The
word Islam is derived from the Arabic root word salama which
translates to the meaning "peace". The word tasleem (derived
from word salama) means "total submission".
The
follower of Islamic principles is called a Muslim (i.e. total
submission to the Will of Allah(SWT), our Lord, the Creator of all things).
The
Muslim greet each other by saying assalam-o-a'alakum, a phrase in
Arabic which means "Peace be upon you".
The
principles of Islam are contained in the Message sent down by Allah(SWT), to
mankind through His messengers.
The
Message has reached the entire human race throughout Time. It was brought to
them by messengers from amongst the people Intended by the Divine Will of
Allah(SWT). Mohammed(SAWA) is
the last Messenger, sent to mankind with the complete and final Message from
Allah(SWT), and was sent to the land of Arabia.
The
Message is designed for the spiritual and worldly health of the intended
people, and often did not need to be accompanied with Scriptures. Messengers
of significance brought Codes of Law as ordained by Allah(SWT). These Codes
of Canonic Law, are referred to the suhuf of the prior messengers,
the Taurait of Muse', Zubur of Daud(AS), Ingeel of
Isa(AS), or al Qur’an, the Last Testament from our Lord (The
Creator of all things), and conveyed to us through the last messenger
Prophet Mohammed(SAWA).
al
Qur'an is
the sacred Book of Islam, the Divine Word of Allah(SWT), the creator
of all things. It contains no quotes from Mohammed(SAWA) or his companions
or contemporaries. The total
content is based on Divine Revelations received by Mohammed(SAWA) from
Allahs(SWT)' through the mediation of the Arch Angel Gabriel.
It illuminates the Path of Righteousness with illustrations from past
experiences of mankind and predictions for the Ultimate Human Destiny.
There
are volumes of quotes from the Prophet (SAWA) and descriptions of his life
and conduct narrated by his companions and contemporaries. These collections
are called Ahadees (also named Tradition).
All
prophets preceding Prophet Mohammed (SAWA) were Messengers of varying
significance, sent by Allah(SWT) according to the needs of the people at
various places and at various periods of time.
It is an integral part of Islamic faith to believe in all the
Messengers before Mohammed(SAWA), and to accept their scriptures with
reverence befitting the Divine Communication from the Lord of all the
creation.
Islam
is not a new religion. It is
the religion favored by Allah(SWT) and brought down by Adam(AS) to his
people, or Ibrahim (AS), or Musa(AS), or Isa(AS) to theirs.
It reached its completion with the delivery of the Last Message by
Prophet Mohammed(SAWA), and the verse announcing this was received by him as
he traveled home from his last pilgrimage to Makkah shortly before he died.
The
role of Mohammed (SAWA) was to correct the doubts and evil deeds promulgated
by non-believers as well as the "People of the Book".
It is necessary to scrutinize one's beliefs critically and mend one's
ways before it is too late to repent.