What is the difference between al-Deen (religion/way of life) and al-Diyanah (a specific religious denomination)? And are the names of the scriptural religions coined by the prophets?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
Both words, "deen" (الدين) and "diyanah" (الديانة), are used as verbal nouns for the verb "dana" (دان), and they have similar linguistic meanings, including custom, affair, recompense, obedience, and subjugation. In Islamic legal terminology, the word "deen" (الدين) has been extensively used in the Qur'an and Sunnah, whereas "diyanah" (الديانة) has not been mentioned in them, which indicates that the term "diyanah" is a modern coinage. When used without qualification, "deen" refers to Islam, which has been the religion of all humanity since Adam (peace be upon him), and the Sharia of Muhammad (peace be upon him) abrogated the previous laws.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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