Stories from Early Islam — Page 3
The Religion of Islam The religion preached and practised by the Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is known as Islam. The name ‘Islam’ was given to this religion by God Himself. We read in the Holy Qur’an: This day, I have perfected for you, your religion, and completed My favour on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion. (Holy Quran 5:4) There is no other religion which can claim that its name was given by God. The above verse also tells us that Islam is a perfect religion. ‘Islam’ is an Arabic word which means ‘peace’. It also means complete submission, i. e. complete submission to the Will of God. Therefore peace with God, peace with fellow-beings, and submission to God, is the essence of Islam. Those who accept Islam as their faith are Muslims, which would mean peaceful and submissive people. A Muslim, there- fore, in submission to the Will of God, has to devote his life in establishing peace on earth. A Muslim believes in: