|
The
literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s will i.e. losing oneself
for the sake of God and surrendering one’s own pleasure for the pleasure of
God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on
whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries
a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines
the best features of the earlier scriptures.
The
prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is
One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings
on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus a
Muslim - a Muslim’s other beliefs are: God’s angels, previously revealed Books
of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day
of Judgment and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to
perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and
blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer, payment
of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Islam
believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that God has
given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek God’s pleasure
through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created mankind in
His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level mankind can
attain His nearness. Islam’s main message is to worship God and to treat all
God’s creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age, orphans
and the needy are clearly stated. Women’s rights were safeguarded 1,400 years
ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic
teachings encompass every imaginable situation and its rules and principles
are truly universal and have stood the test of time.
Islam
teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual
who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere and earnest
worship; it is central to establishing a relationship with the Almighty. This
positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope and courage.
At
present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority in
more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing faith
in the world - its beautiful message is reaching millions in the far corner
of the earth.
|
