Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Rahiim.

The Quran says:
Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam... [3:19]

... This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as you religion... [5:3]

Prophet Muhammad (saw) defined Islam as follows:
"Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, to perform Sholat, Zakat, Fasting in the month of Ramadhan and do Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred House (Qa'aba).

The word 'Islam' has a special significance both in terms of its meaning, and its historical background. Islam teaches obedience only to Allah (swt) and complete submission to His order, without objection.

Everything in heaven, on earth and in between is subject to laws. The entire universe bows to the great power that created it. From this point of view Islam is the religion for the whole world (which is dependant upon, and follows the rules of the great lawmaker, keeping a distance from that which He prohibits).

Islam, which prescribes that we do all that Allah (swt) requests and that we turn away from all that He prohibits, has been there since the time of Adam (as). Nevertheless, the word or expression 'Islam' was yet to be used at that time.

The word or expression 'Islam' came about during the time of Ibrahim (as), when the great man bestowed the title 'Muslimin' upon his people.

Islam then was reborn, and has descended to all mankind from the time of Prophet Muhammad (saw) till the end of time. Islam guides mankind on the right path, as approved by Allah (swt).

Islam is the superior, perfect and complete religion, suitable for all mankind to follow till the end of time. It is due to this that Islam is known as "Ad-din".

Islam is recognised as the religion approved by Allah (swt). People who subscribe to religions other than 'Islam' will not be accepted by Allah (swt). This position is already explained by Allah (swt) and is to be found in Al-Quran.

The word 'Islam' means safe, dependant, obedient and surrender to Allah (swt) according to His laws. Total submission to the will of Allah (swt) comprises of three aspects: Faith (akidah), Islamic Law (syariah) and moral conduct (akhlak).

Islam also means a way of life for humanity, living in peace on earth and in the hereafter, through submission to the will of Allah (swt). Only by abiding by the three aspects of faith, Islamic law, and morality will humans achieve a happy and peaceful life.

Islam is the religion brought to all humanity, and not just a certain people or nation. Islam admits all nationalities and races. Islam guarantees your happiness in life and the hereafter.

The Quran says:
Verily, this Quran guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad), who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise). [17:9]

And (remember) the Day when We shall raise up from every nation a witness againts them from amongst themselves. And We shall bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness againts these. And We have sent down to you the Book (The Holy Quran) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims). [16:89]

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
"I have guided you to the right path which is as bright as daylight, thus whoever deviates from this path is doomed to perdition."

"I have left to you the Book of Allah (The Holy Quran) and my Sunna (Al-Hadith & As-Sunnah), if you hold fast to them, you will never be mislead."

The Meaning of Islam

Literally: derives from Arabic root, 'Salama'. It has 2 meaning:

1. Aslama: submission, surrender and obedience.
a. General Compulsory submission.

"And the sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed). That is the Decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing". [36:38]

"Do they seek other than the religion of Allah (the true Islamic Monotheism - worshipping none but Allah Alone), while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him shall they all be returned". [3:83]

b. Optional submission.

"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers". [3:85]


2. Silm/salm: peace and security.

"O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy". [2:208]

"But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower". [8:61]

Technically: a willing submission to Allah, the God of the universe with unqualified consent.

Special terminology: Islam is a religion, which revealed by Allah through His prophets starting Prophet Adam (as) until Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Top

| Back |