Source/Credit: The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
By Imam Shamshad A. Nasir | April 21, 2012
Islam is the last of the great religions and contains in itself the essential principles of all earlier religions. The scripture of Islam was sent down by God to His messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him), as verbal revelation some 1400 years ago and was compiled into the Holy Quran. The Quran is, in essence, a continuation of God's revelation given to earlier messengers such as Abraham, Moses, Noah, David and Jesus (peace be upon them all).
In fact, Islam is the only religion that requires its followers to believe in all earlier scriptures and messengers from God. This element of universality is unique to Islam and goes beyond the traditional barriers set up between religions. Islam not only endorses the holy status of all of God’s earlier messengers and revealed books, but also of any future non-Law-bearing messengers whom God may send and who would be subservient to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Islam brings together the best of all earlier teachings and offers far greater insight than previous religions about the various attributes of God, the purpose of sending messengers, the nature of the Day of Judgment, and man's relationship with his Lord. It is not confined to any ethnic group or nation, but is proclaimed by God in the Holy Quran to be the religion for all of mankind for all time.
The word Islam means "peace" and "obedience" which are derived through submission to God in the form of daily acts of worship and service to humanity. It requires giving up worldly desires in favor of spiritual achievements, moral courage in undertaking what one believes to be right and abstaining from what one believes to be wrong.
Muslims – the followers of Islam – are required by God to have high regard for human values and to care for and respect the feelings of others. These are the core values which elevate the status of mankind and it is these qualities which are essential for the spread of love and affection.
The teachings of Islam on religion are very clear. We Muslims are commanded that every person’s religion is a matter strictly between him and God Almighty. Our Holy Book, the Quran, is very clear that there is no compulsion in religion. It is also absolutely essential for each and every person to fulfill the rights owed to his fellow man because this is the only way that an atmosphere of peace, reconciliation and harmony can be developed.
-- Islam and its meaning
-- Imam Shamshad A. Nasir
-- Published Saturday, April 21st, 2012 in The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
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