Islam is one of the world’s fastest-growing religions, but what exactly is it about? What do Muslims believe, and how does this Islamic faith shape their lives? Whether you're curious about its core teachings, history, or how Islam encourages a disciplined life, here you will get a clear idea about it. So, let’s dive in and explore what makes this Muslim faith so meaningful to billions of people worldwide.
What is Islam?
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion and the second-largest faith in the world, with over 2 billion followers, or 25% of the world's population following it. And it's growing rapidly every year! By 2030, the number of Muslims in the world is expected to reach 2.2 billion.
But what is Islam, exactly?
At its heart, Islam is a faith centered on the worship of the One true God, Allah. It provides a comprehensive guide on how to live a life of kindness, fairness, and compassion. So, whether you are a practicing Muslim or just curious, knowing the basics of Islam religion can help you understand and respect this vibrant and profound faith.
What Does the Word Islam Mean?
The term "Islam" was first recorded in English in the 17th century. It is derived from the verb "Aslama," meaning to submit or to surrender. So, the word reflects the fundamental principle of absolute submission to God as Islam means "submission to the will of Allah".
Wondering what faith is in Islam? Well, Islam religion beliefs are centered around this core principle of submission to Allah. It is the essence of Islam, guiding Muslims to live in peace with Allah’s commands within themselves and with others.
The word "Islam" also shares its Arabic root "s-l-m," with the root of "salaam", meaning peace. This highlights the religion’s emphasis on peace and wholeness.
Concept of God - Allah
In Islam, Allah is the Arabic word for God. Allah is believed to be the Creator of the universe, eternal and all-powerful, with no equal or partner. The core belief in Islam is that there is only one God, and He is the creator of all life and existence. Muslims believe that Allah is merciful, compassionate, and just. He is beyond human comprehension. There are 99 Beautiful Names of Allah that describe His many attributes, such as Ar-Rahman (meaning The Most Merciful) and Al-Khaliq (meaning The Creator), reminding Muslims of His greatness.
Brief History of Islam
So, what’s the history of Islam? When was the Muslims’ religion founded?
Islam traces its origins to the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received divine revelations from Allah, the One true God. These revelations form the cornerstone of the Islamic faith. They were later compiled into the Holy book Quran.
But if you were to question how old is Islam religion, you may get different answers depending on who you ask! Because Islam is not seen as a new religion by its followers. Instead, it is viewed as a continuation and culmination of the monotheistic faith that began with earlier prophets like Adam(A.), Nuh(A.), Ibrahim(A.), Musa(A.), and Isa(A.). Muslims believe these prophets all conveyed the same core message: the worship of the One true God - Allah and living a righteous life.
The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was marked by significant events that shaped the development of Islam. He began his mission in Mecca, preaching the message of monotheism and social justice, which met with resistance from the Meccan elites.
In 622 CE, he migrated to Medina, a pivotal moment known as the Hijrah or Hijra, where he established a Muslim community and unified the tribes of Arab. By 630 CE, Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Mecca, removed the pagan idols, and established Islam as the dominant faith in the region. By the time of his death in 632 CE, much of the Arabian Peninsula had embraced Islam peacefully.
Following Muhammad’s (PBUH) passing, Islam rapidly expanded beyond Arab through a series of conquests, trade, and the spread of Islamic teachings. The early Islamic empires, such as the Umayyads and Abbasids, established vast territories that stretched from the Iberian Al-Andalus Peninsula in the west to the Indus River in the east.
These empires were not only instrumental in spreading Islam but also in fostering a rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
During the Islamic Golden Age, significant advancements were made in various fields including science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Cities like Baghdad, Cordoba, and Cairo became centers of learning and innovation, attracting scholars from all over the world.
Despite facing challenges such as the Mongol invasions and the Reconquista in Spain, Islam continued to flourish, with the emergence of powerful empires like the Ottomans, Mughals, and Safavids. These empires played crucial roles in shaping the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the regions they governed. Today, Islam remains one of the fastest-growing religions, deeply influencing the lives of its billion followers worldwide.
What is Muslim?
The word "Muslim" comes from the Arabic term مُسْلِم (muslim), meaning "one who submits." It’s derived from the verb Aslama, meaning "to submit," and the root "s-l-m".
So the answer to what is Muslim is simple. The followers of Islam are called Muslims, people who submit and surrender themselves to Allah.
A Muslim believes that Islam is a complete way of life, affecting every part of their daily routine. Every Muslim has Iman which means faith or belief. And it involves believing in the seven core articles of faith, known as the "arkān al-īmān."
The Articles of Islam
As mentioned above there are 7 core articles of Islamic faith. These are:-
1. Belief in Existence and Oneness of Allah
Muslims believe that Allah is the one and only God, who has no partners or equals. He is the Creator of everything in the universe, and His power and knowledge are limitless. Muslims worship Allah alone and strive to live according to His will, as He is the most merciful and compassionate.
2. Belief in Angels
Angels are special beings created by Allah from light. They serve various roles, such as delivering messages to prophets, recording people's deeds, and protecting humans. Angels are always obedient to Allah, and they play an important part in carrying out His commands in the world.
3. Belief in the Revealed Books
Muslims believe that Allah revealed several holy books to guide humanity. These include the Quran, which is the final and complete revelation, as well as earlier scriptures like the Tawrat (Torah), Jabur (Psalms), and Injil (Gospel). While all these books were important, Muslims follow the Quran as the ultimate guide for life.
4. Belief in the Prophets
Prophets are chosen by Allah to teach people about Him and how to live good lives. They are role models who demonstrate how to worship Allah and be kind, honest, and just. Prophets like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (PBUH) helped people understand and follow Allah's message.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
Muslims believe that one day, everyone will be resurrected and judged by Allah. On this day, Allah will review each person's actions and intentions. Those who lived righteously will be rewarded with eternal happiness in Paradise, while those who did wrong will be punished in Hell.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Taqdir)
Muslims believe that everything happens according to Allah's plan. He knows everything that has happened and will happen. While humans have free will to make choices, they also trust Allah's wisdom and know that He has a purpose for everything that occurs.
7. Belief in the Hereafter
Life after death is a core belief in Islam. Muslims believe that after they die, they will either enjoy eternal happiness in Paradise or face punishment in Hell, depending on their faith and actions in this life. This belief encourages Muslims to live good, moral lives.
Islam vs. Muslim
There is often confusion between the terms "Islam" and "Muslim."
Islam is the religion, and a Muslim is someone who follows the teachings of Islam.
Similarly, the term Islam vs Muslim is like the distinction between 'Christianity' and 'Christian.'
Islam is the faith, the system of beliefs, and Muslims are the people who actively practice and embody those beliefs.
Al-Quran: The Holy Book
The Holy Quran is the sacred text of Islam. It is believed by Muslims to be the direct words of Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It's written in Arabic and guides religious, social, and moral behavior, serving as a complete spiritual framework for Muslims.
The first revelation of the Quran occurred on August 10, 610 CE during the month of Ramadan, on a night known as Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree). It was revealed by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the cave of Hira, near Mecca.
The revelation began with the first five ayaat (verses) of Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter or Surah 96):
ٱقۡرَأۡ بِٱسۡمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ
"Read in the name of your Lord who created,”
خَلَقَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِنۡ عَلَقٍ
“Created man from a clinging substance.”
ٱقۡرَأۡ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلۡأَكۡرَمُ
“Read, and your Lord is the most Generous—”
ٱلَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِٱلۡقَلَمِ
”Who taught by the pen—”
عَلَّمَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مَا لَمۡ يَعۡلَمۡ
”Taught man that which he knew not."
It's about how Allah created human beings from Alaq or the clot of blood. And this moment marked the beginning of the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH) and the gradual revelation of the Quran over 23 years.
The Quran consists of 114 chapters, known as Surahs, each varying in length. Remarkably, the text has remained unchanged for the past 1,500 years, fulfilling God’s promise to protect it:
إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا ٱلذِّكۡرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ
"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Quran 15:9).
Today, the Holy Quran continues to serve as a vital guide for Muslims, offering timeless wisdom and directives that shape their daily lives. It addresses various aspects of human existence, including worship, ethics, and personal behavior. It also provides solutions to contemporary issues.
Through Quran’s teachings, Muslims find spiritual nourishment, moral clarity, and a path to personal and communal harmony, ensuring that the holy book remains a living, relevant source of guidance in the modern world.
What Is Islam Religion?
Finally, I hope you understand what is Islam religion and how it is both a belief system and a way of life. It teaches followers how to live in harmony with others in the world while following Allah’s will.
The religion is based on the teachings of the Quran and the examples set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It emphasizes justice, charity, and kindness. Islam encourages believers to build a close relationship with Allah and live with sincerity, humility, and responsibility. This is what helps many Muslims lead a disciplined life.
Conclusion
If you want to learn more, there are plenty of resources to explore, from the Quran to online websites. Keep seeking knowledge, and don’t hesitate to dive deeper.