Islam is the religion of Muslims that guides them in all aspects of life. It is a complete code of life. From rights of Allah to rights of people, Islam teaches people everything. There are basic pillars and beliefs in Islam which Muslims should follow and believe in. However, today we will discuss about Islam definition, history and characteristics.
In discussing about Islam definition, history and characteristics, first we will discuss the meaning and definition of Islam.
The meaning of Islam according to a dictionary is “true peace gained by submitting to Allah’s divine guidance by will.” The word Islam is basically an Arabic word which means submission, surrender and obedience. The literal meaning of Islam is peace.
As a religion, Islam can be defined as the religion which asks for the complete submission and obedience to Allah (SWT). Islam asks us to worship Allah alone and believe that Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) is the last prophet of Allah. In Holy Quran, it is stated about Islam, “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam…” (Quran, 3:19)
Islam is the religion of peace as its name shows. It is also a religion of culture as it has made learning compulsory for Muslim men and women. A religion of civilization as it freed the world from the cruelty and barbarism and elevated the mankind by giving him rights and respect. Thus, Islam is a distinct religion and all the before mentioned things were its distinctive aspects that define what Islam is.
Islam is not a new religion whose teachings were preached by the Holy Prophet (SAWW). It is the same religion and style of life which was given to all other prophets to preach. The Messengers of Allah came to different nations one after the other to invite people towards Islam. Then last Prophet of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) received the first revelation on 610 AD and he started preaching Islam to the people of Makkah. After him, no prophet will come.
“…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion…” (Quran, 5:3)
Though Islam is the religion preached by all Messengers of Allah yet people from the nations of different Prophets added some elements themselves to the religion preached by their Prophets.
Following are some of the characteristics of Islam;
Islam is a religion that gives rights and duties to all. Be it son or daughter, father or mother, Islam gives rights and duties to everyone.
As Islam is a complete code of life, so it guides us about all aspects of life. Be it social, political and economic aspect, Islam gives us certain principles to follow in all these aspects of life.
As Islam is a guidance for mankind, so it has solution to all basic problems. In Quran and Sunnah, you can find the solution of all your problems as it is a religion of all times.
Thus, we tried to sum up the Islam definition, history and characteristics via this blog in order to make people understand that what Islam is about.
