Understanding ‘Deen’

THE CONCEPT OF RELIGION to this second option either. Now, since they only have the choice regarding the first option, and the second option is mandatory, it was commanded that they be fought until they are compelled to accept it. In the first sentence, the mention of faith and the prohibition of what Allah has forbidden has been interpreted by some to refer to the absence of their belief and adherence to the Mosaic Law, while others see it as their lack of belief in the final Prophet’s law. However, these two interpretations are not contradictory. This is because, if they truly had faith in their own religion, then that faith would necessarily lead them to believe in Muhammad œ, as all previous prophets gave the glad tidings of his coming and commanded their communities to follow him. As Ibn Kathir states: “If they truly believed in what was with them in a sound manner, it would lead them to believe in Muhammad because all prophets gave glad tidings about him and commanded following him” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 4, p. 132). Another opinion has been narrated regarding interpretations of “( ” يدينون دين احلق adhere to the religion of truth): Abu ‘Ubaydah explained that it means they do not obey the obedience of the Muslims, and anyone who is under a king’s authority is considered to be under his religion, and it is said that he has ‘submitted’ to him (Al-Bahr al-Muheet, Vol. 5, p. 400).