| The Comprehensive Meaning of 'dayn'
Many would conjecture that 'dayn' (debt) is the same as 'qard' (loan). In
the terminology of Islamic jurisprudence, however, the word dayn has a broader
connotation then the word' qard . Dayn
also covers qard in its conceptual
umbrella. Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi in his Tafsir-e Namune alludes to this subtlety
and says that qard is only applied when one gets obliged to return the equivalent
of the thing taken; for example, if he takes money as a loan, he would have to
return the same amount of money; and if he takes a certain kind of food, he would
be obliged to return the same. However, 'dayn .has a broader framework, for it
includes any kind of transaction such as 'settlement of claim' (sulh) leasing
(ijara), buying and selling, and the like41. Debt Sometimes Hampers
One From Spiritual Progress
Debt at times becomes a very great impediment
on the path towards God. The reason for this is that it preoccupies one's mind
and heart, and that is a decisive factor that hampers progress. Look at the
following traditions: I. Imam Zaynu'l' Abidin ('a) in his beautiful supplication42
for relief
from debt informs his followers the difficult situation that a
debtor I normally experiences. Look at the following: O God,
bless
Muhammad and his Household
and release me from a debt
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41 Astane Qudse Radawi, Sharho Tafslre Lughate Qur'an Bar Asase Tafslre Namune,
p.70
42 Sahifat al-Sajjadiyya, Supp. no.30 ]:
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