March 2001: Page 1, 2, 3

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

Understanding Islam

Cont’d from Page 1

The word deen refers to all aspects of life and cannot really be translated by the word “religion.” Deen means life transaction, literally a debt or exchange situation between two parties, in this context between God and His servants.

Islam is called “al-deen,” the way of life; as it is not a religion of rituals but a complete way of life including spiritual, social, economic and political systems providing guidance for private, public, national and international issues.

O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should be observed, and do not die except as Submitters. [3:102]

We sent down to you this scripture, truthfully; you shall worship GOD, devoting your religion to Him alone. Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers. [39:2-3]

Therefore the way of life decreed by God is submission to His will, and to Him alone, in service and worship.

The only religion approved by GOD is "Submission." Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD's revelations, GOD is most strict in reckoning. [3:19]

Who is a Muslim?

The Arabic word “Muslim” is defined as the one who surrenders or submits to the will of God. The word “Muslim” stems from the same root (SLM) as “Islam.”

One does not become a Muslim automatically if his or her birth certificate indicates so. A person’s name, his parents’ religious background, his race or language is no guarantee for him to be a Muslim acceptable to God. Being a Muslim is a matter between the person and God the Almighty who knows our innermost thoughts and intentions. It is a matter of whether a person accepts God as the only deity, submits to His will, and lives a righteous life accordingly.

However, the term Muslim is more often given to those who say they are followers of the Quran. But with careful study of the word, it can also be used to describe those who follow the Old Testament and the New Testament as well.

The Quran, which is the Final Testament, considers all religions devoted to God alone as being valid and acceptable, as long as certain minimal criteria are met. Devotion to God alone guarantees salvation. It’s the duty of all humans —whether they consider themselves Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, or any other religion—to recognize the absoluteness of God as Lord of the Universe and not place any idols besides Him.

Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [2:62]

Using the Quranic fact that certain criteria must be met in all religions in order to be accepted by God, it will become clear that there is only one religion regardless of the name used for God or for the religion itself.

Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers. [3:85]

God’s words are Truth, and the truth will never change no matter what we say or do. So it is made very clear that our natural instinct is to worship God alone regardless of the names we use to describe its practice as stated in the Quran:

Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know. [30:30]

Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous. [2:130]

Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth. Absolutely, there is no god except GOD. Absolutely, GOD is the Almighty, Most Wise. [3:62]

Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a monotheist submitter. He never was an idol worshiper. [3:67]

Cont’d on Page 3