What is Islam?
Islam is a monotheistic faith followed by over a billion people worldwide.
The term “Islam” derives from the Arabic root word “salaam,” meaning peace and submission. At its core, Islam teaches that true peace can only be attained by surrendering to the will of Almighty God (Allah).
A person who follows this path is called a “Muslim,” signifying one who submits to God’s divine guidance.
Unlike other religious designations that stem from individuals or regions, the name Islam was divinely revealed.
It signifies a way of life dedicated to the worship of the One True Creator, free from human alteration.
Islam emphasizes that throughout history, prophets were sent to convey the same foundational message: the oneness of God and the call to worship Him alone.
These messengers include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and finally, Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
Allah states in the Qur’an:
“He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus—to establish the religion and not be divided therein.” (Qur’an 42:13)
Islam is not a novel belief system but rather the final and preserved message that aligns with all previous revelations.
Who Are Muslims?
A common misconception is that Islam is exclusive to a particular ethnicity. In reality, Muslims belong to diverse backgrounds, cultures, and races.
The largest Muslim population is in Indonesia, and the community spans continents, from Africa to the Americas.
The term “Muslim” refers to anyone who embraces the message of Islam, regardless of heritage. Historically, even among the earliest companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), there were individuals from Persia, Africa, and the Byzantine Empire.
Islam transcends racial and national boundaries, uniting people under a shared belief in One God.
How Does One Embrace Islam?
A person enters Islam by affirming the Shahada (testimony of faith):
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah.
(“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”)
This declaration confirms belief in all the prophets, scriptures in their original form, angels, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. With this sincere statement, one becomes part of the global Muslim community.
Who is Allah?
Allah is the Arabic word for the One and Only God, the Creator of the universe. The term is unique because it has no plural or gender, reinforcing the concept of pure monotheism. Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians also use “Allah” to refer to God.
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes God’s attributes of mercy, justice, and sovereignty:
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (Qur’an 112:1-4)
Who is Muhammad?
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger sent by God to guide humanity. Born in Makkah in the 6th century CE, he received divine revelations over 23 years, which were compiled into the Qur’an.
Unlike the founders of other faiths, his life is extensively documented, providing a precise model of ethical conduct, governance, and devotion to God.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
“I have only been sent to perfect good character.” (Hadith, Musnad Ahmad)
His teachings are not new but a continuation of the message delivered by prophets before him.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Islam is built upon five fundamental practices:
- Testimony of Faith (Shahada) – Declaring belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- Prayer (Salah) – Performing five daily prayers as a direct link between the individual and God.
- Charity (Zakat) – Giving a portion of wealth to the less fortunate, emphasizing social responsibility.
- Fasting (Sawm) – Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan for spiritual purification.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj) – Making a journey to Makkah once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.
What is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is God’s final revelation, unchanged since its revelation. Unlike previous scriptures, which suffered alteration over time, the Qur’an remains preserved in its original Arabic text.
It serves as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, addressing moral, social, and spiritual matters.
Allah promises in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will be its Guardian.” (Qur’an 15:9)
The Purpose of Life and the Hereafter
Islam teaches that life is a test, and human beings will be held accountable for their choices. The goal is to worship God and live righteously.
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Qur’an 51:56)
The belief in the afterlife influences a Muslim’s actions, encouraging justice, kindness, and devotion. On the Day of Judgment, each individual will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds.
The ultimate success is attaining Paradise, while those who reject God’s guidance face consequences in the Hereafter.
Conclusion
Islam is a comprehensive way of life centred on the worship of the One True God. It provides guidance for personal conduct, social justice, and spiritual fulfilment. Embracing Islam means aligning oneself with the path followed by all prophets and striving for peace through submission to God.
The doors of Islam remain open to those seeking truth. To accept Islam, simply declare the testimony of faith with sincerity and begin your journey toward enlightenment and peace.
Are you ready to embrace the truth? Say the Shahada today!
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