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). "Islamonline.com"