What is Islam?

The word Islam means voluntary “Submission” or “Surrender” to the Will of God (Allah). It derives from the root word “salam” meaning peace.

In the Quran, Allah (God) defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him. Islam recognizes that humankind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey God, but ultimately we will be held accountable to Allah (God) in the next life for the choices that we make in this life.

Islamic position on Prophets

Allah (God) sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the last of the messengers Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True God, known in Arabic as Allah.

Islam places great importance in the belief that the soul gives life to a human body. Likewise, in its absence, the human body dies and disintegrates. However, the soul is eternal and will be reunited with the body on the Day of Resurrection, when Allah (God) will raise everyone to answer for their deeds on earth. Islam encourages the individual to focus on keeping the soul healthy, through the remembrance, obedience and worship of Allah (God). There should be a correct balance in strengthening the soul and not over-indulging with the pleasures of the body.

Islam: A way of life

Islam is a natural way of life that encourages one to give due attention to their relationship with Allah (God) and His creation. Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of Allah (God) that souls find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word “salam” or peace.