Islam as a religion is a consolidation of the Monotheistic belief system of believing in one God (‘Allah’ in Arabic) the creator of the Universe. This belief which has been in existence since time immemorial was revealed as guidance to humanity through ‘Prophets’ and ‘Messengers’ and perfected through the final revelation the ‘Quran’.
A simple definition of the word ‘Islam’ would translate to the meaning “Peace acquired by submitting your will to almighty God” by enjoining what is good and forbidding what is wrong. It is this basic premise that provides a solution to all of humanity by commanding man towards a permissible lifestyle that rejects unfavorable activities.
The Quran has lived up to its purpose as the final revelation of God, and indeed protected and personified the belief in ‘Tawheed’ by maintaining the unity and oneness of the creator while strictly avoiding ‘Shirk’ or the association of partners with God. The fact that the final revelation embodied in the ‘Quran’ to this day safeguards Monotheism is a testament to the will of Allah (SWT), as it has been promised that Islam will remain protected.
Muhammad (PBUH), the final messenger of God through whom the Quran was reveled, was sent as a mercy to the whole of humanity and was preceded by 124,000 Prophets and 313 Messengers before him. 25 other Prophets names have been specifically mentioned in the Quran whilst it is also stated that a messenger has been sent with divine guidance to every nation and tribe, implying that guidance has been sent down to humans right from the beginning of time.
Although Monotheism and believing in one God dates back into the ancient past, Islam and the final message as reveled through the Quran, perfected religion for all of humanity. Islam is essentially the final chapter in divine guidance as revealed from the creator to human beings. The purpose of our existence is to live in accordance to the guidance commanded by God with the reward being, passing the test that is given in this world and gaining acceptance into ‘Heaven’ in the hereafter.
Say, [O believers], “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.”
Surah Al-Baqarah – Verse 136 — Saheeh International
Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).”
Surah Al-Baqarah – Verse 136 — Abdullah Yusuf Ali
