Assalamu Alaikum,
It is such an excitement to start writing in this section! This is my first article here, and I’ll be writing articles about Islam*. Therefore – my dear reader – I’ll start off with how any Muslims would greet others; by saying "Assalamu Alaikum."
Assalamu alaikum simply means "May peace be upon you".
Every single conversation carried out by Muslims anywhere in the world, peace is the first word uttered. That's how peace is important in Islam. Let's begin a step-by-step introduction to Islam by understanding first thing what the word "Islam" means the first place.
In ancient Arabic, Islam simply and surprisingly means ‘Peace.’
Islam also carries another meaning, which is used until today in an equally relevant and important way; it is "Submission".
Submission to whom? How? Why?
It simply means submission to the will of Allah. The religion of Islam teaches mankind: in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed guidance.
But, do Muslims submit to Allah or to God?
Since many people are not sure whether Muslims worship God or Allah, I’ll clarify this issue now:
Allah (Arabic for The God): Allah is One. Allah is Eternal. Allah never gave birth and was never born. He never needed a wife or son. Nothing has ever existed that was equivalent to Him. He is the God of everything, The Lord of everything, Creator of everything, and the sustainer of everything.
Allah is the Possessor of All Mercy; He divided His mercy to one hundred parts, sent one part and divided it among all creation of all time. And all mercies in the hearts of all mothers towards their babies is a part of that one part.
Allah is The Provider, whom if all creation asked for everything they wanted and He gave each one of them everything they desired, His possession would not decrease more than what a needle would take away from the sea if it was dipped in it.
Imagine now how Muslims feel, when they know that their God has those excellent attributes and more, would they ever worry about anything in life? Would anyone who worship such a God who possesses everything, worry about his or her provision, protection, aid or support?
The most important truth that Allah revealed to mankind is that there is nothing worthy of being worshipped except for God (Allah), thus all human beings should submit to Him.
This is the ultimate truth because nothing created anything better than His creation, or could even create anything except His creation… nothing possessed all creation like Him… nothing manages all the creation as perfectly as He does… and nothing is able to provide the creation as He does.
This is why it is only Him who is worthy of worshipping.
So, what does it mean to be part of this religion? What is a Muslim?
The word "Muslim" means anyone who submits to the will of God, regardless of their race, wealth or honour. Being a Muslim entails willful submission and active obedience to God, and living in accordance with His guidance.
I think I said enough for now. We will be sharing facts and stories about Islam and Muslim, Insha'Allah (if God wills).
Until then we shall leave you with the same greeting that we started off by: Assalamu Alaikum.
By: Majed Jarrar
