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What Is Islam Religion

Author: Mohammad Hashim Qasmi Bastawi

The Arabic term ‘Islam إسلام’, meaning ” submission, ” refers to the fundamental religious creed that dictates a Muslim must submit to the will of Allah, conforming both inwardly and outwardly to His laws.

The religion of Islam places considerable emphasis on uncompromising monotheism and strict adherence to specific creeds and acts of worship. It enjoins submission to the will of Allah and following the exemplary way of life of Muhammad, the last of the Prophets and Messengers, may peace be upon them all.

A common misconception is that Islam emerged in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, founded by the Prophet Muhammad. This is entirely incorrect; Islam began when God created Adam and his wife Eve , and many prophets appeared afterward with messages of monotheism. Islam teaches that God sent prophets throughout history to guide people. These prophets include figures such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is regarded as the last and final prophet, and his teachings are viewed as the completion of God’s message.

Concept of worship in Islam

In Islam, worship (ibadah) is a central concept that extends far beyond the rituals of prayer or fasting. It encompasses all aspects of a Muslim’s life and actions that are done with the intention of seeking the pleasure of God (Allah). Worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals but is seen as a way of life that integrates spirituality into everyday activities.

Islam also teaches that after death, all individuals will be resurrected and judged by God based on their actions in life. Those who have followed God’s guidance will be rewarded with eternal paradise (Jannah), while those who have rejected it will face punishment in Hell (Jahannam).The ways and acts of worship in Islam

Allah, the Exalted created the universe and what is in it that He be recognized as the One and only God. He created man and jinn only to celebrate His praise and worship Him. His words signify:

“I have only created Jinn’s and men, that they may Serve Me” [Surah Dhariyat: 56]

The ways and acts of worship are not left to man’s option or choice. Allah is the One Who ordains and decrees all acts of worship and the means in which they must be observed. Since Islam deals in every aspect of life, spiritual and physical, its jurisprudence is based on creeds, acts of worship and ordinances regarding social, economical and political transactions.

Impotent Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam are the core practices that every Muslim is expected to follow, that also in a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim:

Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, which states: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” This proclamation affirms a Muslim’s belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.

Salah (Prayer): Muslims are required to pray five times a day—at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night. (Mean: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha) These prayers involve specific physical and spiritual acts, and they are a way to connect with God.

Zakat (Charity): Rich Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth (usually 2.5% of their savings) to those in need, as a form of purification and support for the less fortunate in society.

Sawm (Fasting): During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. This is seen as a way to cultivate self-discipline and empathy for those in need.

Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj is a series of rituals performed over several days, symbolizing the unity of Muslims and their submission to God’s will.

Islamic Practices and Law

Islamic law, or Sharia, is derived from the Quran and Hadith and encompasses all aspects of a Muslim’s life, from daily routines to ethical behavior. Sharia covers topics such as marriage, finance, food, and criminal justice. The primary goal of Sharia is to create a just and moral society.

Islamic law is considered a divine and comprehensive code that guides the behavior of Muslims in all aspects of life. It covers everything from acts of worship to personal conduct, family matters, business dealings, criminal law, and international relations. The law provides a moral and ethical framework for Muslims to live by, ensuring their actions are in harmony with their faith.

Morality in Islam

Islam is a perfect way of life, it enjoins maintaining a refined code of manners. The Messenger of  Allah said:

”Verily, I have been sent to accomplish the fine manners”.

Allah has praised the fine manners of His Messenger saying: “And surely thou hast sublime morals””. A’ishah. the wife of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, was asked about his manners. She said:

“His manners were al-Qur’an”. A’ishah meant that the Prophet, peace be on him, clung to the Qur’an, it rules of discipline. its commands. its prohibitions, and the excellent, beautiful and gracious things comprised in it. For this reason Allah commands the believers to follow the exemplary life of His Messenger, peace be on him. saying:

Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looked unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembered Allah much. [Al Ahzab: 21]

Islam enjoins good manners for every occasion: seeking permission, greeting, sitting, eating, learning, teaching, sporting, traveling, dressing, visiting, sleeping, marriage, and treating people – particularly relatives and neighbors- with kindness, etc. Codes of all such great manners are found in both the Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.

The family enjoys a high status in Islam. It is the core of society; a healthy family means a healthy society; hence Allah, the Exalted commands to treat them with gentleness and submissiveness saying:

Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, say not “Fie” unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word.

And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little. [Surah Isra: 23, 24]

Next to family comes the kindred. The Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, said:

“The bond of relationship is suspending from the Throne, and says: ‘He who keeps good relations with me, Allah will keep connection with him, but whosoever severs relations with me, Allah will sever connection with him”.

Allah has promised to be kind to those who behave kindly to their kindred and to punish those who serve their kindred with unkind behavior.

Summary

Islam is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God. Islam emphasizes submission to God’s will, ethical conduct, social justice, and the importance of community. Key practices include the Five Pillars of Islam: faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). Muslims believe in life after death, the Day of Judgment, and strive to live according to Islamic principles to attain salvation.