Technically Meaning

* A willing submission to Allah, the God of the universe with unqualified consent.

For the above definition, we can have a comprehensive terminological and more acceptable definition of Islam which is the last religion revealed by Allah to the last prophet; Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

Meaning of Islam

What is meant by the world Islam or what does Islam mean? Yes, you may say it is a religion. When you define it as a religion, you are looking at the terminological meaning. Islam can be defined in three ways, the literal, technical and terminological ways. If you say it is a religion that is revealed by Allah, you have already given the definition from the view of terminology. Terminological meaning is a which used in the real context. What would be the literal and technical meaning of Islam?

Meaning of Islam

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 Literally it means;
 a) Submission, surrender and obedience ( from the world aslama)


There are two kinds of submission;
           i) Compulsory submission (everything in creation)


And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of ( Him ), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing" (Ya Sin:38)
' Do seek for other than the religion of God?- While all creatures in the heavens and on the earth have, willing of unwilling, bowed to His Will (accepted Islam), and to Him shall they all be brought back" ( Al 'Imran : 83)


               ii) Willing submission ( the submission of the believer)


" If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to God), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good) ( Al' Imran: 85)




b.  Slim or salm ( peace and security)
           "O ye who believe! Enter into Islam wholeheartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you and avowed enemy" ( Baqarah : 208)


Technically it means; a willing submission to Allah, the God of the universe.


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From the above definition, we can have a comprehensive terminological and more acceptable definition of Islam which is the last religion revealed by Allah to the last prophet; Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)

Introduction

Example Story

Lets us look at the story of Juliana Yassin below:
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Juliana Yassin professes to be a Muslim; who believes in god, prays occasionally, eats halal food, and fast during Ramadan (or tries to). She wore a head scarf in her youth  and had gone on prehajj pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina. She has no doubt in God but she cannot accept certain Islamic teachings like a woman has to cover the aura. She currently lives together with her boy friend who is an Englishman. " I want my boyfriend to convert, but he does not want to and I don`t to force him," she said. She enjoys her life and plans to get married.
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What does the story tell you? Its appears that Juliana is a Muslim in performing the obligation expected of her as a Muslim. However, it also seems that she is not following some of the teaching of Islam. However would we rate her as a Muslim? This means we will need to know what is meant by Islam, who is a true Muslim and the relationship between Islam, Imam and Ihsan?

Basic Concepts of Islam

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:-
     By the end of the lesson, student should be able to:-

• Understanding the objective of the subject
• Grasp the true meaning of Islam as a complete religion.

LESSON OBJECTIVES
            Islam is a religion and its message was revealed to the last prophet to mankind, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), after whom no more revelations from Allah to man will take place. Islam is the perfect religion based on the final message, and its teachings guide man in life in the most complete and comprehensive manner addressing all aspects of our life, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Islam does not require blind acceptance, but man has been given his intellect, his mind and reasoning, so that he can understand and apply its teaching. Allah does not ask us to follow His commands blindly and without thinking, mechanically like robots, but learn them, understand them, and use our own mind to put these commands into practice.

             The message of Islam contains theoretical and practical teachings. It does not only address doctrine of faith and belief (eternal life after death, punishment and reward) but also practical commands. Faith itself is incomplete and meaningless without our right actions and practice. As example, the message of Islam contains the pillars of faith (belief in Allah, the Hereafter, the Angles, the Prophets, etc) but also instruction on how to practice worship (how to pray, fast, perform hajj, etc) and how to punish crime (law).

              Man is different from animals as he is given a soul. He has a body that makers him seek food and shelter but that alone cannot satisfy him, foe he has spiritual needs as well, his instinct tells him to worship his creator. The message of Islam provides given man the truth about his God, Allah, who alone deserves to be worshiped Allah he will start worshiping something else instead, such as unreal gods, other humans, or himself. The message of Islam has been sent to ensure until the end of time that man knows his God, Allah, and worship Him alone in the right way. It also instructs him on how to live his life according to his own nature balancing between his physical (body) and his spiritual nature (body).