Islam:The name of the religion is Islam, which comes from the Arabic root word meaning
"peace"
and
"submission".
Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life by submitting
to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed. The same Arabic root word
gives us "Salaam alaykum"
(Peace be with you), the universal Muslim greeting.
Muslim:A person who believes in and consciously
follows Islam is called a Muslim. This is so as to differenciate a Muslim from
followers of other religions. The word also from the same root word. So,
the religion is called Islam, and a person who follows it is a Muslim.
How Many and Where?
Islam is a major world religion, with over 1
billion followers worldwide (1/5 of the world population). It is considered
one of the Abrahamic, monotheistic faiths (the doctrine that there is only
one God), along with Judaism and Christianity. Although usually associated
with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 10% of Muslims are in fact
Arab. Muslims are found all over the world, of every nation, colour and
race. Muslim majorities are found throughout the Middle East, North Africa,
East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Large numbers are also found in
Western Europe, the former Soviet Union, and North America. And mind you,
the number is still growing.
Who is Allah?
Allah is the proper name for Almighty God, and
is often translated merely as "God". Allah has other names that are used
to describe His characteristics: the Creator, the Sustainer, the
Merciful, the Compassionate, the Judge, the Governor, the Eternal, etc.
Allah is without beginning, without end, and He alone sees and knows all
things. Allah is transcendent, yet close to mankind.
"...He knows what enters within the earth
and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from
heaven and what mounts up to it.
And He is with you wheresoever you may be. And Allah sees well all
that you do" (Qur'an 57:4).
Since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone
that deserves our devout love and worship. Anything other than Him
is simply His creation.
"That is Allah, your Lord! There
is no god but He, the Creator of all things; then worship Him, and He has
power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His
grasp is over all vision; He is the Sublime, Well-Aware" (Qur'an 6:102-103).
Islam holds to a strict monotheism - Allah has
no partners and is not divided into a trinity.
"Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal,
Absolute. He begets not, nor is He begotten, and there
is none like unto Him" (Qur'an 112:1-4).
Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets,
other human beings or nature is considered idolatry (the worship of idol).
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