Why
Islam?
Islam is not merely one religion among others; rather, it stands apart as a divine correction and restoration of the monotheistic creed taught by the prophets of the Old Testament. It aligns with the fundamental beliefs conveyed by these prophets while addressing the deviations that have occurred over time in other faiths. This unique role positions Islam as the pure continuation of the original message of monotheism.
Allah Almighty emphasizes this truth in the Quran, stating: {He has prescribed for you [believers] the same religion which He enjoined upon Noah, and that which We have revealed to you [O Prophet] and that which We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: You should uphold the religion and make no divisions therein. What you are calling the polytheists to is very hard for them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides to Himself who turns to Him.} [Surat ash-Shura: 13]. This verse highlights the continuity of the divine message across the ages, reaffirming Islam’s connection to and fulfillment of the teachings of earlier prophets.
In essence, Islam is not just another religion; it is the foundation and origin of all true religions. It serves to reestablish the principles of monotheism and divine guidance, bringing humanity back to the unaltered worship of Allah as preached by His messengers throughout history.
Islam: Submission, Surrender, and Obedience to Allah
Islam, at its core, means submission, surrender, and obedience to Allah Almighty. This is beautifully encapsulated in the Quran, where Allah states: {Who is better in religion than one who submits himself entirely to Allah, does good, and follows the religion of Abraham, exclusively devoted to Allah? For Allah did take Abraham as a close friend.} [Surat an-Nisaa: 125]. Submitting oneself to Allah means fully surrendering to Him with devoted obedience. Those who embody this submission are regarded as the best of people in terms of religion.
Allah further commands: {Your God is One God, so submit to Him alone, and give glad tidings to the humble.} [Surat al-Hajj: 34]. To “submit to Him alone” entails accepting and adhering to His judgment with humility. These verses emphasize that Islam is about absolute submission to Allah, surrendering to His will, and complying with His legislation with consent and acceptance. This is the essence and reality of Islam: a complete alignment with Allah’s judgment and laws.
The Universal Religion for Mankind
Islam is the religion Allah has chosen for all of humanity. Allah declares: {The true religion with Allah is Islam.} [Surat Āl-‘Imrān: 19]. It is the only religion accepted by Allah, as He warns: {Anyone who seeks a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted from him; and in the Hereafter, he will be among the losers.} [Surat Āl-‘Imrān: 85]. This universal and exclusive nature of Islam underscores its divine origin and its significance as the sole path to success in this life and the Hereafter.
The Religion of All Prophets
Islam is the religion preached by all prophets and messengers sent by Allah. While their specific laws and practices differed, their core message was the same: the call to monotheism, the oneness of Allah. Allah confirms this in the Quran: {We never sent before you [O Prophet] any messenger without revealing to him that none has the right to be worshiped except Me, so worship Me.} [Surat al-Anbiyā: 25]. This establishes Islam as the unified faith of all prophets, encompassing their shared mission to guide humanity to the worship of Allah alone.
The Preservation of Pure Monotheism
Islam is unique in its preservation of pure monotheism. Unlike other religions, which have incorporated elements of polytheism over time, Islam has maintained the unaltered belief in the oneness of Allah. After the deaths of the prophets, deviations led to the adoption of polytheistic practices by their followers. Today, Islam stands as the only religion that upholds the pure monotheistic teachings brought by the prophets. This preservation underscores Islam’s distinct status as the sole true monotheistic faith, faithfully continuing the legacy of the prophets in guiding humanity.
Islam’s Answer to Life’s Fundamental Questions
Islam provides profound and concise answers to the most significant questions about existence in a single verse of the Noble Qur’an. Allah Almighty says: {Why should I not worship the One Who created me and to Whom you will all be brought back?} [Surat Yāsīn: 22]. This verse addresses the origins, purpose, and destiny of humanity.
Where did we come from?
The verse declares: “The One Who created me.” This affirms that we are created by Allah, the Sustainer and Originator of all life.Where are we going after death?
The verse continues: “To Whom you will all be brought back.” This highlights the inevitable return to Allah, where each individual will be held accountable for their deeds in this world.Why are we here in this world?
We are here to worship Allah and to be tested in our faith and actions. This is inherent in the nature of our relationship with our Creator. It is only natural and logical to worship Allah, as stated: “Why should I not worship the One Who created me.”
This single verse encapsulates the answers to the most perplexing questions humanity faces, offering clarity, guidance, and purpose in life. It reminds us of our origin, our ultimate return, and the essential relationship between the Creator and His servants.
