Consolidating the Meanings of the Words Dîn and Religion

Confusion and confusion about how to define and interpret religion will affect the way of thinking and there may be a misunderstanding of something. Religion in Indonesian, English and Arabic has different definitions and concepts from one another.

This article will analyze the meaning of religion in these three contexts. This will enable readers to compare the various definitions explained below.

First, we must establish the meaning of religion in Indonesian. Etymologically, religion comes from the Indonesian language. Sanskrit (a) which mean No And (gamma) which mean broken or messed up. Therefore, religion means not being corrupted or chaotic. Thus, religion has the meaning of having followers far from chaos and corruption.1 Over time, the above understanding of religion has evolved into a path.

In the Big Indonesian Dictionary, religion is a noun meaning teaching. This means that religion is a system that regulates faith (belief) in Almighty God, the rules that regulate human interaction with the environment of that belief.2 That is more or less the meaning of religion in Indonesian.

Next, the meaning of religion in English. The pronunciation of religion is a literal translation of “"religion"” which means; a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny, [a strong belief in supernatural powers that can control human destiny/destiny]. An institution to express belief in a divine power [an institution that expresses the strength of belief in divinity].

In the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, religion translated as, the belief in and worship of a god or gods or any such system of belief and worship. Then, an activity which someone is extremely enthusiastic about and does regularly, football is religion for these people.3

As for the definition of '‘religion’ which are given Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary not much different from the definition given Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary. However, the definition in Oxford add one addition namely; one of the system of faith that is based on the belief in the existence of personal God or gods (the Jewish religion, Christianity, Islam and other world religions the law states that everyones has the right to practice their own religion).4

Meaning; one of the belief systems (faith) based on belief in the existence or unique characteristics of God/Gods). In Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other religions in the world, state law states that everyone has the right to practice the teachings of the religion (belief) they adhere to.

Another definition according to Encyclopedia of World Religions, that Religion in all its forms, implies a relationship between human beings and superhuman powers which are believed to affect human affairs.5 Religion, in all its forms, implies a relationship between humans and a superpower believed to influence human affairs. This is the definition of religion in English literature.

Finally, the definition of religion in Arabic will be presented. Religion translated from the word “al-din” root word of al-din is a fund that has several meanings, “"danatu"” meaningful “"malakahu"” (have it), “"wahakamahu"” (have power over it),

Then “"wa sasahu"” (arrange it), “"wa dabbarahu"” (coordinate), “"wa qawarahu"” (force him), “"wa hasabahu"” (count it), “wa qada fi sya'nihi” (decide in his affairs), “"wajazahu"” (give reward), “wa kafa'ahu” (give appreciation).6

Ibn Manzur as quoted by Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, in the dictionary Lisân al'Arab interpreting words “"din"” in four parts. First, means law, power, submission, regulation, and calculation (al-hukm wa siyâsat al-umûr wa al-qahr wa al-tadbîr wa al-muhâzasah). Second, dîn means submission, obedience, devotion, submission (al-taskîrr, wa al-taskhîr, wa al-itâ'at wa al-khudû).

Third, din means retribution, calculation, and reward (al-jazâ' wa al-hisâb wa al-mukafâ'ah). Fourth, din means faith (al-I'tiqâd). Dîn in this view is a path or condition carried out by a person. 7 If examined, the term dîn hides an orderly system of life based on law and justice.

Therefore, when din (religion) of Allah referred to here is called Islam, meaning it has been perfected and implemented in a place called Medina. From the root word Din and this Madinah then formed a new root word madana which means to build, establish a city, advance, purify, and dignify.8

Thus, the terminological definition of religion (Indonesian, English, and Arabic) is that it means that (followers of a religion) have a strong belief or faith in the existence of God. God regulates the system of life based on law and justice, thus preventing chaos and destruction.

Wallahu'alam bis showaab

1. M. Isro'ul Laili, Islam and the Religion of All Prophets (Thematic Study of Quranic Verses) Al-Yasini Journal. Vol 3. No, 1. May 2028. Pages 72-73
2. Drafting team Central Indonesian Language Dictionary, (Jakarta: Language Center, 2008). See Religion p. 18
3. Cambridge Advanced learner's Dictionary, digital Dictionary Third Edition, (Cambridge University Press, 2008)
4. Jonathan Crowther (ed), Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (Now York: Oxford University Press, 2010), 1224. For more details, read M. Kholid Muslih, et. al. Worldview Islam: Discussion… 65-70
5. Encyclopedia of World Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Zen, Hinduism, Prehistoric & Primitive Religions, (London: Octopus Books Limited, 1975), 183
6. M. Kholid Muslih, et. al. Islamic Worldview: Discussion… 66
7. Ibn Manzur, Lisân al'Arab, volume 13, (Beirut: Dâr Sâdir, t.th), 170-171. Discussion about then din more fully explained by Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi "“Tamaddun as a Concept of Islamic Civilization"” in (Tsaqafah Journal of Islamic Civilization, Vol. II, No. I, May 2015), Ponorogo: Darussalam University (UNIDA) Gontor. Page 6
8. Ibid, 402