An Elementary Study of Islam — Page 5
Mirza Tahir Ahmad 5 Islam means peace. Therein lies the soul and spirit of Islam. It is ironic that this religion of peace is understood today in the West as the religion of war, terrorism, chaos and disorder. While in reality Islam is not only peace in name, but peace pervades all its teachings, and works as the key to its understanding. If translated literally, the second meaning of the word Islam is submission. So the words peace and submission create a complete picture of Islam. While peace is in relation to the Muslim’s attitude to his fellow human beings and also in relation to the deep content he finds in Islam, the word submission describes the attitude of the Muslim to God. So in one single word, the entire philosophy of this religion is summed up. It is interesting to note that according to Islam, every true religion must have these two requisite features to indicate its divine origin. All religions, according to Islam, endeavoured to bring man back to his creator on the one hand, and to establish an ideal relationship with his fellow human beings on the other. Islam has five fundamental articles of faith, which must be professed by everyone who desires to become a Muslim. Although Islam is already divided into many sects like all other religions, but on this issue there are no two opinions. By whatever title the sects are recognised, be they Sunnis or Shi’ites, all believe in these five fundamental articles. The first of these is to firmly believe in the absolute oneness of God. It is a Unity which is unsplittable and indivisible, and one which cannot be multiplied or compromised in any form. The second article relates to the belief in angels. Although there are varying opinions among Muslims about the concept of angels, nonetheless all Muslims believe in the existence of angels.