what's Islam?

Islam (lit. voluntary surrender or submission) means to fully submit to the Will and Law of Allah. It has the same root (S-L-M) as the Arabic words Salam (peace) and Salamah (safety, security). As is clear from the connection between the words, only by submitting to one’s Creator and living according to His Divinely revealed Law can a human attain true peace.

 The word Islam, therefore, is descriptive of a state of mind and an attitude to life, not a name that derives from a specific man or nation. It is a whole way of living, thinking, and acting that Allah has ordained for mankind, described with the Quranic precept of: {It is You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.} (Quran 1:5) 

Islam is strictly monotheistic; there is only one God and no mediator between God and mankind. It is strictly anti-discriminatory; humanity has one origin, Adam (may the peace of Allah be upon him), and Allah created Adam from dust. Islam governs every aspect of an individual’s life and encourages its adherents to behave ethically and morally. 

Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers globally. It is based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who is considered the last and final prophet sent by Allah. The essence of Islam is to submit oneself to the Will of Allah and to follow His Commandments set forth in the holy book of Islam, the Quran. Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) through angel Gabriel. The Quran is the primary source of guidance for both personal and community life for Muslims worldwide.

 Islam is based on five pillars that serve as the foundation for its faith and acts of worship:

 1. Shahadah: The declaration of that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger

2. Salah: Establishing the five daily prayers

3. Zakah: Paying obligatory charity.

4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan

5. Hajj: Performing pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Makkah at least once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake this journey.

 In Islam, there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger. Muslims believe in the Oneness of Allah and that He is the Creator of everything in existence. They also believe in the Day of Judgment and that every person will be accountable for their actions in this life. They also believe that Prophet Muhammad gave guidance to Muslims by his behaviors and teachings, known as Sunnah.

 Islam places great emphasis on social justice and moral values such as honesty, kindness, compassion and respect for one's parents, neighbors, fellow human beings, and living beings in general. Islam respects the importance of the family, and it encourages marriage and family life. Family is considered the cornerstone of society, and both men and women have specific roles and responsibilities within the family. Muslims aspire to live their lives according to Islamic teachings with love for Allah.