a supreme authority.
2. Obedience and Submission: Referring to the submission of individuals to this authority.
3. Rules and Regulations: Referring to the code or system that is followed.
4. Accountability and Judgement: Referring to reckoning, decisions, and reward or punishment.
In the Quranic language, Deen represents a complete system of life whose key components are:
1. The sovereignty and supreme authority of Allah.
2. Submission and obedience in acknowledgment of this authority.
3. A comprehensive system of thought and action operating under this authority.
4. Reward and punishment from this supreme authority, based on loyalty to or rebellion against this system.
The Quran uses the term Deen as a comprehensive concept that refers to a system of life where humans recognize the supreme authority of a being, accept its commandments, live within its rules and regulations, seek rewards for loyalty, and fear punishment for disobedience.
This position of authority is exclusive to the One True God (Allah). Islam is the Deen that is founded on this sovereignty, and it is the path of life ordained by Allah for humanity.
"Today, I have perfected your Deen for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your Deen." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3)
"Indeed, the true Deen with Allah is Islam." (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:19)
"And whoever seeks a Deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him." (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:85)
The Concept of Islam
The literal meaning of Islam is submission, surrender, and complete devotion. It also means peace, safety, and harmony. Islam is the Deen that offers a complete code of life based on the sovereignty of God. It demands that humans accept and follow this system because Islam essentially means surrendering to the laws of Allah and obeying them.
Moreover, Islam implies that the outcome of such submission will be a life enriched with peace, safety, and harmony. It will bring contentment to the heart, establish genuine peace in individual and collective lives, and ensure salvation and eternal peace in the life to come.