What is Islam
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What is Islam?
Based on Quran, Islam is fundamentally about submission to the will of God (Allah). It is presented not as a new religion, but as the original, complete, and universal way of life, revealed through a long line of prophets starting from Adam, Noah, and Abraham, and culminating in Prophet Muhammad. The Quran is central to Islam, believed to be the verbatim word of God, guiding humanity to "the Straight Path" and to the "ways of achieving peace."
Key aspects of Islam from Quran include:
Monotheism (in Arabic called 'Tawhid'): The absolute belief in one, unique God, with no partners. This is a recurring theme, emphasizing that true submission is to Allah alone, rejecting polytheism and any other lords.
Prophethood: Recognition of prophets as messengers of God, with Prophet Muhammad being the final one. True belief requires accepting the Prophet, his rulings, and submitting fully to him.
Holy Books: While the Quran is the ultimate revelation, previous scriptures (Torah, Gospel, Psalms) are acknowledged in their original forms.
The Way of Abraham: Islam is frequently described as following the "faith of Abraham, the upright, who was not one of the polytheists." This highlights a pure, sincere devotion to God.
Peace and Security: The concept of "peace" (Salam) is deeply interwoven with Islam. Entering Islam means entering "peace and security." Believers are asked to offer greetings of peace, and paradise is described as a "home of peace." God guides to "ways of peace" and commands peace if the enemy is inclined towards it.
Righteousness and Good Deeds: Islam emphasizes "doing good" and leading a "righteous life." This includes honoring parents, avoiding indecencies, maintaining justice, fulfilling covenants, being charitable, controlling anger, and pardoning others. These actions contribute to being "conscious of Allah" (Taqwa).
Piety and Conviction: The text distinguishes between being a Muslim (one who submits) and a Momin (one with deep conviction or faith in their heart). While both are God-conscious and strive to refrain from misdeeds, a Momin has a profound, unwavering belief and actively strives in God's cause without doubt.
Social Conduct: Islam provides guidelines for respectful social interaction, such as verifying news, making peace between believers, avoiding ridicule, suspicion, and backbiting, and maintaining brotherhood.
Purpose of Life: Life, prayer, and even death are to be devoted entirely to the Lord of all worlds, with sincere devotion being solely for God (Allah).
What is a Muslim?
A Muslim is literally "one who submits to God." Based on the Quran, a Muslim is someone who:
Believes in Allah and His Messenger: This is the foundational belief, embracing the oneness of God and the message brought by Prophet Muhammad. True believers "never doubt" and have this conviction "deep in their hearts."
Practices Submission: This is the core action. It means obeying Allah's commands as revealed in the Quran. This submission can be willing or, for some, unwilling (on the Day of Judgment, all will submit).
Strives for Righteousness: Muslims are those who "do good," uphold justice, are steadfast in their faith, show patience, establish Salah (system to learn about, adhere to and comply with God's commands as per Quran), bring forth Zakat (purification, nourishment, development and growth of soul by practicing Islam), and engage in good deeds as commanded by God.
Embraces Peace: Muslims are described as "peace-makers" and "peaceful." They are to greet others with peace, respond to foolishness with peace, and seek peace when offered.
Rejects Polytheism: A true Muslim adheres to the pure monotheistic faith, like Abraham, and does not associate any partners with God.
Endures and Perseveres: They are patient in the face of adversity and strive with their wealth and lives in the cause of God, knowing that their reward is boundless.
Recognizes God's Blessings: Muslims acknowledge God's blessings and strive to be appreciative, remembering Allah frequently.
Seeks Forgiveness: They are quick to repent and seek forgiveness for their transgressions.
Quran also clarifies that while simply declaring "We have submitted" to God and will of God makes one a Muslim, true faith (in Arabic called 'Emaan') enters the heart and is demonstrated by a deep conviction, unwavering belief, and actively striving in God's cause. This distinction is subtle but important, highlighting different levels of adherence. Notably, ancient prophets like Noah and Abraham are explicitly identified as Muslims, emphasizing that the essence of Islam (submission to God) has always been the fundamental path for humanity.
Note: The explanations provided above are derived from understanding directly from Quran. Should you have doubts, questions or need further guidance, I would encourage you to please read Quran by yourself and reflect upon its verses. Pray to God and sincerely request Him to guide you and provide you with the correct understanding and wisdom. The more sincere and faithful you are in your prayer to God; the more likely God will answer your prayers and will provide you with what you are looking for. Happy to take questions or clarifications about the content on this site: