The word Deen, is an arabic word with three general sentences, judgment, custom and religion while the word Dunya is an islamic word which refers to the temporal
world, aka the
world before the afterlife. The meaning behind the sentence "Deen over Dunya" means that we Muslims put our religion over this temporary
world which we believes is a test from our God.
Let's say that a muslim is invited to a haram
party, needs to wear something revealing to a specific place they have to go to or feel
like having to skip a prayer for something so stupid yet important. A good muslim would put the Deen over Dunya in a position like this - with other words, not take the so called haram option cause it's not worth the take.
Muslims believe that this
world is temporary and is just a test from God. This is NOT the real
world, and when we fall into a position where we have two options to take, it is God that tests us. That's why we put our religion first, which is much more important, over this temporal world.
Non Muslim friend: I know you can't eat pork, but c'
mon,
just try a
bite! Please?
Halal Muslim: No, Deen over Dunya.