What Is Islam ?

“Whoever says ‘I have accepted Allah as Lord, Islam as religion and Muhammad as my prophet’ will definitely enter Heaven.” The life in this world is a temporarily journey and absence from home for humankind. Therefore, every person yearns for the heaven, wants a life like heaven, and seeks for the beauty of heaven everywhere. Islam teaches humans the ways to realize the desire for heaven which is ingrained in their soul.

“Almighty Allah ordered: “O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.” (Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 55) Oppression is not giving their due to the right-holder, and using a being where they do not deserve. Oppression is the common name for any type of torture, injustice, remorselessness, and inequality.

“And we have certainly established you upon the earth and made for you therein ways of livelihood. Little are you grateful.” (Surah Al-A'raf 7/10) Gratitude is giving thanks to Allah sometimes with heart and with words at others, and confessing that they can maintain a life thanks to His blessings.

“Say I affirm my faith in Allah and then remain steadfast to it.” Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) (Muslim, Iman, 62) Truthfulness is a universal principle of morality and refers to having one’s heart on one’s sleeve, and the compliance between peoples’ intentions, words, and actions. Indeed, being truthful, trustful and honest have a significant place in Islamic ethics.

“But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and reforms, indeed, Allah will turn to him in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5/39) The Almighty Allah created humankind with a natural tendency to good and truth, and blessed them with potential powers such as reason, consciousness, will and emotion.

“If the final Hour reaches upon one of you while there is a sapling in his hand, then finish planting it.” Prophet Muhammad (saw) (Ibn Hanbal, 3/184) Allah (swt) has introduced people to the environment, told them the meaning codes of the universe, and taught them how to develop a relationship with nature since the day their life on earth has begun. There are numerous verses in the Holy Qur’an expressing the functioning of the universe, the balance and order between creatures, the purpose of creation of each and that they are the evidences of the existence, power and wisdom of Allah.

“The most benevolent among you is the one who is benevolent to his family. I am the most benevolent to my family among you.” Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) (Tirmidhi, Manaqib, 63) Establishing a family and raising new generations is a model of life insistently recommended in Islam. The Holy Qur’an presents the ties of communication and mercy between a man and woman as the evidence of Allah’s existence, and the family as His blessing.

“Does man think that he will be left neglected?” (Qiyamah, 75/36) Allah the Almighty made humans special by giving them “reason” and “will” unlike other creatures. He equipped them with various capabilities and gave them freedom to perform the decisions they make. He wanted that humans use their will in favor of the truth and goodness, and use their realm of freedom with the awareness of responsibility.

“I have not been sent as the invoker of curse, but I have been sent as mercy.” (Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 87) "Verily My Mercy overcomes My Anger." (Buhari, Tevhid, 22) He states that “My mercy has passed My rage.” and forgives people by force of this mercy. He (swt) wants people to be merciful and behave mercifully.

“The believer does not insult the honor of others, nor curse, nor commit improper deeds, nor is he foul.” (Tirmidhi, Birr wa Sila, 48) Islam commands courtesy in everything. Because Islam invites believers to be freed of any type of asperity, ugliness, disrespect and impertinence. The Prophet Muhammad forbade evil words and attitudes such as curse, damnation, and profanity. A good Muslim is the one who stays away from rudeness in his words and actions and is not hurtful; constructive, conciliatory and courteous.

“Say, Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Surah Az-Zumar 39/9) Islam is the religion of knowledge and wisdom. Allah, the Creator of knowledge, who is “Alim” (the Wise) and knows everything, created people with the ability to learn and use knowledge. Islam wants people to use this ability for good, to learn and teach knowledge for the benefit of humans, and to construct the world in the nicest way with what they produce through their knowledge.

“O believers! Enter into Islam completely [and perfectly].” (surah al-baqarah 2/208) Islam is a religion of peace and well-being. The word Islam originates from the word “salam” which means serenity, peace, and salvation.

“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (Surah An-Nahl 16/90) Islam is a religion of justice. One of the names of the Almighty Allah is “al-Adl” which means “The owner of infinite and firm justice.” Justice is rewarding those who make good deeds and punishing those who commit a crime.

“The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners.” Prophet Muhammad (saw) (Abu Dawud, Sunnah, 15) Islam is a religion of good morals. Because morality is the foundation of humanity. Moral principles are also one of the most distinctive features of Islam, which is the religion of tawhid. Because the main purpose of Islam is to build a healthy society and a peaceful world composed of faithful and moral people.

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2/186) We take refuge in Him… We thank him… We praise him… We express that there is none like Him(s.w.t)… We beg him... We ask Him for forgiveness and help... Only to Him We pray for all these!

“Neither their meat nor blood reacher Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Surah Hajj ,22/37) The main purpose of all worship is to be close to Allah and to get His approval. Therefore sacrifice is a declaration of respect and submission to Allah by the pious servants who are aware of their responsibilities towards Him. Muslims remember Abel and Cain, the Prophet Adam's sons and also Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael, who were put to a test of sincerity with their vows for Allah.

“Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people” (Surah Ali 'Imran,3/97) Do you see? This is your first place of worship… A source of mercy and guidance to the universe… This is the Ka'bah… This is the destination of your holy journey… The house of Allah, which you turn towards from afar while praying 5 times a day...

“Indeed, those who believe, do righteous deeds, establish prayer and give zakat will have their reward with their lord and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (al Baqarah 2/277) What is wealth mean? Does having too much savings count as wealth? No! The definition of true wealth is not about having a lot possession. It is believing in Islam and accepting what Allah (s.w.t.) has given you.

‘’O you who have believed! Decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.’’ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2/183) Here the dawn broke and the sun went down. Those who made intend for the sake of Allah broke their fast. They knew that just like prayer, zakat and pilgrimage, fasting was ordered to people through prophets. Every intelligent person and those who have reached puberty know that fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory for them.

“Establish prayer and give zakat and bow with those who bow in worship and obedience” (Baqarah, 2/43) Are you grateful for the blessings our Lord has given us? So, how do we show our gratitude to Allah for giving us a perfect body, mind and ability to communicate? Without any doubt with prayers...

“The key to heaven is prayer and the key to prayer is wudu” (Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) (Tirmidhi, Taharah,1) A Muslim who is preparing to establish prayer is indeed preparing to stand in the presence of Allah. A person who does not have ablution or is in the state of ritual impurification cannot establish prayer.

“Cleanliness is half of the faith.” (Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) (Tirmidhi, Da'wat,86) Islam commands us to be clean,both materially and spiritually. A good Muslim keeps clean his body, clothes, belongings, living place and the world. A good Muslim purifies his soul and keeps his heart and mind clean by being purified from the darkness of evil and the filth of sin.

“Islam is based on five pillars: To testify that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, to perform , to pay zakat, to perform Hajj, and to fast during the month of Ramadan.” Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) (Sahih al-Bukhari, İman, 2) I testify that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad (s.a.w) is Allah’s servant and messenger. Islam is the greatest wealth a person can have... The first condition of becoming a muslim is to recite the kalima shahadah!

“Ihsan is when you worship Allah as if you see Him, even if you do not see Him, He sees you”. Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) (Bukhari, Tafsir, Luqman, 31) He created humans in the perfect manner. He equipped with superior abilities. And put everything in the universe at his service. He expected only one thing from humans in return for all this… To Worship Him!

“Indeed, all things We created with predestination.” (Surah Al-Qamar, 54/49) Can a person change the way the universe works? Is he capable of preventing rain , and lightning strikes ? Is he able to prevent earthquakes from occurring? Who can choose their family before they are born? Who can determine their color, race, gender at birth? There is no doubt that Allah created everything out of nothing. He created everything that has happened and yet to happen in the universe in a cause and effect relationship.

“They establish prayer, give zakah and have sure faith in the Hereafter” (Luqman, 31/4) Death is a reality and it is getting closer day by day. With each passing day, they people are getting closer to death. There is no doubt that every living thing will pass away and leave this world. However, it is not only us humans whose lifespan will end… the universe we live in will also end.

“O Prophet! Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33/45-46) There is no god but Allah and Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is his servant and messenger. Every person who accepts Islam has to recite this. He was known as "Muhammadu'l Amin" in Mecca even before he became a Prophet. He was the epitome of virtue and morality. He never compromised on honesty.

“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers and wish to discriminate between Allah and His messengers and say, ‘We believe in some and disbelieve in others’ and wish to adopt a way in between - Those are the disbelievers, truly.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4/150-151) Prophets are chosen by Allah to deliver divine messages to humans. prophets sometimes displayed miracles with Allah’s permission. Allah has never left humanity without a guide, example and leader. He has sent many prophets. All of them invited people to be servants of Allah.

“I have left behind you something which, if you adhere to it, you will never go astray, that is the Book of Allah” Prophet Muhammed (saw) (Muslim, Hajj/147) The Holy Qur’an is the final revelation and divine book by which Allah the Almighty addressed humanity through the Prophet Muhammad. Allah (s.w.t) explicitly states that He sent down the Qur’an and will protect it until the Day of Judgment. The Holy Qur'an is the main source for Islam. In order to become a Muslim, it is obligatory to have faith in the Holy Quran.

“Mankind was of the one religion before their deviation; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed” (Baqarah, 2/213) Allah the almighty created humans as the most honorable being. The history of humanity, on the other hand, began with the revelation and the divine word. Our Lord conveyed his words and wishes to us through his books and prophets.

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.” (Surah An-Nisa 4/136) The history of humanity is full of beliefs in powerful and invisible creatures. The battle between good and evil is mostly explained through these creatures. But how much of the things told is true? Only the last religion, Islam, sent by the Ruler and Owner of the visible and invisible worlds can provide solid and true information on this matter. In this respect, believing in the existence of angels who were created out of divine light is one of the principles of faith in Islam.

"Whoever sincerely testifies that none is worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammed is his messenger, Allah will save him from the Hellfire" (Bukhari, 'Ilm, 49) These waterfalls, mountains, and seas… They all came into existence out of nothing. At first there were no people, no plants, no animals, none. Allahs (swt) created the entire universe, from the smallest atom to the infinite galaxies and he is the one who rules it. He is the One who creates, sustains, kills and then resurrects all beings. Allah is ahad there is no god but Him (swt). And this is the main fundamental of Islam.

"By Him in whose hand my soul is, you will not enter paradise unless you believe and you will not believe unless you love one another." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Adab, 130) Accepting something whole heartedly and believeing it sincerely is called iman (faith). Faith according to İslam is to sincerely believe that the message prophet Muhammed(s.a.w) delivered is from Allah and that it is true.

This day I have perfected for you your religion, and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5/3) Islam means peace. Islam is defined as submitting to Allah the one who has no partners nor equals and following the path He (s.w.t) showed us and not our desires. It means to turn towards Allah with devotion and unconditionally accept His (s.w.t) commands and prohibitions. The one who adopts Islam as their religion and complies with its rules are called “Muslim”.

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Surah Ali Imran 3/19) Religion is the set of divine rules sent to humans by Allah (swt) through prophets. These rules are the sole source of truth, and have been sent to humans in order to enable them to find happiness both in this world and in the Hereafter with their own choices.

Allah the Almighty, the one and only Owner of the earth and the heavens, has created human in the perfect form.