The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one's will i.e.
losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering one's own pleasure
for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was
revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus
preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee
of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines the
best features of the earlier scriptures.
The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of
the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad
(peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The
follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim's other beliefs
are: God's angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets,
from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and
indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform,
namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and
blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer,
payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the
pilgrimage to Mecca.
Islam believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us
that God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to
seek God's pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes
that God created mankind in His image and by imbuing the attributes of
God on a human level mankind can attain His nearness. Islam's main
message is to worship God and to treat all God's creation with
kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the
needy are clearly stated. Women's rights were safeguarded 1,400 years
ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about
emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation
and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the
test of time.
In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that
are lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy,
active life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy,
courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and
complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike.
As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and
indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the Holy
Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the face of
change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in
actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless
of human changes.
Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all.
Any individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God
through sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a
relationship with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity
fills hearts with hope and courage.
At present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the
majority in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the
fastest growing faith in the world - its beautiful message is reaching
millions in the far corner of the earth.
Pillars Islam:-
Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, relates that the Holy
Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "Islam is
based on five articles:
1. To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship save Allah and
that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the
Messenger of Allah.
2. To observe Prayer (Salat).
3. To Pay Zakat (Alms giving)
4. To perform the Pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Hajj).
5. To Observe fasting during Ramadhan." (Bukhari)
Abdullah ibn Amr bin Aas, may Allah be pleased with them, relates that
the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"A Muslim is one against whose tongue and hands other Muslims are
secure, and an Emigrant is one who departs from what Allah has
forbidden." (Bukhari)
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