What Is Islam? Islam, derived from the root word “Salama,” embodies peace, purity, submission, and obedience. It is both a verb and a noun, signifying not just a faith but a complete way of life. The concept of Islam transcends mere ritualistic practice; it is a dynamic and holistic approach to living, guided by divine principles that encompass every aspect of human existence. This comprehensive definition of Islam explores its meanings, beliefs, actions, and its role as a complete way of life, offering a profound understanding of what it truly means to be a Muslim.
The Meanings of Islam: A Verb and a Noun
Islam, as a verb, reflects the active engagement of an individual in surrendering, submitting, obeying, and sincerely dedicating their life to the will of Allah. As a noun, Islam represents a structured belief system and a comprehensive way of life that has been taught by all prophets throughout history. The dual nature of Islam as both a verb and a noun emphasizes the importance of not only believing in the tenets of the faith but also actively practicing them in daily life.
1. Surrender: The First Step Towards Divine Connection
The first meaning of Islam as a verb is surrender, which involves a conscious and willing effort to submit to the one Almighty God, Allah. This concept is encapsulated in the verse from the Holy Quran:
“Certainly, the only acceptable way which Allah will accept is Islam.”
[Holy Quran 3:19]
This surrender is not a passive act but an active decision to align oneself with the divine will. It requires a deep understanding and acknowledgment of Allah’s supremacy and an unwavering commitment to follow His guidance. The surrender to Allah is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith, setting the stage for a life of submission, obedience, and sincerity.
2. Submission: A Higher Level of Commitment
Submission, the second aspect of Islam as a verb, is a step beyond surrender. It involves not only accepting Allah’s will but also committing to live by His commands without resistance. The Quran emphasizes the importance of total submission in the following verse:
“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith until they make you (Muhammad, peace be upon him) as a judge in all disputes between them, and find no resistance against your decisions, and accept (the decisions) with full submission.”
[Holy Quran 4:65]
This total submission means that once Allah and His Messenger have set forth a directive, there is no room for personal opinion or dissent. A Muslim is expected to consciously and conscientiously dedicate themselves to the service of Allah, fully embracing His guidance in all aspects of life.
3. Obedience: Living According to Divine Commands
Obedience is the third meaning of Islam as a verb. It requires Muslims to act on the commands of Allah as outlined in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger:
“And obey Allah and His Messenger.”
[Holy Quran 3:132]
“O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger and those of you who are in authority. If you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.”
[Holy Quran 4:59]
Obedience in Islam is not limited to ritual worship; it encompasses every action, decision, and behavior in a Muslim’s life. After surrendering and submitting to Allah, a Muslim must strive to live according to His commands, fulfilling the obligations set forth in the Quran and Sunnah.
4. Sincerity: The Purity of Intention
Sincerity is a crucial aspect of Islam, representing the purity of intention behind every action. Allah values not just the outward compliance with His commands but also the inner sincerity of the believer’s heart. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of intention in a famous hadith:
“Verily, deeds are rewarded by intention. And everyone will have the reward for that which he has intended.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 1 #1]
Sincerity in Islam means performing every act, whether of worship or daily life, solely for the sake of Allah, without any desire for recognition or reward from others. A Muslim’s heart must be free from pride, hypocrisy, or any form of insincerity, as these can nullify the spiritual value of their deeds.
5. Peace: The Ultimate Goal of Submission to Allah
The fifth meaning of Islam as a verb is peace, which is both a goal and a result of sincerely following the path of Islam. Peace in Islam is not just the absence of conflict; it is a state of harmony between a person and their Creator, leading to tranquility in the heart and soul. The Quran describes Allah as “The Peace” (As-Salam), one of His divine attributes:
“He is Allah beside Whom there is none worthy of worship, The King, The Holy, The Peace, The Watcher, The All Mighty, The Compeller, The Supreme. Glory be to Allah! He is above all that they try to associate with Him as partners.”
[Holy Quran 59:23]
When a Muslim surrenders, submits, obeys, and lives with sincerity, the inevitable result is peace. This peace is not just an internal state but also manifests in the individual’s actions, relationships, and interactions with the world. It is a peace that endures through life’s trials and tribulations, as the believer trusts in Allah’s wisdom and justice.
6. The Pillars of Islam: The Actions That Define a Muslim
As a noun, Islam is defined by the actions that every Muslim must perform. These actions are encapsulated in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice:
- Shahadah (Declaration of Faith):
The declaration that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His last messenger. This statement is the entry point into Islam and represents the believer’s commitment to the oneness of Allah and the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prophethood. - Salat (Prayer):
The five daily prayers are a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. These prayers are performed at specific times throughout the day and night, providing regular opportunities for spiritual reflection and connection with the Creator. - Zakat (Charity):
The giving of a portion of one’s wealth to those in need is both a spiritual obligation and a means of purifying one’s wealth. Zakat fosters a sense of community and social responsibility, ensuring that wealth circulates and benefits society. - Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan):
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an act of worship that cultivates self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual growth. It is a time for Muslims to renew their faith, increase their worship, and seek forgiveness from Allah. - Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):
The pilgrimage to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able. Hajj is a powerful expression of the unity of the Muslim ummah (community) and a demonstration of submission to Allah.
7. The Six Articles of Faith: The Beliefs That Ground a Muslim’s Life
In addition to the Five Pillars, Islam is also defined by six core beliefs that every Muslim must hold:
- Belief in Allah:
Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah, who is unique, unlike His creation, and perfect in every way. Allah is the Creator, Sustainer, and ultimate Judge of all that exists. - Belief in Angels:
Angels are pure beings created from light, who obey Allah’s commands perfectly. They play various roles in the universe, such as delivering divine revelations, recording human deeds, and carrying out Allah’s will. - Belief in the Books of Allah:
Muslims believe in the divine scriptures revealed to various prophets, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the Quran. The Quran, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is the final and complete guidance for humanity. - Belief in the Prophets:
Muslims believe in all the prophets sent by Allah, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all). These prophets were chosen by Allah to guide humanity to the path of righteousness and submission to Allah. - Belief in the Day of Judgment:
Muslims believe in the resurrection of all people on the Day of Judgment, when they will be held accountable for their deeds and rewarded or punished accordingly. - Belief in Divine Destiny (Qadar):
Muslims believe that Allah has complete knowledge and control over everything that happens, whether good or bad. This belief in divine destiny fosters a sense of trust and reliance on Allah in all circumstances.
8. Islam: A Comprehensive Way of Life
Islam is not just a set of beliefs and rituals; it is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses every aspect of a Muslim’s existence. From personal hygiene to business ethics, from family relationships to civic responsibilities, Islam provides guidance for all aspects of life. The Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offer detailed instructions on how to live in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to society.
- Dietary Laws:
Islam prescribes specific dietary laws, such as the prohibition of pork and alcohol, and the requirement to consume only halal (permissible) food. These laws are intended to promote physical health and spiritual purity. - Dress Code:
Muslims are required to dress modestly, covering their bodies in a way that reflects their dignity and respect for themselves and others. This dress code applies to both men and women and is an outward expression of the inner quality of modesty. - Marriage and Family:
Islam places a strong emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family. Marriage is seen as a partnership based on mutual respect, love, and responsibility. The family is the basic unit of society, and its well-being is essential for the health of the community. - Social Justice:
Islam promotes social justice by encouraging charity, fairness in trade, and the protection of the rights of the vulnerable. Muslims are called to stand against oppression, corruption, and injustice in all its forms. - Environmental Stewardship:
Islam teaches that the Earth and its resources are a trust from Allah, and humans are responsible for caring for them. Muslims are encouraged to live in harmony with nature, avoiding waste and harm to the environment.
9. The Role of Prophethood: A Continuous Chain of Guidance
The concept of prophethood in Islam is central to understanding its comprehensive nature. Muslims believe that Allah has sent prophets to every nation throughout history, each one delivering the message of Islam in its most relevant form for their time. This chain of prophethood culminates with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who brought the final and complete revelation, the Quran. The role of the prophets is to guide humanity towards the straight path, exemplifying how to live a life in accordance with Allah’s will.
- Adam (Peace be upon him):
The first prophet and the father of humanity, Adam, was created by Allah and given the responsibility to teach his descendants about the oneness of Allah and the importance of worship. - Noah (Peace be upon him):
Noah’s mission was to warn his people of the impending flood as a consequence of their idolatry and to call them back to the worship of the one true God. - Abraham (Peace be upon him):
Known as the father of monotheism, Abraham’s life was a testament to unwavering faith in Allah, and he is revered in Islam for his submission and willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake. - Moses (Peace be upon him):
Moses was chosen by Allah to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and deliver them the Torah, guiding them to live a life of righteousness. - Jesus (Peace be upon him):
In Islam, Jesus (Peace be upon him) is revered as one of the greatest prophets and messengers sent by Allah to guide humanity. Known as ‘Isa in Arabic, Jesus was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) without a father, a birth that is considered a sign from Allah.
The Quran affirms this miraculous event in Surah Al-Imran (3:47) where Maryam questions how she could have a son when no man has touched her, and the angel responds that Allah creates what He wills, saying, “Be,” and it is.
Jesus was given the Gospel (Injil) and performed numerous miracles by the permission of Allah. These include healing the blind and the leper, bringing the dead back to life, and speaking as an infant to defend the chastity of his mother, as mentioned in Surah Maryam (19:29-33). These miracles were signs of his prophethood and his special status as a servant of Allah.
Islam strongly rejects the notion of Jesus’ divinity and the concept of the Trinity. The Quran states in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:72), “They do blaspheme who say: Allah is Christ the son of Mary.” Furthermore, the Quran explicitly denies the crucifixion of Jesus, stating in Surah An-Nisa (4:157) that “they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them.” Instead, Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was raised up by Allah to the heavens, and he will return at the end of times.
In short, Jesus (Peace be upon him) holds a significant place in Islam as a prophet and a messenger of Allah, who brought guidance to the Children of Israel. However, his role is strictly that of a servant and messenger of Allah, with no share in divinity. - Muhammad (Peace be upon him):
The final prophet, Muhammad, was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, delivering the Quran, which is considered the ultimate and complete guide for all times and places.
10. Conclusion: Islam as a Path to Spiritual Fulfillment and Worldly Success
Islam is more than just a religion; it is a complete way of life that offers spiritual fulfillment, moral guidance, and a framework for achieving success in this world and the hereafter. By surrendering, submitting, obeying, and living sincerely according to Allah’s commands, Muslims can attain peace in their hearts and harmony in their lives. The teachings of Islam, as exemplified by the prophets and enshrined in the Quran and Sunnah, provide a timeless guide for living a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to humanity.
In conclusion, Islam is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses all aspects of human existence. It is a faith that calls for active engagement in surrendering to Allah, submitting to His will, obeying His commands, and living with sincerity and peace. By adhering to the Five Pillars of Islam and embracing the Six Articles of Faith, Muslims can navigate the challenges of life with clarity and purpose, ultimately achieving both spiritual fulfillment and worldly success.
