Topic 2: Importance of Deen in Human Life
1) Introduction
a. Religion (din) is an all-round movement in the light of faith in Allah and a sense of
responsibility for the formation of thought and belief, for the promotion of high
principles of human morality for the establishment of good relations among members of
the society and the elimination of every sort of undue discrimination.
2) Sanction for the Principles of Morality: Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to
others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency and manifest evil and transgression.
(Ch.16:V.91) -
3) Power to Endure Adversities of Life "Surely those who are close to Allah, have no fear nor shall
they grieve." (Surah Younus, 10:62)
4) Encounter with Ideological Vacuum
5) An Aid to the Progress of Science and Knowledge "Everyone is entangled in the outcome of his
deeds." (Surah al-Muddat-thir 74:38)
6) Fight against Discrimination: "Man, we have created you from a male and a female, and we have
divided you into nations and tribes, so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most
honorable of you in the sight of Allah is he who is most pious."(Surah al- Hujurat, 49 :13)
7) Roots of Religious Sense: Islam is in harmony with nature which Allah has designed for man. (
Surah al -Rum,30 : 30)
8) Religion and Philosophical Schools of Thought
9) Religion and Individual Freedom
10) Religion promotes social solidarity: 'The best among you are those who have the best manners
and character.' "Allah Almighty revealed to me that you should be humble and that you should
not wrong one another." (Bukhari)
11) Religion inculcates the spirit of self-service: "Removal from the way of that which is harmful is
charity." Sahih Bukhari
12) Religion influences economy: "Sadaqah is incumbent on every Muslim." Shahih Bukhari
13) Religion influences Political System
14) Religion Strengthens Self-confidence
Topic 3: Difference between Deen and Religion
1) Introduction
a. Revealed scripture is termed as deen.
b. Religion constitutes a set of beliefs
c. Entirely different from each other, Deen is a comprehensive term which encompasses
religion in it.
2) Differences
a. Madhab (Religion) has never been used in the entire treasury of Quranic text or Ahadith,
Deen has been used for Islam. “Surely the true religion with Allah is Islam. True Religion,
Allah’s religion.”
b. Lexically deen means reward and punishment. Religion denotes belief of individual.
Technically, deen means a consummate code of life. “Yes, the sincere exclusive
devotion is to Allah only”
c. Several Religions can co-exist but there can be only one deen(system) ‘Then, do they like
a religion other than the religion of Allah? And to Him has submitted whoso is in
Heavens and Earth, willingly and unwillingly, and to Him shall they be returned”
d. Deen Includes Madhab which only covers three things; belief, worship, and social
customs. Deen is the submission to one God whereas religion can be submission to
many gods. Allah is, besides Whomnone is to be worshipped, Self-living Sustainer of
others.
e. The concept of accountability is an eminent part of deen, whereas it does not exist in
religion. “Say to the disbelievers soon you shall be overcome and be driven towards the
hell and that is an evil bed”
f. Deen provides complete guideline for all spheres of life with definite laws ‘These are
they whose deeds have been perished in the world and the next and they shall have no
helpers’
g. Islam as a deen is a complete religion with a definite code of life and divine laws for
guidance. ‘This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favour
upon you and have chosed for you, Islam as your religion”
h. Islam as a deen promotes family life and is against ascetism and monasticism. “No
ascetism in Islam”
i. Deen calls for a balanced approach in life whereas different religions have extremities
within them: ‘Wellbeing in this world and well being in the hereafter’ God likes to see
traces of His bounty on His Creatures’ And do not forget your share of the world
3) Conclusion
