WHAT IS ISLAM

1. Islam simply means attaining peace, which is achieved only by submitting completely to God.  The word “Islam” derives from the three-letter Arabic root, S (س)- L (ل)- M (م), which generates words with interrelated meanings, including “surrender”, “submission”, “commitment” and “peace”. No amount of material wealth will be able to achieve this peace. In fact, we see many celebrities which, on the surface, they live a life of opulence and glamour, but many are facing depressions and sadness. Some even resorted to suicide. Achievement of peace in this life can only be made through our constant struggles to submit to God completely. 

The brotherhood of humanity is of different races, cultures and religions. However, all of us were born in this world in the state of Islam (peace) and innocence. We were created by our Creator, God the Al Mighty, and therefore all of us have a purpose in life which must be fulfilled – which is to worship Him. 

God Informed all of us of this purpose of life:

“And I (God) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).”  Qur’an surah adh Dhariyat 51: 56

We are not here in this world without a purpose or simply to waste our time. God strongly Reminded us:

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (Qur’an surah al Mu’minoon 23: 115)

The main aim of worshipping God in this life is to achieve a better life in the Hereafter, which is everlasting:

 “And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the hereafter for those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious). Will you not then understand?” (Qur’an surah Al-An’aam 6: 32)

1. Islam is also a way of life. So, it is not just about praying in the mosque, or fasting during Ramadan. Every aspect of our lives must revolve around submission to Him. So, at home, we must speak with the best manner to our parents, regardless if they are Muslims or non-Muslims. We must be good to our neighbours, regardless if they are Muslims or non-Muslims. At work, we must be honest and work to the best of our abilities. During shopping, when you need a bag to put your items in, for example, Tesco or Sainsbury, you must pay for that bag, which is currently 10 p per bag. You cannot simply take 3 or 4 bags when you only pay 10 p during at the self-service counter. When you enter the underground station, you must pay for the fares by tapping your Oyster card at the gate. You cannot simply board the tube without paying, even though the gates may be opened. All these revolves around making Islam as a way of life.

1. Islam will have to be practised inshaAllah until death. 

“And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).” (Qur’an surah al Hijr 15: 99)

“O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah.” (Qur’an surah al ‘Imran 3: 102)