🌟 Exploring Al-Islām: The Teaching of Prophet Muhammad
Al-Islām (الاسلام) refers to the religion revealed to Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, which centers on surrendering one’s will to God (Allah in Arabic). The followers of Islam, referred to as Muslims, derive their faith and practice from both the Qurʾān, considered the literal word of God, and the Hadith, a collection of traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Comprehensive Definition and Etymology
The term Islam is derived from the Arabic root “S-L-M,” which means peace, safety, and submission. In the religious context, Islam signifies complete submission to the will of Allah. The word Muslim, denoting a follower of Islam, comes from the same root.
Background
Islam emerged in 7th-century Arabia as a monotheistic faith revealing Muhammad as the final Prophet. Under Muhammad’s guidance, the Qurʾān was revealed gradually, compiling the spiritual and practical lifestyle of Muslims. The Hadith further illuminates the Prophet’s life and instructs on personal conduct and community law.
Cultural Perspectives
The core beliefs of Islam are compiled into six articles of faith and their practice is embodied through the five pillars of Islam. Despite being united by these fundamentals, the Muslim world displays vast cultural diversity. Differences primarily arise in interpretations and practices among the Sunni (majority) and Shia (dominantly in Iran and parts of Iraq) sects.
Widely Held Practices
- Shahada (Faith): Testifying that there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
- Salat (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers.
- Zakat (Almsgiving): Giving a portion of one’s income to the needy.
- Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Observing the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if financially and physically capable.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Islam’s adaptability allows for varied cultural manifestations while maintaining core tenets. Practices may vary from region to region in areas like cuisine, architecture, and dress yet the unified faith remains strong.
Synonyms
- Islamic Faith
- Muslim Faith
- Muhammadanism
Antonyms
- Disbelief (Kufr)
- Polytheism (Shirk)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Qurʾān: The holy book of Islam, believed to be the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
- Hadith: Records of the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad.
- Sharia: Islamic canonical law derived from the Qurʾān and Hadith.
- Sunni: The largest denomination of Islam.
- Shia: The second-largest faction of Islam, primarily populous in Iran and Iraq.
Exciting Facts
- A vast part of Islamic law stems from the Hadith rather than the Qurʾān itself.
- Islam holds that over 313 prophets were sent to various communities before Muhammad.
- Salah (prayer) involves a series of ritualistic movements and recitations in Arabic, performed five times a day.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Gibbon, Edward: “The faith which he (Muhammad) preached to his family and nation, is compounded of an eternal truth and a necessary fiction: That there is only one God, and that Muhammad is the Apostle of God.”
- Poole, Stanley Lane: “The leading doctrine of Muhammad, then, is the belief in One All-Powerful God. Islam is the self-surrender of every man to the will of God.”
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Study
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet” by Tariq Ramadan
- “Introduction to Islamic Theology and Law” by Ignaz Goldziher
- “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
Quizzes
Taking a step forward in understanding Islam can be truly enlightening. Dive deep, ask questions, and be open to diverse perspectives.
Published by: Amina Al-Fahad 2023-10-03
Farewell Thought: “In our journey of learning, let us respect and acknowledge the beauty in the diversity of faiths around us. Every step towards understanding brings us closer to a world of peace and harmony.”
