A Brief Overview of the History of Islam
The origin of Islam is placed around 610 CE when Muhammad, a highly spiritual and religious man who spent months in praying and self contemplation in a secluded cave near the town of Mecca, is thought to have received divine messages. The story is that one morning Muhammad heard the voice of the angel Gabriel and, through him, Allah spoke words of wisdom. The words were first recited by Muhammad, later his disciples, and then recorded as text which came to known as the Holy Qur’an. Thus followers of Islam consider the Qur’an not the work of Muhammad but as direct revelations from Allah.
The word “Islam” is an Arabic word which means “submission to the will of God”. This word comes from the same root as the Arabic word “salam”, which means “peace”. As such, the religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law. The most important truth that God revealed to mankind is that there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshiped except for Almighty God, thus all human beings should submit to Him. The word “Muslim”
"The messenger of Allah said: "Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to perform the Solat (prayers), to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadhan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so." He said: " You have spoken rightly", said Jibreel. (From Number 2 of "Al-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths.)
"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion". (Al-Qur’an 5:3)
"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will It be accepted of Him" (Al-Qur’an 3:85)
"Ibrahim was not a Jew nor Christian; but an upright Muslim." (Al-Qur’an 3:67)
Five Pillars of Islam (To be a Muslim – Submission to Allah)
- To proclaim the shahadah (the creed: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his Messenger").
- To perform the solat (prayer).
- To pay zakat.
- To fast during the lunar month of Ramadhan.
- To perform hajj - pilgrimate to Makkah, if economically and physically able.
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Detailed Reading available in PDF.
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