What is Islam???

[naseeha]

As someone who does not follow the teachings of Islam you may have heard many different things about Islam and the Muslims. Let us take this into perspective, whether or not we believe (consciously) that there is a God, our sub-conscious mind already believes in this God.

Any psychologist would tell you that in most instances the first word that comes out of a person, usually reflects the way that he feels, deep within his sub-conscious mind. This is why they have developed such techniques as automatic writing etc. An example is the little baby that cries. When he is in need of sustenance, who is the first that he calls? He calls out "Mommy!". Why does he do this? His "mommy" is the epitome of sustainers to him even if he does not know it, so he calls her.

Now take into consideration the atheist, he says "there is no God!", but who is the first that he calls when there is trouble. He says " Oh God!". It follows logically, that even though a man may say that he does not believe in God, deep within his heart he actually recognizes the almighty.

The muslims believe in this same fact. Our approach is to simply believe in this God, know that we cannot see him but surely he sees us. Now ask yourself, "If God was continuously watching over you, would you still go out and commit all the sins that you do, or would you go through life carefully, constantly thinking about him and aiming to please him?"

This is the main focus of Islam.

Now further, "What is a muslim?"

The word "muslim" literally means "he who submits to the will of God". For example, the sky submits to the will of God when he gives the command to rain, therefore the sky is a muslim. Your body submits to the will of god when he says to rest, therefore your body is a muslim. EVERYTHING that submits to the will of God is a muslim, literally speaking.

Now think further. Are you not tired of all the different views on who is this God? One person says one thing about God then another person says quite another. Do you not feel like believing in this God, worshipping him, and forgetting all these different views on who he is. Like simply forgetting all this confusion and just believing in this one God??!!

If this is how you feel then you actually already have faith in what the muslims believe. This is the essence of our faith. "There is a God. Worship him!" Forget all the confusion about who is God. The important thing is that he exists and we need to realize that. The only difference is that we use the Arabic word meaning God, i.e. Allah.

Now the question is: How do we know how to worship God?

We cannot just simply worship him any way we like, we need worship him in a way that would reflect that he is the greatest being that is in existence.

But how do we do this?

There has to be someone to show us. A man just like ourself who has a direct connection with God and does not claim to be God himself. A man who does not require us to worship him. But instead teaches us to worship the almighty.

Historically speaking, the best man for this is the man who the muslims believe is the prophet of God, i.e. Muhammad, upon whom be peace.

After considering all the above we can draw the following conclusions:

There is really a God

We need to worship him

He must have sent down someone to teach us the way of worship

Now if you believe in this then you are essentially a muslim. All it takes to become a muslim is testifying that there is no other God but the true God and that he sent down Muhammad (u.w.b.p) as a messenger and a guide to teach us how to worship him.

If after reading this you believe in this God then email us. If you have any further questions on Islam or if there is any other matter that you would like to address us on then just email us and we will gladly reply to you. Your responses are very much appreciated.

PEACE BE UNTO YOU - ASSALAAMU ALAIKUM