Islam Summarized
Often Islam is represented by the term ‘religion’, which is frequently defined as a set of beliefs, practices, and ritual observances of one faith. The Arabic word Islam literally means ‘submission’ or ‘surrender.’ As a faith, it means complete and total submission to the Creator of the Universe. Thus, it is not just a mere set of belief or ritual observances, but Islam as a belief has a complete overriding effect on one’s internal and external actions and becomes a complete way of life.
Islam seeks to protect five fundamental aspects of human life, which are considered sacred by all civilizations and societies. In order for society to function properly and for any community to flourish, it is essential that these five aspects are protected. The five aspects are: the protection of religion, the protection of life, the protection of lineage, the protection of wealth, and the protection of intellect. Each and every law of Islam serves to protect one or more of these aspects and it does so in the most perfect and complete manner.
So, for example, with regards to religion and faith, Islam teaches the purest of all beliefs: that there is only One all perfect, all beautiful and majestic Lord, and that only He is worthy of worship. No evil is attributed to Him, nor is there any deficiency in His character. He has no partner or spouse, no father or son – rather, He is Unique, and there is nothing similar to Him. He did not come down to this earth, or die on the cross. He is Omnipotent, All Powerful, All Knowledgeable. His knowledge is complete: He knows everything that has occurred, and everything that occurs, and everything that will occur. In fact, He even knows what will not occur, and He knows what would happen were it to occur. He is characterized by a perfect and complete Life, neither sleep nor slumber overtakes Him, and He never tires.
With regards to the belief in Prophets, Islam is in the middle between the two extremes of other religions. Prophets are humans; mortals who must eat, drink, and die, yet they are as perfect as mortals can be. They cannot commit any major sins. Although they are subject to the temptations and weaknesses that humans are subject to, their faith is too strong to allow them to succumb to any lewd act or evil deed.
Similarly, in all of the other fundamentals of faith, whether it be belief in angels, or the Day of Judgment, or any of the pillars of faith, Islamic teachings are clear and perfect, and no confusion or fallacy can be found in them. Each and every person is responsible for himself; he will not be questioned about the sins of others, nor can he give his sins to another person to take responsibility for them on his behalf.
With regards to the Laws of Islam, they too have come with the aim of protecting these five basic aspects of human life, and they do so successfully and to the greatest degree of perfection. In fact, were they to be implemented in any place in totality, the result will be a flourishing of that society, as has happened in numerous instances throughout Islamic history.
Islam also preaches the highest of morals and the best of manners in all areas of life. It emphasizes the role of the family, and stresses the importance of a healthy society. Each person is given his or her role, and is therefore required to give back to each member what is due to him or her. Therefore, parents, siblings, children, spouses, neighbours and relatives are all due certain rights, each proportional to his relationship. In fact, even animals and plants have certain rights that Islam calls to. There is not a single matter of this world or the next except that Islam explains what we should do regarding it. And what else should be expected of a true religion of God?
The laws of Islam are meant for all societies and peoples, in all geographical locations and throughout all time periods. Since they are not man-made, they are not limited or restricted by place or time. Rather, they are meant to cater to the needs of all human beings, regardless of their race or color or background. Islam does not differentiate between black and white, between Arab and non-Arab – rather, the only way that a person is honored by God is through his or her own piety and actions. God does not judge a person based on his money, status, race, background, nationality or color, for as He says, “The most noble of you in the sight of God are those who are the most pious”.
And the Prophet Muhammad said, “O Mankind! God has removed from you the pride of pre-Islamic Days (the Days of Ignorance), and the boasting that you used to do based upon your lineage. So now people are of two categories: a believer, pious and noble in the sight of God, and an impious wretch, evil and humiliated in the sight of God. And mankind are all children of Adam, and Adam was (made) from dust.”