Religion of Islam

Islam means peace, peace within oneself, and peace with the creations of Allah – through wholly submitting oneself to Allah and accepting His guidance.

The term Islam derives from the three-letter Arabic root, S (س)- L (ل)- M (م), which generates words with interrelated meanings, including “surrender”, “submission”, “commitment” and “peace”. Commonly, Islam refers to the monotheistic religion revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SM) between 610 and 632 of the Common Era.

The name Islam was instituted by the Qur’an, the sacred scripture revealed to Muhammad (SM). Islamic scholars believe, origin of religion of Islam is from prophet Irbahim (A) who was the father of prophet Ismail (A). For believers, Islam is not a new religion. Rather, it represents the last reiteration of the primordial message of Allah’s Oneness, a theme found in earlier monotheistic religious traditions.

About Islam what Allah stated in the Quran:

ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًا ۚ

Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you and approved Al-Islam as a Deen (way of life for you). [Surah 5. Al-Maida, Ayah 3]

Though Islam can be described as a religion, it is viewed by its adherents – a fifth of the world’s population – in much broader terms. Beyond belief in specific doctrines and performance of important ritual acts, Islam is practiced as a complete and natural way of life, designed to bring Allah into the center of one’s consciousness, and thus one’s life. Essentially, by definition Islam is a world view focused on belief in the One Allah and commitment to His commandments.

What is the Essence of Islam?
Prophet Muhammad (SM) mentioned in a narrative the best summary of the core of Islam as follows:

“Submission means that you should bear witness that there is no Allah but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s messenger, that you should perform the ritual prayer, pay the alms tax, fast during Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to go there.”

“Islam Faith means that you have faith in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and that you have faith in the measuring out, both its good and its evil.”

“Doing what is beautiful means that you should worship Allah as if you see Him, for even if you do not see Him, He sees you.”