What is the Religion of Islam
The Meaning of the Religion of Islam
Introduction
Islam is a monotheistic religion that was revealed more than 1,400 years ago in the Arabian Peninsula through the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The word Islam itself comes from the Arabic root س-ل-م (S-L-M), which conveys meanings of peace, submission, and safety. In its religious sense, Islam means submitting oneself completely to the will of Allah (God) in order to attain peace in this life and the Hereafter.
Core Belief
The foundation of Islam is the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawḥīd). Muslims believe that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe, without partners, children, or equals. Worship is directed to Him alone, and life is to be lived according to His guidance.
The Purpose of Islam
The purpose of Islam is to guide humanity to:
Recognize and worship Allah alone.
Live morally and righteously by following divine commandments.
Establish justice and compassion in society.
Prepare for the Hereafter by living a life pleasing to God.
The Pillars of Islam
Islam is built upon five fundamental acts of worship:
Shahādah – Testifying that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
Ṣalāh – Performing the five daily prayers.
Zakāh – Giving a portion of wealth to the needy.
Ṣawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Ḥajj – Performing pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime, if able.
Islam as a Way of Life
Islam is not only a set of rituals; it is a complete way of life. It offers guidance on:
Personal behavior (honesty, patience, humility).
Family relations (kindness to parents, responsibilities toward children and spouses).
Social justice (helping the poor, fairness in trade, opposing oppression).
Spiritual purification (remembrance of Allah, seeking forgiveness, sincerity in actions).
Peace through Submission
True peace, according to Islam, is achieved by surrendering to Allah’s will and living in harmony with His commands. When a person accepts Islam, they enter into a covenant of obedience and love with their Creator, which leads to inner peace and purpose.
Conclusion
The religion of Islam is a divine guidance for all humanity, teaching that life is a test and that ultimate success lies in worshipping Allah, doing good deeds, and preparing for eternal life in the Hereafter. It calls for a balanced life—spiritually, morally, and socially—rooted in justice, mercy, and peace.
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