‘Islam’ is that Arabic word which means obedience and submission and is derived from a word which means ‘peace’. The follower of the religion of Islam is a ‘Muslim’. The central belief of Islam is that there is only one God who is called in Arabic, Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is the supreme ruler of the universe. It is believed that Islam was revealed more than 1400 years ago in Mecca. According to Muslims, a number of prophets were sent for humanity so that mankind could learn to live according to the law of God. Moses, Abraham, and Issa are revered as prophets of God. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last in the line of prophets of God.
The holy book of Muslims is Qur’an on which they base their laws. They treat the Qur’an with great respect as they believe that the Qur’an is the words of Allah, and each and every word in Quran is highly valued. To become a Muslim, there are no special characteristics that are required. Anyone who is willing to become a Muslim can convert to Islam all alone, publically or with the help of a preacher. To enter the religion of Islam one has to pronounce the “Shahada” (Testimony) which is one of the most important pillars of Islam. He/She should believe that there is only one religion and one God.
Becoming a “Muslim” means that one has become pious, and whatever wrongdoings he had done earlier have been forgiven by the Almighty God - Allah. While accepting Islam, one should know the meaning of God. It may also be kept in mind that the God Himself has described that except thyself no other power has any right to be worshiped like him; which means that all kinds of worships should be done for the sake of God. Any other form of worship or prayer is against the ethos and ethics of Islam and hence is forbidden. In the context of worship, it is not only the prayer done to seek the blessings of God but all acts and deeds performed during the day-to-day activities of one-self. While pronouncing testimony of Islam one should keep it in the heart that there is only one God.
All the messages have been conveyed to the Prophet by God and are required to be strictly adhered. The Prophet Muhammad has all the characteristics as defined in the Qur’an itself. Islam means that any person who is in dire need of food, want directions to reach his desired destination then he should be provided with food and directions considering it as his sacred and utmost duty. Any kind of exploitation of old, children or women is forbidden in Islam. All the followers of Islam have to attend the Hajj every year which is their pious duty. The Muslim should be noble, reliable and trustworthy and should pay alms to the poor and needy people. Islam is also a religion of peace and love unlike what many people think.
View the Original article
0 comments:
Post a Comment