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Debt
#15
الدين (al-deen) means 'debt' and refers to money or goods owed to another person or entity. It is a fundamental concept in Islamic financial law and everyday economic transactions, carrying both literal and religious significance in Arabic-speaking cultures.
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عليّ دين كبير للبنك
Alayya deen kabeer lil-bank
I have a large debt to the bank.
قضى الدين قبل موعد الاستحقاق
Qada al-deen qabl maweed al-istihqaq
He paid the debt before the due date.
الدين يثقل كاهل الأسرة
Al-deen yuthqil kahl al-usra
Debt weighs heavily on the family.
لا يجوز إخفاء الدين في الإسلام
La yajuz ikhfa al-deen fi al-islam
It is not permissible to hide debt in Islam.
تراكم الديون أدى إلى إفلاسه
Tarakum al-duyun adadda ila iflasih
The accumulation of debts led to his bankruptcy.
In Islamic culture, debt holds special significance and is regulated by Sharia law. The Prophet Muhammad encouraged settling debts promptly and considered it a serious obligation. Debt (deen) is also distinguished from ribaa (usury), which is forbidden in Islam. In Arabic literature and proverbs, debt is often portrayed as a burden that affects one's honor and family welfare.
When using الدين in conversation, remember it specifically refers to financial obligation or borrowed money. Do not confuse it with 'din' (دين) meaning 'religion,' though they are spelled identically in transliteration. Use the verb 'قضى' (qada) or 'سدّ' (sadda) when referring to paying off debt. In formal contexts, you might use 'المديونية' (indebtedness) for a more abstract reference to the state of being in debt.
الدين (al-deen), pronounced "al-deen," is an Arabic noun meaning "debt." It refers to a financial obligation where one person or entity owes money, goods, or services to another. This term is fundamental in both everyday economic transactions and Islamic financial law, making it essential for anyone learning Arabic or conducting business in Arabic-speaking regions.
الدين is a masculine noun in Arabic. In its singular form, it appears as الدين (definite) or دين (indefinite). The plural form is ديون (duyun). When used in sentences, it can function as the subject, object, or in prepositional phrases, and it can be modified by adjectives and descriptive phrases.
In everyday Arabic, الدين is used to discuss financial obligations in various contexts:
Personal Finance: "عليّ دين للبنك" (I have a debt to the bank) or "سدّ الدين" (to pay off the debt)
Business Transactions: Contracts and commercial agreements frequently reference الدين when outlining payment terms and conditions.
Religious Context: In Islamic teaching, the concept of debt is deeply rooted in Sharia principles. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of settling debts and warned against taking debts lightly. There are specific Islamic rulings about debt, interest (ribaa), and debt forgiveness.
Understanding related terms helps clarify the concept:
In Arab and Islamic cultures, debt carries significant social and religious weight. Being in debt is generally viewed as a burden affecting one's honor and family welfare. Islamic jurisprudence dedicates extensive rulings to debt transactions, emphasizing honesty, fair terms, and timely payment. The concept of "debt-free" living is highly valued, and personal bankruptcy is considered a serious matter affecting one's reputation.
"خالي من الدين" (khalif min al-deen) means to be debt-free, a desirable state. "إسقاط الدين" (isqat al-deen) refers to debt forgiveness or cancellation. The phrase "الدين يثقل الكاهل" (debt weighs on one's shoulders) is used idiomatically to describe the burden of debt.
When learning to use الدين, remember that context matters. In formal business settings, you might use more specific terminology. In casual conversation, الدين is perfectly appropriate. Be mindful not to confuse it with "din" (دين) meaning "religion," though they share identical spelling in Arabic script.
In modern Arabic media, finance, and business contexts, الدين appears frequently in discussions about economic policy, personal finance, and corporate liabilities. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone working in Arabic-speaking business environments or studying Arabic economics and finance.