Islam?

So why is it called Islam?

Islam is the religion of truth. It is the embodiment of the code of life, which Allaah, the Creator and Lord of the Universe, has revealed for the guidance of mankind.

The Meaning of Islam:


3:19. Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm... 

Islam is an Arabic word which denotes submission, surrender and obedience. 


Allah says about the Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, 

إِذْ قَالَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ أَسْلِمْ ۖ قَالَ أَسْلَمْتُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

“When his Lord said to him, “Submit (be a Muslim )!” He said, “I have submitted myself (as a Muslim ) to the Lord of all that exists. ” [al-Baqarah 2:131 – interpretation of the meaning] . 


As a religion, Islam stands for complete submission and obedience to Allaah - that is why it is called Islam. The other literal meaning of the word Islam is “peace” and this signifies that one can achieve real peace of body and mind only through submission and obedience to Allaah. Such a life of obedience brings peace of the heart and establishes real peace in society. As Allaah Says (what means): “Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allaah – indeed it is in the remembrance of Allaah alone that the heart of man finds rest –those who believe and act righteously, joy is for them, and a blissful home to return:” [Quran: 13:28-29]

The basic Islamic concept is that the whole universe was created by God, Allaah and who is the Lord and the Sovereign of the Universe. He is the Lord of the Universe, which He Alone sustains. He created man and appointed for each human being a fixed period of life, which he is to spend upon the earth.

7:54. Indeed your Lord is Allâh, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He Istawâ (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!
 
Allaah has prescribed a certain code of life as the correct one for him, but has, at the same time, conferred upon man freedom of choice as to whether or not he adopts this code as the actual basis of his life. One, who chooses to follow the code, revealed by Allaah becomes a Muslim (believer) and one, who refuses to follow it, becomes a Kaafir (disbeliever).


2:256. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Tâghût and believes in Allâh, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.


A man joins the fold of Islam by honestly believing in and professing faith in the Oneness of Allaah and the Prophethood of Muhammad . Both these beliefs are epitomised in the Kalimah (Article of Faith): 'Laa ilaaha illallaah Muhammadur-Rasoolullaah.' (i.e., there is no trie deity except Allaah, and Muhammad is His Prophet.)


The first part of this Kalimah (sentence) presents the concept of Tawheed (Oneness of God) and its second part affirms the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).