The Meaning of Islam
It is imperative for us to know the true meaning of Islam in order to fully understand what it means to be a Muslim.
The word Islam originates from the word the arabic term “Istisslam” اسْتِسْلام which means submission. So in this context, to be a Muslim means that you submit yourself to Allah with ‘Tawheed’ (singling out Allah with worship). This includes yielding to Him in obedience and freeing oneself from ‘Shirk’ (polytheistic worship) and its people.
The name “Allah” originates from the arabic word “ilah” (deity) which is combined with the word “al,” which is equivalent to “the” in English. So the meaning of “al-ilah,” or Allah, is The Only One worthy of worship.
Allah says:
قال الله تعالى: وما أمروا إلا ليعبدوا إلها واحدا لا إله إلا هو سبحانه عما يشركون
While they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Torah and the Injeel] to worship none but one ilah (God – Allah), laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Praise and glory be to Him, far above is He from having the partners they associate with Him.
Surah At-Tawbah [9:31]
Islam is to lovingly decide (with your own will) to submit your heart, purpose and intention to Allah alone. So your heart will only desire what pleases your Lord, and this is the sign of your true submission to Allah, to follow what pleases Him alone in every situation.
Furthermore, the Muslim is a doer of good and carries out his actions with sincerity and according to what Allah has legislated. Allah sent us many messengers and books to show us the way and purpose in life. He is The Most Merciful and did not just leave us on Earth to find our own way in this dark world, without any guidance, rather, everything was made clear to us.
Allah says:
[وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ} [الذاريات 56}
And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). [Surah Ad Dhariyaat 51:56]
[أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ} [المؤمنون 115}
“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” [23:115]
And thus due to this we need to learn and understand the true religion of Islam revealed by Allah and you shall find that the more you learn about Allah the more you will submit to Him with sincerity, true love and hope.
Allah, glorified and exalted be He, promised every Muslim who choses to surrender to Allah in this life, with an eternal life of happiness in the Paradise.
