The comparison between Deen and Religion is a famous discussion. These are usually used interchangeably. However, in order to prepare for the CSS examinations in Pakistan, an aspirant has to differentiate between Deen and Religion. The reason is that the difference between Deen and Religion is mentioned in the syllabus of CSS Islamiat. Let’s delve into the discussion of the difference between Deen and Religion.

Definition of Deen and Religion

• Religion is a set of beliefs.
• Deen is a complete code of life. It deals with every aspect of life. Islam is the only Deen in the world.

Truly, the Deen with Allah is Islam (3:19)

Surah Al-Imran

Lexicology

Deen is an Arabic word. It gives the meaning of judgment, obedience, and honor. Deen demands that whatever a person does should be in obedience and honor of Allah (swt), for that he will be judged.

Everything a person does in life has some direction, has a purpose, and has somebody who ordains it. Therefore, whatever a Muslim does, he does it in obedience to Allah. He will be judged for his deeds on the day of Judgment.

Also read: Concept of Islam

Benefits of Deen and Religion

In this part of our discussion on the difference between Deen and Religion, we will look into the benefits of both. Various benefits of deen and religion are mentioned below.

Benefits of Religion

Remember the benefits of religion are also the benefits of deen. On the other hand, the benefits of Deen discussed below, are only the benefits of Deen.

1. It gives a sense of purpose in life. A person becomes happy when he works to achieve that purpose. Therefore, religion makes a man happy.
2. It gives belief in divine retribution (jaza and saza). It means that when a person does something good, he will be rewarded, and when he does something bad, he will be punished. Therefore, it brings social order to the society.
3. It guides man. There are some questions that science has failed to answer. For example, who created the universe? Although scientists have given theories, those are not satisfactory. On such matters, it guides a man.
4. It gives morality and brings equality to society.
5. It also gives hope. For example, when a person is not provided justice in this world, he is hopeful that justice will be served on the Day of Judgment.

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Benefits of Deen

1. A person who regularly worships becomes healthy. For instance, when a person offers prayer, he physically moves and stretches his body. Moreover, he connects to Allah spiritually. Consequently, a person who regularly worships becomes healthy, not only physically but also spiritually.
2. Punctuality is another benefit of Deen. For instance, a Muslim has to offer five prayers at specific times, so he is wary about his time. He becomes punctual. This punctuality has become one of his habits and benefits his otherworldly tasks.
3. Deen need patience from a person. Or it can be said that a person learns patience from Deen, especially, during Ramadan fasts.
4. A person learns perseverance from Deen. He has to offer prayers not once or twice or only on special occasions, but he has to do it daily five times. He has to offer his prayers when he is healthy or when he is sick. This teaches him a very important lesson that good things should be done repeatedly no matter what the circumstances are.

Also Read: Characteristics of Islam

Difference between Deen and Religion

Now our discussion of the difference between Deen and Religion has reached a very important point. Now we point out various differences between Deen and Religion. Let’s begin…

Deen		Religion
1	It is dominant, elevated, and Supreme Law. And it is the same for everyone.	An often private belief in spiritual things. It can be different for different people.
2	Unique and the only way of life.	Commonplace and amendable.
3	Divine	Man-made such as Confucianism
4	Targets both this world and the next.	Focuses on one the two worlds.
5	Monotheistic	Polytheistic
6	It gives responsibilities.	It only gives beliefs.
7	Power to change fate and life.	Fatalism means fate cannot be challenged.

Let us end our discussion of the difference between Deen and Religion with a useful reference from the Holy Quran.

And whosoever seeks a deen other than Islam, it will not be accepted of him. (3:85)

Surah Al-Imran