RELIGION

The religion of Muḥammadans is called Islām ( اسلام‎ ), and the laws of God Sharīʿah ( شريعة‎ ). There are three words used by Muslim writers for the word religion, namely, Dīn , Millah , and Maẕhab . In the Kitābu ʾt-Taʿrīfāt , the difference between these words is as follows:— Dīn ( دين‎ ) is used for religion as it stands in relation to God, e.g . Dīnu ʾllāh , “the religion of God.” Millah ( ملة‎ ), as it stands in relation to the Prophet or lawgiver, e.g . Millatu Ibrāhīm , “the religion of Abraham,” or Millatu ʾr-Rasūl , “the Prophet’s religion.” Maẕhab ( مذهب‎ ), as it stands in relation to the decisions of the Mujtahidūn , e.g . Muẕhabu Abī Ḥanīfah . The expre ion Dīn , however, is of general application, whilst Millah and Maẕhab are restricted in their use. [ ISLAM .]