Islam is not a Religion

The word Islam is not the name of a religion. The word Islam in Arabic means 'submission to God's Will'. And the word Muslim means someone that has 'submitted to the Will of God'. Islam is a natural way of life that encourages one to give due attention to their relationship with God and all His Creations.

Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of God that a soul will find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word 'salam' or peace by submitting to God's Will. Submission to the good will of God, together with obedience to His Law is the best safeguard for human's peace and harmony.


Therefore, only by having the word Islam in a person Identification Card won't make anyone a Muslim. Only by submission to the Will of God would made a person a Muslim. And one cannot submit to God without humility. Only by having a humble and submissive heart to God would make a person as a Muslim.

There are many more people out there who are Muslim in heart, but may not be aware of them. Furthermore, they themselves may not know where to fit in. How can one know if he or she might qualify to be called a Muslim? The minimum criteria to be a Muslim are given in the following verses. The Quran says:

"Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the Sabeans; anyone who:

(1) believes in GOD,
(2) believes in the Last Day, and
(3) leads a righteous life,

...will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve." (QS 2:62 and QS 5:69)



Wallahu'alam