Dayn

Dayn is money one person owes another, such as a loan or an unpaid price, due once its term arrives.

What it means for me: Dayn covers more than a formal loan. Money you owe a shop, a friend, or a bank for something already received counts too. The obligation to repay is real whether or not it is written down, though writing it down protects both sides.

Example: A neighbor lends you money for an emergency repair, with no interest and no fixed date mentioned. The moment the money changes hands, a dayn exists, and you owe it back.

Do not confuse with: Qard, the loan contract itself. Qard is the specific contract that creates a dayn. Dayn is the debt that results, however it arose — a loan, an unpaid price, or a wage still owed.

If scholars differ: Most scholars read the Qur'an's instruction to put a debt in writing as strong guidance, not a binding duty. A minority held it obligatory. Scholars also differ on how a debt owed to you affects your own zakat calculation.