Introduction to Islam
The Arabic word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission’, and it comes from the word meaning ‘peace’. Islam teaches us that in order to attain true inner peace and tranquility of heart, one must submit to Allah (God) and live according to The Quran, His Divinely revealed Law, and Sunnah, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Islam has never been a new religion, because submission to the will of God’ has always been the only acceptable religion in the sight of Allah (God). Islam has always been the true ‘natural religion’, as it has revealed the same eternal message through the ages to all of Allah (God’s ) prophets and messengers.
The main message of all the prophets has always been that, there is only One True God (Allah) and He alone is to be worshipped which was propagated by Prophets, starting with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, Jesus, and Muhammad (the last and final messenger) peace be upon them all.
Allah says in the Holy Quran :
“We did not send before you (O Muhammad) any messenger but we revealed to him: ‘none has the right to be worshiped except I, therefore worship Me.’” – (Quran 21:25)
However, the true message of these prophet and the Holy books, the Torah and the Gospel, except the Quran have been changed over time and therefore not all of the words are of God. Jesus (ISA) came to preach the same message of Moses and his book, the Bible also was corrupted by people. Therefore, 600 years after Jesus, God sent the Prophet Muhammad with His final revelation, the Holy Quran, not for any community, tribe or country but to All of Mankind till judgment day.
Since the Prophet Muhammad was the final seal of prophet, Allah Himself has promised to preserve His last revealed words so that it is a source of guidance for all humanity till the Last Day.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran :
“We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but to all mankind as a giver of good news and as a warner, but most people do not know.” – (Quran 34:28)
“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” – (Quran 3:85)