Introduction to Islam 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.
source from www.islam.com
Introduction to Islam
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