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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 Judgment
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.
