🌙 Unveiling Islām: The Religion of Muḥammadans 🌟
Comprehensive Definition
Islām (اسلام), meaning ‘submission,’ is a monotheistic faith articulated by the Qur’an, and by the teachings and normative examples (called the Sunnah, composed of hadith) of Prophet Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Adherents of Islām are called Muslims, who believe that Islām is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith revealed many times before through prophets including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
Etymology
The word Islām is derived from the triliteral root “س-ل-م” (S-L-M), which encompasses the concepts of peace, purity, submission, and obedience. The term directly signifies ‘submission to the will of God’ and inherently encompasses the peace that comes from such submission.
Background
Islām emerged in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula as a counter-cultural force emphasizing monotheism, morality, and social justice. With rapid dissemination, it transformed into an empire that bridged the West and East, fostering periods of extensive intellectual, scientific, and cultural advancements.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Differences:
- Dīn stands for religion as it relates to God, signifying the broader theological, devotional, and ethical connotations.
- Millah pertains to the community’s adherence to a prophet or lawgiver, highlighting the connection to prophetic tradition.
- Maẕhab refers to jurisprudential schools of thought within Islamic law, emphasizing interpretative jurisprudence.
Similarities:
All three terms encapsulate aspects of adherence to divine guidance, whether in direct worship (Dīn), communal identity (Millah), or legal interpretation (Maẕhab).
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Faith (إيمان)
- Religion (دين)
Antonyms:
- Disbelief (كفر)
- Irreligion (الإلحاد)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Sharīʿah (شريعة): The moral and legal framework governing the lives of Muslims.
- Fiqh (فقه): Islamic jurisprudence developed by interpreting Sharīʿah.
- Tawḥīd (توحيد): Monotheism, the unity and oneness of God.
Exciting Facts
- The Qur’an is the central religious text of Islam, considered by Muslims to be the definitive word of God as revealed to Muḥammad.
- Salah (صلاة): Muslims observe five daily prayers, a fundamental component of their religious practice.
- Islām is the second-largest and fastest-growing major religion in the world.
Quotations from Notable Writers
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Mohamed Iqbal:
“Islam is itself destiny and will not suffer destiny.”
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Karen Armstrong:
“Islam is a religion of success. Unlike Christianity, which has its crucifixion, Islam has success.”
References and Suggested Literature
- “Islam: The Straight Path” by John L. Esposito
- “No God But God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al.
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Understanding the depths of Islām allows us to appreciate the profound symphony of faith, law, and tradition it embodies. Each term — Dīn, Millah, and Maẕhab — paints a part of a grander, beautiful tapestry that speaks to humanity’s enduring quest for divine connection.
Aisha Al-Nasr, 2023-10-03
