ad-Din

ad-Din (Arabic: الدين) is an Arabic word that is commonly translated as "religion," but its meaning encompasses a broader concept than the Western understanding of the term. It refers not just to a system of beliefs and rituals but also to a comprehensive way of life, encompassing judgment, custom, and obligation. It is often understood to mean "way of life," "custom," "usage," "judgment," "debt," "obligation," "system," and "law."

In Islamic contexts, ad-Din refers to the complete way of life prescribed by Islam, encompassing faith (iman), worship (ibadah), and righteous conduct (ihsan). It involves submission to God (Allah) and adherence to His commands as revealed in the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad).

The concept of ad-Din is central to understanding the holistic nature of Islam. It emphasizes that religion is not merely a private matter but a comprehensive system that governs all aspects of human life, including personal ethics, social interactions, economic activities, and political structures.

The term is frequently used in the Quran and Islamic literature to denote the true religion revealed by God to all prophets, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. In this sense, Islam is seen as the culmination and perfection of all previous divine messages.