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Introduction to Islam
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
Judgement 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 Ramadhan 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.
In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are
lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with
the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and
politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance of
individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is derived
from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and
practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in
the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in
actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless of human
changes.
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.
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Allah 
