Islam the Natural Way!

When a child comes into this world it is born with a natural belief in its Creator – innate knowledge and inclination towards Tawheed, Oneness of God.  A state of purity. This is called fitrah in Arabic. Islam is a way of life that is in full harmony with the natural human fitrah.

What is Islam?

Islam is the second largest faith in the world after Christianity. It is a monotheistic religion. The Arabic word Islam comes from the triliteral root word “sa-la-ma” meaning to surrender, to submit. A Muslim is the one who submits to Allah.

What is Islam, Iman and Ihsan?

There are three levels of faith. Islam, Iman and Ihsan. Ihsan being the highest level.

Islam

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari* that angel Jibrael came to the Prophet ﷺ while he was surrounded by his companions and he said, “O Muḥammad, tell me about Islam.” The Prophet ﷺ said: Islam is to testify there is no true god but Allah and Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give charity, to fast the month of Ramadan, and to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to the House, if one can find a way.

Iman

Jibrael said, “You have spoken truthfully,” and then he said, “Tell me about faith (Iman).” The Prophet ﷺ said: Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in the Divine Decree (al-qadr), both its good and its evil.

Ihsan

Jibrael said, “You have spoken truthfully, so tell me about excellence (Ihsan).” The Prophet ﷺ said: Excellence is to worship Allah as if you see Him, for though you do not see Him, He surely sees you.

Usuluddin – Tawheed, Risalah, Akhirah

Islam can be condensed into three basic concepts:

Tawheed: the word comes from the triliteral root “aa-ha-da” meaning one. Tawheed means Unity or Oneness of God, Monotheism. Tawheed signifies that there is no God but Allah. He cannot be compared to anything and is perfect in every respect.

Risalah: this is from the root “ra-sa-la” meaning to send. The concept of Risalah in Islam is that Allah sent His messengers and prophets to mankind throughout history, for their guidance. From Adam to Muhammad, these prophets of God conveyed the same message of Tauheed.

Akhirah: It is from the root letters “aa-kha-ra” meaning final, last, that which comes after. The Hereafter or Akhirah is the concept of life after death. In the “Afterlife” people will be held accountable for their transgressions and rewarded for their good deeds, leading to their final abode in Hell or Paradise accordingly. This is in direct relation to the belief that Allah is Just and Merciful.