UNDERSTANDING DEEN

"Whoever Allah Ta'ala wishes well for him, He grants him the understanding of Deen." (Bukhari)

Here the word "Deen" can be defined as "way of life". The only "Deen" or "way of life" acceptable to Allah Ta'ala is none other than Islam. Thus, the one who seeks a way of life other than Islam will not be accepted.

The "Deen" (way of life) is based on five main things:

1. Aqeedah - Article of Faith, Belief

2. Ibaadah – Worship

3. Mu'aamalaat - Commercial Transactions

4. Mu'aasharaat - Relationships and Social Life

5. Akhlaaq - Morality and manners.

A perfect and prosperous life depends on the perfection of these five things mentioned above.

Thus the meaning of "understanding of Deen" in the aforementioned Hadith means divine inspiration to lead a healthy and perfect life in accordance with the law of Allah (the Shari'ah). When Allah wishes to bestow His favours on His servant, He causes His Aqeedah (Beliefs), Ibaadah (Worship), Mu'aamalaat (Business Transactions), Mu'aasharaat (Relations and Social Life) and Akhlaaq (Morality and Manners) to be in accordance with the Shari'ah.

In short, his whole life, in all its aspects, is in accordance with the teaching of the Qur'an-e-Karim and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam).

The understanding (or knowledge) of Deen, the greatest favour that Allah Ta'ala can do to His servant is the very basis of all good deeds. It should be noted that true knowledge automatically develops the fear of Allah which, in turn, will motivate a person to do actions that will please the Creator and to refrain from those that will generate the wrath of Allah.

Hadhrat Imaam Hasan Basri (Rahimahullah) is also of the same opinion that he is a scholar. In fact, he says:

"A 'Faqih' (scholar) is one who renounces worldly pleasures and is interested in Aakhirah. The important thing for him is his Deen. He is regular in the Ibaadah (worship) of his master." (Daarimi)

[English version of "La comprehension de Dîne" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 5]