The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 78
[ESSENCE OF ISLAM] Now, before I turn my attention to other issues, it is imperative to put in writing the true essence of the Religion of Islam, the ways and means of arriving at this truth, and the fruits of adhering to this reality. This is essential because the understanding of many profound verities depends upon first fully understanding the truth of Islam, the means of its attainment, and then the fruits of adhering to it. It would be of great benefit for my opponents from within [Islam] that they should thoroughly study the discussion relating to the truth of Islam and its related matters, because many of the doubts and suspicions that assail their minds arise in the hearts only due to their failure to reflect upon the complete and perfect truth of Islam, the ways and means of its attain- ment, and its fruits. There is no doubt that after reflecting upon all these realities, if the internal [i. e. Muslim] opponents of my humble self study my responses vis-à-vis their objections, they would be relieved of many doubts and misgivings. The condition is that they study diligently and at appropriate occasions reflect upon the responses that I have written to dispel their doubts. Those who oppose our religion would likewise benefit greatly from the statement of these verities. They would thereby understand what religion is and what the signs of its truthfulness are. Now, bear in mind that in the Arabic lexicon, ‘Islam' means to pay the purchase price in advance, or to commit some affair to some- one, or to seek reconciliation, or to surrender an assertion or dispute. The idiomatic meaning of ‘Islam' is set out in the following noble verse: بَلَى مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَةٌ أَجْرَةُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ 10 ا 1. Surah al-Baqarah, 2:113 [Publisher]