What is Deen?

by Muhammad Abdullah

Deen is word we hear often but what does it mean? Our respected Shaykh hafizahullah discussed this concept a few weeks ago in the weekly Friday Majlis. Below is an approximate translation

Deen is to follow the desire of Allah Ta’laa and not the desire of one’s self. Deen is to know what to do in each circumstance. The definition of Deen is to practise whatever Allah Ta’laa wants on each occasion. Deen is not to come into a systematic routine like a robot. Deen is to fulfil the demands of Allah Ta’laa. To enact everything in its proper manner and place is Deen.

(Our respected Shaykh hafizahullah then quoted a saying of the great Mufti Taqi Uthmani hafizahullah):

‘To understand Deen means to understand the framework of Deen and to understand what is required at what time. This is not attained from the study of books. It is acquired only from the company of the Buzrooq/Mashaaikh (the experts of Deen)’.