CSS Islamiat | Difference between deen and religion
The following question of CSS Islamiat is solved by Eman Ashraf under the supervision of Howfiv’s Islamiat coach, Miss Ayesha Irfan. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Difference between Deen and Religion
- Deen is comprehensive; Religion is a ritualistic practice
- Deen is universal; Religion is regional
- Deen is unamendable; Religion can evolve
- Deen consists of a single sovereign; Religion consists of more than one sovereign
3-How does Deen provide meaning to human life
- Deen is the spiritual cure for modern men
- Deen leads mankind from darkness to light
- Deen sets the criterion for right and wrong and provides justice
- Deen brings modesty and easiness
- Critical Analysis
- Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
There is a distinct difference between the concepts, scopes, goals, and applications of Deen and religion. “Deen” refers to a complete way of life governed by obedience to God in all aspects of life, while religion is a narrower concept focused on private worship and beliefs. Religion deals with man’s relation with God; on the other hand, Deen deals with man’s relation with God as well as with his fellow beings. Religion covers the private life, whereas Deen covers all aspects of life, individual as well as collective. In other words, Deen is an all-embracing term that includes the social, political, and economic aspects of life. It focuses on the material as well as spiritual dimensions of human life and insists that all human deeds should be according to the will of God.
Difference between Deen and Religion
The most significant differences between Deen and religion are explained below.
- Deen is comprehensive; Religion is a ritualistic practice
One of the major differences between Deen and religion is a comprehensive system of life. Deen provides a holistic understanding and a complete guide for every aspect of life, including social, political, and moral conduct. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, Deen is sincerity (An-Nasihah).” (Sahih Muslim). According to Surah Al-Maida (5:55), Allah says, Your guardian is only God, and His Messenger, and the believers who perform the prayer and pay the alms while bowing down. On the other hand, Religion has an individualistic approach and consists of a set of beliefs and cultural values. It provides explanations for the purpose of life, the nature of the universe, and ethical guidelines for human conduct. According to Oxford Dictionary,
“Religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.”
Thus, religion typically includes elements such as belief in the divine, rituals of worship, a moral code, sacred texts, and a community of adherents.
- Deen is universal; Religion is regional
Universality is another important feature of Deen that distinguishes it from religion. Deen is the same for all its followers all over the world without any difference of race, creed, or colour. The Qur’an is guidance for everyone. It says in Surah Aal-e-Imran, This is an insight to humanity, a guide, and a lesson to the God-fearing (4:138). On the other hand, due to cultural and sectarian variations all over the world, different people may practice religion differently. Social theorist Émile Durkheim defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things”. As the culture is dynamic, so religious practices vary in different parts of the world. For example, Christians sing in churches, whereas Hindus light lamps and ring bells. Hence, religious teachings are not universal.
- Deen is unamendable; Religion can evolve
Another dominant feature of Deen is its unamendable nature compared to religion. Deen holds the same commandments for people of all ages. It cannot evolve or change with the passage of time. As Allah says in the Qur’an, Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian (15:9). On the contrary, the religion can evolve with time. We can find examples of religions that adapted to change and developed over time. For instance, in Hinduism, the custom of Sati, the practice of widows burning themselves alive, willing or unwilling, on the funeral pyres of their husbands, was first encountered by the British. Hence, this example makes it evident that religion can adapt to changes according to the requirements of time and situation.
- Deen consists of a single sovereign; Religion consists of more than one sovereign
Moreover, Deen follows the principle of monotheism, as Islam is based on Touheed, or the oneness of God, which means that only Allah is worthy of worship. As it is said in the Qur’an, “Say, ‘He is Allah, the One; Allah the Self-Sufficient; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is nothing that could be compared with Him” (Al-Ikhlas 112). Also, it is said in the Qur’an, There is nothing like Him (Al-Shura 42:11). However, some religions, like Christianity with its doctrine of the Trinity and Hinduism with its pantheon of gods, incorporate polytheistic ideas into their systems of beliefs.
How Deen provides meaning to human life
Deen helps humankind to deal with the problems of the modern world in many ways.
- Deen is the spiritual cure for modern men
In modern times, where humans are entangled in many issues leading them to depression, anxiety, and mental illnesses, humans need a Deen that can give them a spiritual cure. As Allah says in the Qur’an, “And this [Qur’an] is a Book We have revealed [which is] blessed, so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” (Al-An’am: 155). The Qur’an is not just a collection of rules and regulations; rather, it acts like a spiritual flashlight that extinguishes the darkness of moral and spiritual evils.
- Deen leads mankind from darkness to light
Deen is the light that eradicates the darkness of our lives. The Qur’an changed the way people dressed, spoke, ate, prayed, conducted business, treated women, and interacted with their parents. Through the revelation of the Qur’an, the Prophet (PBUH) established equal rights among people of all colours, eradicated the class system and tribalism, abolished alcoholism, and established a justice system that was both revolutionary and inclusive of people of all socioeconomic statures. As Allah stated in the Qur’an, it is He who sends down upon His Servant [Muhammad] verses of clear evidence that He may bring you out from darkness into the light. And indeed, Allah is to you Kind and Merciful.” (Al-Hadid: 9). Hence, Allah brings believers out from darkness into the light.
- Deen sets the criterion for right and wrong and provides justice
Humans need a criterion of right and wrong to make decisions in their individual as well as collective lives, and Deen provides that criterion. As Allah says in the Qur’an, “Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear Signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong” (Al-Baqarah: 185). And this clear distinction between right and wrong leads to a just societal system.
It is stated in the Qur’an, “We have sent down to you the Book in truth that you might judge between men, as guided by Allah.” (Al-Nisa: 105). This verse clearly illustrates the importance of Deen for establishing law and order in society.
- Deen brings modesty and easiness
Although the terms Deen and Religion are used interchangeably, they have some distinct features. Deen covers all the aspects of human life, including the individual and social affairs of a man. On the other hand, Modesty is a virtue that makes a person’s life finer. Modesty increases a person’s self-esteem and well-being. Practising Deen makes a person modest. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Verily, every religion has a character and the character of Islam is modesty.” (Ibn Abbas).
Deen brings ease to the lives of its followers. Islam is a Deen of Relief and tranquillity. As it is also explained in the Qur’an that Allah doesn’t burden a soul beyond what it can bear. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The deen [religion] is ease. Whoever makes the deen too hard for himself will be overpowered” (Abu Hurairah). This hadith shows that Deen makes human life easy and protects them from hardships and sufferings.
Critical Analysis
Religion is a set of beliefs, ideas, and rituals. Not every Religion can be Deen, but Islam is the only Religion that is a Deen. Deen has many positive and everlasting impacts on human life, but unfortunately, in current times, a collectively collapsing society is observed. A study published in the British Medical Journal Open reported a prevalence of 30-50% for anxiety and depression among adults in Pakistan. The reason behind the societal disorder is materialism, bad intentions, and inadequate understanding of Islamic teachings. If society starts to think about the purpose of its creation and tries to follow the teachings of Islam with their true essence, then it can lead to a growing and peaceful society.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the difference between Deen and Religion is evident from their meaning, scope, application, and approach. Undoubtedly, Deen provides a purpose in life and a balanced approach to move forward. However, the scope of Religion is narrow, focusing on mere rituals and an individualistic approach towards life. Deen leaves tremendous effects on our lives if we surrender ourselves completely in front of the Divine. We need to push back our temptations and desires to avail ourselves of the true meaning and message of Deen. Hence, in complete surrender towards Allah lies the success and peace of this world and the hereafter.
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