In today's world, we hear the words "Islam" and "Muslim" frequently. But many people have this question in their minds: What is Islam? And What is Muslim? Some people consider it merely a religion, But Islam is not just a religion, but a complete way of life. Let's understand it with what the five pillars of Islam in simple terms are.
What is Islam or What does the word Islam mean?
The word "Islam" comes from the Arabic language. It is derived from the root "Sa-L-M" (س-ل-م), which means "peace, security, and submission to the command of Allah."
The true meaning of Islam is bowing one's head before Allah and following His path. In the Quran, Allah says:
"Indeed, the religion before Allah is Islam alone."
(Quran 3:19)
This verse means that:
Allah loves the way in which people obey Him and live according to His laws.
How old is Islam or Who started Islam?
Many people think that Islam was started by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but this is not entirely true.
Islam began with the first human being—Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him). He was not only the first human, but also, the first prophet.
This means that the roots of Islam are as old as the roots of humanity.
In the Quran, Allah tells us about each prophet who said the same thing to their people:
"O my people! Worship Allah, you have no god except Him."
(Quran 7:59)
This means that all prophets brought the same message— Worship only one Allah.
Five Pillars of Islam
Islam doesn't just tell us to believe in Allah but teaches us to follow five fundamental teachings. These are called the Five Pillars of Islam.
1️⃣ Shahada (Testimony of Faith)
“La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah” meaning, “None is worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger.”
This statement is the foundation of Islam. When a person accepts it wholeheartedly, he becomes a Muslim.
2️⃣ Prayer (Salah / Prayer)
Prayer is a direct connection to Allah. It is obligatory for Muslims to pray five times a day. The Quran says:
“Prayer forbids evil and indecency.”
(Quran 29:45)
Prayer imparts discipline, cleanliness, and peace to a person.
3️⃣ Fasting (Sawm / Fasting)
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for Muslims. In the Quran, Allah says:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become pious.”
(Quran 2:183)
Fasting teaches us patience against hunger and thirst and makes us feel the pain of the poor.
4️⃣ Zakat (Charity)
Zakat means giving a portion of one's earnings to the needy. This is obligatory for Muslims. In the Quran, Allah says:
"Establish prayer and pay Zakat."
(Quran 2:43)
Zakat reduces the gap between wealth and poverty in society. It is a way to fulfill the rights of others.
5️⃣ Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Every Muslim who is able, is obligated to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
The Quran says:
"Allah has a right on mankind: whoever is able, should perform Hajj to His House (Kaaba)."
(Quran 3:97)
Hajj teaches us the lesson of equality and brotherhood—black and white, rich and poor, all stand in the same clothing, before the same Allah.
What is Muslim or Who is a Muslim?
A “Muslim” is a person who believes in Islam and lives according to Allah's commandments.
That is, one who bows his head before Allah is a true Muslim. The Quran states:
“Whoever submits himself to Allah and does righteous deeds is a true Muslim.”
(Quran 4:125)
Muslim means one who spreads peace, justice, and goodness.
The Purpose of Islam—To Improve Humanity
The true purpose of Islam is that human beings become righteous themselves and also make society better. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best person is the one who is most beneficial to others.”
(Daraqutani, Hadith 5077)
Islam is not limited only to worship (namaz, fasting), Rather, in every good work -
Giving food to a hungry person, making someone laugh, sharing someone's pain -
All these are the works of Islam.
Islam and peace
The name of Islam itself is derived from “Salaam” (peace). Therefore, a real Muslim is one who does not harm others. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“A Muslim is one who gives peace to others through his tongue and hands.”
(Bukhari, Hadith 10)
That is, one who does not hurt anyone with lies, abuses or hands -He is the true Muslim.
Mercy for All
In the Quran, Allah said about His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“We sent you as a mercy to the whole world.”
(Quran 21:107)
This means that Islam is not for any race or country, but for all humanity.
Islam and Equality
In Islam, no one is superior or inferior because of their color, caste, or country.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in his final sermon:
“There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a white person over a black person, except in piety.”
(Musnad Ahmad, 23489)
That is, the greatest person in the sight of Allah is the best person.
Islam and respect for women
Islam gave women rights which were not given by any society at that time. Allah said in the Quran:
“Women have the same rights as men.”
(Quran 2:228)
Islam respects women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best among you are those who are good to their women.”
(Tirmidhi, 3895)
Islam—The Way of Life
Islam doesn't just teach in the mosque, but also teaches justice, honesty, and kindness everywhere—in the home, marketplace, school, and society. The Quran says:
“You have been created as a people that enjoins good and forbids evil.”
(Quran 3:110)
That is, a Muslim's duty is not just to pray, but to spread goodness in society and prevent evil.
Three Basic Principles of Islam
The message of Islam can be summed up in three simple principles:
1️⃣ Believe in Allah—He is One, He has no partner.
2️⃣ Obeying the prophets—who showed us the right path.
3️⃣ Doing good deeds and avoiding evil.
Islam's message for every human being
Islam is not just for Muslims, but for every human being who wishes to embrace the truth. The Quran says:
“Allah commands justice and righteousness, and forbids evil, oppression, and shamelessness.”
(Quran 16:90)
This verse is a guidance for every society, every religion, and every human being.
Conclusion
What is Islam?
➡️ Bowing before Allah,
➡️ Walking on the path of truth and goodness,
➡️ And being a mercy to others.
What is Islam? or Who is a Muslim?
➡️ One who follows Allah's commandments,
➡️ practices justice,
➡️ and lives in peace with everyone.
The true message of Islam is very simple—
"Peace, justice, and humanity."
Recommended Books to Deepen Your Understanding
Here are a few authentic and inspiring books you can read for free (PDF format):
Towards Understanding Islam Download pdf
The Scientific Truths of The Quran Download pdf
The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq AI-Makhturn) Download pdf
Concept of Prophethood in Different Religions Download pdf
Muhammad The Prophet of Islam Download pdf
Each book offers a new window into the compassion, justice, and humanity of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh.
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