📚 Comprehensive Definition
ISLĀM (اسلام) is the Arabic term meaning “submission” or “resignation” to the will of God (Allah). The verb أسلم (aslama) means “to resign oneself” or “to surrender.” Muslims, followers of Islam, imply that by submitting to the divine will, they find peace and solace.
🧐 Etymology
The root of the word Islam is س-ل-م (S-L-M), which also forms the basis of related words such as سلام (salām), meaning “peace.” Espousing the harmony between human will and divine guidance, it provides followers with a peaceful existence.
🌟 Background
Islam originated in the 7th century CE in Mecca, under the prophethood of Muhammad. It’s believed by Muslims to be the final and complete revelation of their faith, holding that previous prophets from Adam to Jesus (Peace be upon them) also preached submission to God.
💡**
The Five Pillars of Islam**:
- Shahadah (شَهَادة) - The declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”
- Salat (صلاة) - The performance of ritual prayers five times a day.
- Zakat (زكاة) - Offering compulsory charity to the needy.
- Sawm (صوم) - Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj (حج) - The pilgrimage to Mecca, required at least once in a lifetime if financially and physically able.
🌍 Cultural Considerations
Similarities: Islam shares common moral tenets, monotheism, and a sense of community with other Abrahamic religions like Christianity and Judaism. They all advocate for justice, charity, prayer, and fasting.
Differences: Islamic practices, such as daily prayers (Salat) and fasting in Ramadan (Sawm), are distinctly ritualistic. Moreover, the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), an essential pillar, is unique to Islam.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Submission
- Resignation
- Obedience
Antonyms:
- Rebellion
- Defiance
- Disobedience
Related Terms:
- Dīn (دين) - Religion as it relates to God.
- Millah (ملة) - Religion as it relates to a prophet or lawgiver.
- Maẕhab (مذهب) - School of thought or religious doctrines within Islam, e.g., Hanafi.
📌 Exciting Facts
- The term “Muslim” means “one who submits.”
- Islam places a high value on the pursuit of knowledge, encouraging both men and women to seek education.
- Islam is the second-largest and the fastest-growing religion in the world.
📖 Quotations
From The Qurʾān:
“Say: We believe in God and in what hath been sent down to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Tribes, and in what was given to Moses, and Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no difference between them, and to Him are we resigned (i.e. Muslims)." - Qurʾān, Surah 3:78-79
📚 Suggested Literature & Sources
- “Roots of Religion in Islam” by Wilfred Cantwell Smith
- “Islam: Empire of Faith” by Jonathan M. Bloom and Sheila S. Blair
- “The Oxford History of Islam” edited by John L. Esposito
- “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan
🧠 Quizzes
“Learning about Islam fosters mutual understanding and respect across diverse cultures, reflecting the essence of peaceful coexistence.” - Amina Al-Fahad_
Published on 2023-10-03
By Amina Al-Fahad
