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Difference between Deen and Religion

Definition of Religion:
According to E.B Taylor,
“Religion means belief in spiritual beings.”

Definition of Deen:
Lexical meanings of Deen are paying back, reward and punishment.
Technically, it means a complete code of life. Deen provides guidance in aspect of life including beliefs, worships,
customs, and social affairs, political affairs and economic affairs.
“Remember that the sincere obedience is exclusively is to Allah.”

Difference between Religion and Deen:

1. Word religion has never been used in the entire Quranic text and Ahdith. Word Deen has been used for Islam.
“Surely the true religion in the sight of Allah is Islam (submission to Him)”

2. Several religions can co-exist but there can be only one deen (system).
“Do they seek other than the religion of Allah (the true Islamic monotheism – worshipping none but Allah
Alone) , while to Him submitted all creatures on the heaven and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him
shall they all be returned”

3. Islam as a deen is a complete religion with definite code of life and divine laws for guidance.
“This day I have perfected your religion for you and have chosed for you, Islam as a religion for you”

4. Deen is the submission to one God whereas Religion can be submission to many gods.

5. The concept of accountability is an eminent part of deen, whereas it does not exist in religion.

6. Islam is a deen which promotes family life and is against ascetism and monasticism.

7. Deen calls for a balanced approach in life where as different religions have extremities within them.