About Islam


  Ahlan Editor

What do you know about Islam? Islam, this 5 letter word that was a controversial topic for centuries


Islam was misrepresented through media, books and lectures ….. I have a Question


 


So, let’s see some highlights from this religion!


What’s the meaning of “Islam”?


“ISLAM” is derived from the Arabic root ‘salama’ (i.e. peace, purity, submission, and obedience). In the religious sense, Islam means “submission to the will of God and obedience to His law” (i.e. Being in the state of Islam). Hence, the meaning of being a Muslim means “to submit to the will of God and obey Him, be peaceful with others, and purifying one’s self.”

Is Islam a new religion?


Many people think that Islam is a new religion which began at the time of Prophet Muhammad, 14 centuries ago, which is incorrect.

Where is the proof of that?


The word Islam was chosen by God Himself, not a man-given name for a person, race, or a place. God said:

“ The religion before Allah (God) is Islam (submission to His will): nor did the people of the book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.” [Qur’an 3:19]

Islam is the religion of all prophets and messengers of God


Here are some verses from the Holy Qur’an that support this:

n Say (O Muslims): we believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we are Muslims (submit to God)” [Qur’an 2:136]


n And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; oh my sons! God has chosen the faith for you; then die not except ye be Muslims.” [Qur’an 2:132]


Prophet Noah was MUSLIM


n But if ye are averse I have asked of you no wage. My wage is the concern of Allah only, and I am commanded to be of those who are Muslim (who submit to the will of God).” [Qur’an 10:72]


Prophet Abraham was MUSLIM


n Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian. But he was upright, a Muslim, and was not one of those who associate partners with Allah.”[Qur’an 3:67]


Prophet Jacob and his sons were MUSLIMS


n Or were you present when death came to Jacob, when he said unto his sons: What will you worship after me? They said: We shall worship your God, the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, One God, and unto Him we are Muslims (have surrendered).” [Qur’an 2:133]


Prophet Joseph was MUSLIM


n My Lord, You have given me power to rule and the knowledge of interpreting events. O Creator of the heavens and the Earth, You are my guardian in this world and the Hereafter. Make me die a Muslim and make me join the righteous.” [Qur’an 12:101]


Prophet Moses was MUSLIM


n And Moses said: “O my people! If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allah’s Will).” [Qur’an  10:84]


Prophet Jesus and his disciples were MUSLIMS


n When Jesus found unbelief on their part, he said: “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?” Said the disciples: “We are Allah’s helpers we believe in Allah and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Qur’an 3:52]


n And recall what time I revealed to the disciples: believe in Me and My Apostle, they said: we have believed and bear thou witness that verily we are Muslims.” [Qur’an 5:111]


 Belief in Allah:


What’s the meaning of Allah?


Is He a new God only for the Muslims?


Where does the word “Allah” come from?


“Allah” comes from the Arabic word “elah” – (Arabic) which means ‘a god’ or something that is worshiped. The word “elah” can be plural, as in “aleha” and can be male or female. “Allah” comes from “elaha” but it brings forth more clarification and understanding. Allah = Has no gender (not male or female).

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“He” is used only out of respect and dignity – not for gender


Allah = Always singular – never plural


“We” is used only as the “royal WE” as used in English referring to royalty


Allah means “The Only One to be Worshiped”

 Is “Allah” only for Islam and Muslims?


“Allah” is the same word used by Christian and Jewish Arabs in the Bible, before Islam came. On page one [1] of Genesis in the Old Testament, we find the word “Allah” seventeen [17] times.

What are the Attributes of Allah?


Muslims talk about the ninety-nine attributes of Allah; a few examples are given in the following verses:

n And He is the Mighty, the Wise. His is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; He gives life and He gives death; and He is able to do all things. He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is the Knower of all things.” (Qur’an 57:1-3)


n Allah is He, than Whom there is no other deity. He knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other deity; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. He is Allah the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (and Colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: Whatever is the heavens and on earth, do declare His Praise and Glory; and He is exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Qur’an 59:22-24)


n Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His permission? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includes the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.” (Qur’an 2:255)


n The Originator of the heavens and the earth!” (Qur’an 6:101)


n The Beneficent, the Merciful: Owner of the Day of Judgment.” (Qur’an 1:3-4)


n Say: Call upon Allah, or call upon Ar-Rahman: by whatever name you call upon Him, (it is well): For to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.” (Qur’an 17:110)


n And you seek the Grace of Allah: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 73:20)”The revelation of this Book is from Allah, Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge, Who forgives sin, accepts repentance, is strict in punishment, and has a long reach (in all things). There is no god but He: to Him is the Final Goal.” (Qur’an 40:2-3)


Allah is One and Incomparable:


A Chapter (Surah) of the Qur’an called “The Sincerity” tells about many of the attributes of God: ”Say: He is Allah the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.” [Qur’an 112:1-4]

Now I have a question: why don’t you try to take a chance to know Islam a knowledge of your own?