Exploring Islam
Islam is one of the three monotheistic religions. Islam emerged in the Arab peninsula, which we know today as Saudi Arabia in 622 A. D. Like the other two of the three monotheistic faiths, Judaism and Christianity, Islam was revealed through a prophet who is known as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him ([PBUH]). Judaism is believed to be based on the teachings and laws of the Prophet Moses, while Christianity is said to take its social and moral codes from the teachings of the Prophet Jesus. All three religions are believed to have their roots in the teachings of the Prophet of God, the patriarch Abraham.
In keeping with a promise made to Abraham by God, each prophet is believed to be a blood descendant of Abraham. The Prophets Moses and Jesus are believed to have descended from Abraham's son Isaac, born through his first wife Sarah, while the Prophet Muhammad is said to have descended from Abraham's son Ishmael, who was born through Abraham's wife Hajar. Ishmael is also believed to be the first member of the Arab nation since he and his mother Hajar settled in a previously uninhabited desert that became Mecca, and subsequently the site of the Kaba. The Holy Qur'an, 2:124-130:
And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He (Allah (Subhana Wa Ta'ala(SWT)) said: I will make thee an Imam (leader) to the people. Abraham pleaded and of may offspring? Allah (SWT) answered: But my promise is not within the reach of evil doers. Remember we made the sacred house a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and we covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael that they should sanctify my house for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves therein in prayer. And remember Abraham said: My Lord make this a city of Peace, and feed its people with fruits-such of them as believe in Allah(SWT) and the Last Day. He said Yea and such reject faith- for awhile will I grant their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of the fire-an evil destination indeed. And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer), Our Lord Accept this service form us; for thou art the All Hearing, The All Knowing. Our Lord make of us Muslims, bowing to thy Will, and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to thy Will, and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy) For thou at the Oft relenting Most Merciful. Our Lord send amongst them a messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Thy signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and purify them: for Thou art the Exalted in Might the Wise. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him we chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the hereafter in the ranks of the righteous.
In Arabic, the word Islam means "to submit," or "to surrender and obey." The Qur'an, the Muslim Holy Book, never uses the word "Islam" as we do, but says, "Al-Islam," or "The Islam," referring to a way of life that follows a distinct code of moral, social, and legal behaviors that were revealed by God through His various Prophets with a specific purpose or intention. This intention is understood in Al-Islam as God's desire to guide mankind to the best in this life and the next life (or afterlife).
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