What does the word "principle" (مبدأ) mean, does it refer to religion, and what does it mean to describe a person as "without principle"?

The principle is the beginning of a thing and the substance from which it is formed. Thus, the principles of religion are the fundamental matters upon which it is based, such as faith, patience, loyalty, and enmity for the sake of Allah. And he who is described as not having principles is one who follows his desires, not allowing religion to govern his actions, as the Almighty said: "Have you seen he who has taken his god as his desire? Then would you be a guardian over him?" [Qur’an 25:43]. As for common usage, "a person of principle" implies praise, and its negation implies blame.