The Meaning Of The Word Islam

[mesk]

The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s will i.e. losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering one’s own pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures.

The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim’s other beliefs are: God’s angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek God’s pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created mankind in His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level mankind can attain His nearness. Islam’s main message is to worship God and to treat all God’s creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Women’s rights were safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the test of time.

In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless of human changes.

Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a relationship with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope and courage.

At present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing faith in the world - its beautiful message is reaching millions in the far corner of the earth.

[Random]

"Submission to God" is what the word Islam means/meant. Don't tell me they've changed that now too...

[mesk]

islam do not changed now or in the future
it is the religion that is protected by God

[Random]

Originally Posted by mesk

islam do not changed now or in the future
it is the religion that is protected by God

A thing that does not change is a dead thing, my friend. This is the truth.

[not4me]

Originally Posted by Random

A thing that does not change is a dead thing, my friend. This is the truth.

Except the truth, my friend.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by mesk

The literal meaning of Islam is peace;

That's not true. Do you understand what "literal" means?

[not4me]

Originally Posted by MidnightBlue

That's not true. Do you understand what "literal" means?

Which part is not true?

[Random]

Originally Posted by not4me

Except the truth, my friend.

I'll grant you that's a good answer.

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by not4me

Which part is not true?

I think he means that the word Islam does not literally mean peace, it literally means Submission. So, although it can be argued that the word Islam is based on the word Salaam which does mean peace, Islam as it stands does not.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by not4me

Which part is not true?

The part I quote in my response.