About Islam
The word "Islam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God". The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "Salaam", which means to achieve peace - with God, within oneself and peace with the creation of God through willing submission to God, and accepting His guidance
Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spiritual meaning - only by submitting one's will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter.
Islam teaches that many religions originally had the same essential message - which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
Who are Muslims?
The Arabic word "Muslim" literally means "someone who submits to the will of God".
The message of Islam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim.
Some people mistakenly believe that Islam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world's Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists.
If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World - from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia - it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities.
From the very beginning, Islam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans. Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the revealed will of Almighty God.
A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his beliefs, values and faith on the will of Almighty God. In the past, even though you don't see it as much today, the word "Mohammedans" was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either wilful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God.
Who is Allah?
Very often one will hear the Arabic word "Allah" being used in regards to Islam. The word "Allah" is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews.
If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word "Allah" being used where the word "God" is used in English. Actually, the Arabic word for Almighty God, "Allaah", is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages - for example, the Hebrew word for God is "Elah".
For various reasons, some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians. This is certainly not the case, since the Pure Monotheism of Islam calls all people to the worship of the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all of the other prophets. However, even though Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God - since there is only one God - their concepts concerning Him differ in some significant ways.
Who is Muhammad?
The last and final prophet that God sent to humanity was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muhammad (pbuh) explained, interpreted and lived the teachings of Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, including the fact that the results of his mission have brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet.
Even though other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, over time they had corrupted their beliefs by taking their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God.
Some religions believe their prophets to be manifestations of God, "God Incarnate" or the "Son of God". All of these false ideas lead to the creation being worshipped instead of the Creator, which contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that Almighty God can be approached through intermediaries. In order to guard against these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) always emphasised that he was only a human-being tasked with the preaching of God's message. He taught Muslims to refer to him as "the Messenger of God and His Slave".
To Muslims, Muhammad (pbuh) is the supreme example for all people - he was the exemplary prophet, statesman, military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbour, husband, father and friend. Unlike other prophets and messengers, the Prophet Muhammad lived in the full light of history. Muslims don't need to have "faith" that he existed and that his teachings are preserved - they know it to be a fact. Even when his followers only numbered a few dozen, Almighty God informed Muhammad that he had be sent as a mercy to all of mankind. Because people had distorted or forgotten God's messages, God took it upon Himself to protect the message revealed to Muhammad. This was because Almighty God promised not to send another messenger after him.
Since all of God's messengers have preached the message of Islam - i.e. submission to the will of God and the worship of God alone - Muhammad is actually the last prophet of Islam, not the first.
What is the Belief?
The foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Unity of God. This means to believe that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of everything in the Universe, and that nothing is divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Him.
Truly believing in the Unity of God means much more than simply believing that there is "One God" - as opposed to two, three or four. There are a number of religions that claim belief in "One God" and believe that ultimately there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Islam, however, not only insists on this, but also rejects using such words as "Lord" and "Saviour" for anyone besides Almighty God. Islam also rejects the use of all intermediaries between God and Man, and insists that people approach God directly and reserve all worship for Him alone. Muslims believe that Almighty God is Compassionate, Loving and Merciful.
The essence of falsehood is the claim that God cannot deal with and forgive His creatures directly. By over-emphasising the burden of sin, as well as claiming that God cannot forgive you directly, false religions seek to get people to despair of the Mercy of God. Once they are convinced that they cannot approach God directly, people can be mislead into turning to false gods for help. These "false gods" can take various forms, such as saints, angels, or someone who is believed to be the "Son of God" or "God Incarnate". In almost all cases, people who worship, pray to or seek help from a false god don't consider it to be, or call it, a "god". They claim belief in One Supreme God, but claim that they pray to and worship others beside God only to get closer to Him. In Islam, there is a clear distinction between the Creator and the created. There is no ambiguity in divinity - anything that is created is not deserving of worship and only the Creator is worthy of being worshipped. Some religions falsely believe that God has become part of His creation, and this has led people to believe that they can worship something created in order to reach their Creator.
Muslims believe that even though God is Unique and beyond comprehension - He has no "Son", partners or associates. According to Muslim belief, Almighty God "does not beget nor was He begotten" - neither literally, allegorically, metaphorically, physically or metaphysically - He is Absolutely Unique and Eternal. He is in control of everything and is perfectly capable of bestowing His infinite Mercy and Forgiveness to whomever He chooses. That is why is called the All-Powerful and Most-Merciful. Almighty God has created the Universe for man, and as such wants the best for all human beings. Muslims see everything in the Universe as a sign of the Creatorship and Benevolence of Almighty God. Also, the belief in the Unity of God is not merely a metaphysical concept. It is a dynamic belief that effects ones view of humanity, society and all aspects of life. As a logical corollary to the Islamic belief in the Oneness of God, is its belief in the oneness of mankind and humanity.
Misconceptions
Islam is a widely misunderstood religion. Those who are unfamiliar with the faith often have misunderstandings about its teachings and practices. Common misconceptions include that Muslims worship a moon-god, that Islam is oppressive against women, or that Islam is a faith that promotes violence. Here we bust these myths and expose the true teachings of Islam.
Muslims worship a moon-god?
Some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Allah is an "Arab god," a "moon god," or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language. The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
Muslims don't believe in Jesus?
In the Qur'an, stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic) are abundant. The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, and the miracles he performed by God's permission. There is even a chapter of the Qur'an named after his mother, Mary (Miriam in Arabic). However, Muslims believe that Jesus was a fully human prophet and not in any way divine himself.
Islam oppresses women?
Most of the ill-treatment that women receive in the Muslim world is based on local culture and traditions, without any basis in the faith of Islam. In fact, practices such as forced marriage, spousal abuse, and restricted movement directly contradict Islamic law governing family behaviour and personal freedom.
Muslims are violent, terrorist extremists?
Terrorism cannot be justified under any valid interpretation of the Islamic faith. The entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings. Muslim leaders and scholars do speak out against terrorism in all its forms, and offer explanations of misinterpreted or twisted teachings.
Belief and Worship of The One True God is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s belief.
Many religions also claim belief in One God however, they associate partners with Him. The following are examples:
- Worshipping or asking forgiveness of God through His creation
- Delegating some of God’s attributes to other objects or beings
- Setting up rivals with God by elevating something to be in opposition to Him
The above mentioned beliefs or actions all go against the very principles of Islam.
About Allah
Allah is the personal name of the One True God.
The name “Allah” is the combination of two Arabic words, “Al” and “ilah”. “Al” means “The”, and “ilah” means “God”. These two words come together and refer to “The God”, which implies “The Only God”, or “The Only True God”.
Nothing else can be called Allah. The term has no plural or gender. This shows its uniqueness when compared with the word “god” which can be made plural (i.e. gods) or feminine (i.e. goddess). Muslims believe that Allah is:
The One:
- Allah is one and has no partners at all
- Allah has no equals or associates
- Islam rejects characterising Allah in any human form
- None of His creation resembles Him
- There is nothing comparable to Allah
- No part of Allah is present in anyone (although his knowledge encompasses everything)
The Praiseworthy:
- No being or object is worthy to be worshipped except Allah
- Any worship and prayers directed towards (or through) saints, prophets, other human beings or nature is considered idolatry
- Allah hears all who praise Him
- Everyone has direct access to Allah
- Muslims have a direct connection with Allah without the need for any intermediaries [such as idols, saints, angels, priests, planets, Jesus (peace be upon him), animals, graves or statues]
The All-Just:
- Allah judges everyone based on their own deeds and everyone is accountable for his/her own actions
- Humans may distinguish themselves and earn Allah's favor through virtue and piety only (not through race or wealth)
The Most High:
- Allah is over His creation separated from his creatures
- Allah is high above being compared to anything
The All-Merciful:
- Allah is incomparably more merciful to His creation than a mother to her baby
- No one is “born into sin”
- Allah forgives all sins
The All-Powerful:
- Allah has no rivals
- The concept that Allah rested on the 7th day of creation has no basis in Islam
- Allah has control over everything
- Obedience to Allah does not increase His Power, and disobedience to Allah does not decrease His Power in any way
- Not a leaf falls without the permission of Allah
To truly ponder the majesty of Allah makes one humble. This is what Allah calls us to do - to know Him through His attributes and names, realize His Omnipotence and Majesty, call upon Him, and humble ourselves to Him.
Allah’s beautiful names and attributes also include:
- The Creator and Sustainer
- The Forgiver and Pardoner
- The Appreciative
- The All-Knower and All-Aware
- The One who answers the one in need if he asks Him
- The One free and far removed from any deficiency
- The incomparably Great
About the Qur'an
Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the literal word of God. Together with the authentic sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is the main source of Islamic knowledge. The following are some verses that confirm what has been discussed:
“Allah is He, other than Whom there is no other god.”Qur’an 59:22
“And worship Allah and associate none with Him.”Qur’an 4:36
“So set no equals to Allah while you know (there is none equal to him).”Qur’an 2:22
“Say: ‘How do you worship besides Allah something which has no power either to harm or benefit you?’ ”Qur’an 5:76
“There is nothing like Him and He hears and sees all things.”Qur’an 42:11
“Your Lord says: ‘Call upon Me, I will answer you.’ ”Qur’an 40:60
About Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Muslims believe that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final Prophet in a long chain of Prophets sent to call the people to the obedience and worship of God alone. Some of these Prophets include Adam, Noah, Joseph, Jacob, Abraham, David, Jesus and Moses (peace be upon them all).
Muslims do not worship or ask divine guidance of Muhammad (peace be upon him). He warned:
“Do not exceed bounds in praising me as the Christians do in praising Jesus, Son of Mary. I am only the Lord’s servant; then call me the Servant of Allah and His Messenger.”
Just as Muslims believe that Moses (peace be upon him) was sent with the Torah and that Jesus (peace be upon him) was sent with the Gospel2, Muslims also believe that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent with The Qur’an to demonstrate how its teachings should be applied.
Some sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) include:
“Among the best of you are they who have the best character.”
“Allah will not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to others.”
“The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”
“Look at the person who is below you; and do not look at one who is superior to you. Thereby you would be able to better appreciate the favours that God has bestowed upon you.”
“Do not consider even the smallest good deed as insignificant; even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.”
“Be humble and do not harm or consider yourself superior to others.”
About Worship
We have established that Islam teaches that only God alone deserves worship.So what is worship?
Muslim scholars have defined “worship” as, “An all-inclusive term for those internal and external sayings and actions of a person that are pleasing to Allah.”
In other words, the concept of worship in Islam is not limited to rituals such as praying, fasting, giving charity, and performing pilgrimage - it is much more.
A person can turn everyday activities into acts of worship by purifying his or her intention and sincerely seeking Allah’s pleasure through these activities. Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Greeting a person is charity. Acting justly is charity. Helping a man with his horse is charity. A good word is charity. Every step taken on the way to performing prayers is charity. Removing an obstacle from the road is charity.”
Even earning a living can be done for the sake of God if done for the right reasons (e.g. working to support a family). If however one works to show off or earn fame then this can not be considered worship.
The above might sound strange to those who view religion only as a personal relation between the individual and God and as having no impact on those activities that are not connected specifically with any religious rituals. For Muslims however, Islam is not just a religion, but a complete way of life.