ISLAM: an Introduction

"And if they turn backs, say: "Bear witness that we are muslims" 

The holy Qur'an, Ali Imran ( The Family of Imran) 3: 64.

The very terms "Islam" derives from the root words "Salam" whose basic meaning is "peace." In Islam, peace does not only mean "absence of war", rather it is a positive state of security in which one is free from anxiety or fear. It is a state that entails both submission or "self surrender to God" (Islam) and the "true faith in God" (Iman). 

"Hold to forgiveness; enjoin the good and turn away from the ignorant." 

The holy Qur'an, Al Araf ( The Heights) 7: 199.

The Islamic concept of peace permeates the daily lives of Muslims. Thus each time two Muslims meet, they greet each other with the words "Assalamualaikum" "peace be on you," and the reply "Wa-alaikumu-salam" "peace be on you (also)." 

"Peace" is also an integral part of two of Allah's names As-Salam and Al Mumin mentioned in the Qura'an. 

What is Islam?

According to the Prophet*, Islam is to bear witness that:

• there is no other gods but Allah, and that Muhammed is His Messenger (the Kalimah Shahadah)

• to observe the five daily obligatory prayers

• to pay Zakat (obligatory Alms/charity)

• to observe Fasting during the month of Ramadhan & 

• to perform the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) at least once in a lifetime if a person has the means to do so

What is Iman (Faith)?

According to the Prophet*, Faith in Islam is  to believe in:

• Allah

• the Angels

• the Holy Books

• the Prophets

• the Day of Judgement

• Predestination/ fate (that the power of doing actions good and bad come from Allah)

[* from Bukhari/Muslim]

“There is no coercion in religion.” 

The holy Qur’an, Al Baqarah (The Cow) 2:256.

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