Islam and Muslim

The word >Islam= in Arabic means submission, commitment, acceptance, and peace. A Muslim is one who accepts the Supreme Power of God (Allah) and strives for the complete reorganization of his life in accordance with his guidance. He further commits himself to the task of reorganizing the prevailing social, political, and economic systems to eliminate all kinds of exploitation, falsehood, and all other practices detrimental to mankind as a whole.

Unique and Universal

Islam furnishes us with a unique and comprehensive outlook on man, life, and the universe. It is not a heritage of a particular people belonging to a specific period in history; instead, it is the only system of life that is relevant to all people, at all times, and in all places. It is the true natural state for people in every land. As one acknowledges its principles one begins to discover the very best of ones inborn character being called forth. God, Alone, has guided man from the very beginning of his presence on earth. Islam is that Guidance; it is as old as mankind itself. Allah is the Creator and He, Alone, knows all the secrets of the universe and His creation. He, Alone, can provide a comprehensive guidance to man. This guidance, according to Islamic belief, is provided by Him in all ages.

AIndeed, we sent before you (O Muhammad) messengers to their own folk. They brought them clear proofs (of Allah=s Sovereignty@ (The Qur=an 30:47)

Islam provides guidelines for all walks of life; it covers the entire ranges of human affairs from the most personal relations to the most complex international problems. Islam teaches man proper behavior in every aspect of life. There is no distinction or conflict between religion and state, spirit and matter, or individual and society. When properly understood and completely implemented, Islam brings a peaceful mind, an integrated individual, a happy family, a harmonious society, prosperous people, and a peace-loving world.

The uncompromising belief in One God is the pristine essence of Islam. It is a dynamic belief and a revolutionary concept; a clear, pure, beautiful doctrine, simple and straightforward, intelligible to every mind. Banishing confusion, ambiguity, and mythology, it releases man from all fears and superstitions that have enslaved the human mind throughout history. It liberates man from the slavery of his fellow beings and the worship of manmade gods; it exalts him to a noble and dignified position, and endows his life with a lofty purpose.

Are diverse lords better or Allah, the Only One, Supreme and Irresistible? (The Qur=an 12:39)

In Islam, there is no priesthood, no intercession, A direct relationship open to all alike is established with Allah. Only the belief in the Supremacy of One God (Allah) can provide man with the best possible explanation of the mysteries of life. This belief alone can fill the human soul with unshakable confidence and undying hope, and lead him to the most constructive and fruitful life.

Jesus and Moses@ Prophets of Islam

Islam is not a religion brought by Muhammad (peace be upon him) alone; it is the message of Allah revealed to all His prophets. These prophets were human beings, chosen by Allah to deliver His message to mankind. Their purpose was to guide mankind to the right way of belief and behavior and to teach them what they may not or cannot know on their own.

All messengers of Allah, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them), brought the same message: =Islam= (the submission to Allah). Thus, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, John, Jesus, and finally Muhammad (the peace and blessing of Allah be upon them all) were all prophets of Islam, the eternal message of Allah, for Muslims are told not to differentiate between the prophets of Allah as being inferior or superior to one another. Every Muslim must believe the truthfulness of Moses, Jesus and all the other prophets of Allah (peace be upon them). These apostle of Allah preached essentially the same message: submit to Allah, your Creator. However, in later periods of history, owing to extrapolations, different religions and creeds were created by the followers of these apostles. Islam came to restore the purity of message and unite mankind again on the Oneness of God.

Islam introduces a revolutionary concept of unity of mankind: it totally rejects barriers and bonds of color, race and language. It looks upon all men as equal and considers all humanity as

children of Adam under the Omnipotence of One God. The only valid ground for differentiation among them is their moral behavior. One who is virtuous and Allah-conscious deserves more

respect than the one who is unmindful of Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

O Mankind, We created you from a single

pair of male and female. and made you

nations and tribes that you may know each

other. Lo, the noblest of you, in the sight

of Allah, is the most righteous of you, the

best in conduct.

(The Qur'an 49:13)

Faith in Islam is not a blind acceptance, Islam awakens in man the faculty of reason, and exhorts him to use his intellect so that he may attain the highest level of knowledge and wisdom. At the same time, it prevents the human intellect from exceeding its limits.

Men who remember Allah. standing,

sitting, and reclining and contemplate the

wonders) of creation in the heavens and the

earth (and say) Lord! You created not this

in vain. Glory be to You. preserve us from

doom fire.

(The Qur'an 3:191)

Faith in Islam is a volitional act there is no force or compulsion.

There is no compulsion in religion.

(The Qur'an 2:,256)

Man's life is not limited to the short span of earthly existence; man's tenure on this earth shall terminate on the day of judgment when a new order of the universe will be established. The

entire human race will be resurrected; everyone will appear before Almighty Allah and will face the consequence of his deeds in life. Thus, life hereafter is a continuation of the earthly life.

The belief in man's accountability to Allah makes life meaningful and differentiates human

beings from the inanimates; it keeps man upright and good and it is the most potent force for

producing virtues on earth. There can be no greater instrument of moral reformation, no better method of developing a sound and stable character than that of belief in the Hereafter. Such

a belief is, in fact, the surest protection against deviation, corruption, crime, immorality, and

injustice.

Islam safeguards all human values and rights. Freedom, equality, justice and the protection of life, wealth, and honor are, consequently, the prime concerns of Islamic law.

Whosoever kills a human being for other

han man-slaughter or corruption in the

earth, it shall be as if he had killed all

mankind, and whoso saves the life of one,

it shall be as if he had saved the life of all

mankind.

(The Qur'an 5:32)

Social justice is a fundamental value in Islam. Islam mobilizes its followers against those who exploit, oppress, or practice injustice.

O you who believe: Be steadfast witnesses

or Allah in equity and let not hatred of any

people seduce you that you deal not justly.

Be just; that is nearer to piety.

(The Qur'an 5:8)

O you who believe: Be you staunch in

justice, witnesses for Allah, even as against

yourselves or your parents or your kin....

(The Qur'an 4:135)

Islam encourages use of scientific methodology. Acquisition of knowledge is

obligatory on every male and female Muslim. It makes science and technology subservient to

universal values of humanity, truth, and love for mankind .

He it is Who created for you all that is in

he earth.

(The Qur'an 2:29)

taught by pen, taught man that which he

knew not...

(The Qur'an 96:2-5)

We shall show them Our Signs on the

horizons and within themselves untit will

be manifest unto them that it is the Truth. . .

(The Qur'an 41:53)

O Mankind, adore your Lord, WhoCreated

you and the generations before you so that

you may ward off evil

(The Qur'an 2:21)

Do they seek other than the Religion of

Allah? While all creatures in the heavens

and on earth have, willing or unwilling,

bowed to His Will (accepted Islam), and

unto Him they will be returned.

The Qur'an 3:88)

O people of the Book (Jews and Christians),

come to common terms as between us and

you: that we worship none but Allah; that

we associate no partner with Him; that we

erect not, from among ourselves, lords and

patrons other than Allah...

The Qur'an 3:64)

If people everywhere depended only on human mind to find ways to achieve the ideal

society, they will not succeed. The failure of such practice is manifested in a plethora of manmade

laws. The populace is caught in mismanagement, high taxes, curtailed freedom, high crime

rates, broken families, and the spread of alcoholism and drugs. It has been completely

forgotten that human wisdom is not only limited but is invariably subject to the influence of self

and other Interests and desires.

The only way for humans who wish to achieve an eternal life of bliss in the hereafter,

and have peace of mind and success in this life, is to accept Islam and implement that acceptance by being righteous in thought and deeds as laid down in the Qur'an and amplified as well

as exemplified by the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), to whom the Qur'an was

revealed by The God (Allah) about 1400 years ago.