What is Islam

Pre-Islamic

The Arabian Peninsula the birthplace of Islam is one of the hottest and driest regions in the world, consisting mainly of deserts. Since ancient times tribes of the nomadic race had populated the region. Considered the descendents of Noah’s third son Shem they are called Semites. Over the centuries theses Semitic people have migrated into the Fertile Crescent and were assimilated to into existing civilizations.

What is Islaam

The w ord "Islam" is an Arabic word which means "submission to the will of God". This word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means "peace". As such, the religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law. The most important truth that God revealed to mankind is that there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Almighty God, thus all human beings should submit to Him…

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.

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.

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.

"One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some people, (the Angel) Gabriel came and asked, "What is Faith?" Allah's apostle replied, "Faith is to believe in Allah, his angels, (the) meeting with him, his apostles, and to believe in The Resurrection." Then he further asked, "What is Islam?" Allah's apostle replied, "To worship Allah alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat) and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan." Then he further asked, "What is Ihsan?" Allah's apostle replied, "To worship Allah as if you see him, and if you cannot achieve this stage of devotion then you must consider that he is looking at you.

There are three major parts and parcels of the teaching of Islam, the teaching of Qur'an and Sunnah. In the above tradition of the Holy prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) reported by his companion Hadrat Abu Hurrairah, He reported that one day the Holy Prophet was sitting with his companions and (the angel) Gabriel came to him. He sat near to the Prophet and asked, "What is Islam?" This was the first question. The Holy Prophet replied that Iman is to believe in Allah, his angels, the meeting with him, his apostles, to believe in Resurrection and in His books. So the Holy Prophet prescribed the faith as the reply of the question of Iman

Then he asked the second question, "What is Islam?"
The Holy Prophet Replied, "To worship Allah without any Participation, to offer prayers perfectly and to pay compulsory Charity (Zakat) and you should observe the fast during the month of Ramadan and the performance of Haj as well."

Then he asked the third question," What is Ihsan?"
The Holy Prophet did not say that Din is complete by Iman and Islam. Had been there no third stage then Gabriel would have never asked the third question. He asked the first question about Iman, second about Islam and third about Ihsan.

Now the question is "What is Ihsan?" Cardinal

The Holy Prophet replied that Ihsan is Cardial and Spiritual condition. How that you should worship Allah in such a condition as if you see him, and if you cannot see him, then at least you should achieve this condition that he is seeing you.