What Is Islam

Islam is a religion based on the surrender to God who is One. The very name of the religion, "ISLAM" in Arabic, means submission and peace, for it is in submitting to God's will that human beings gain peace in their lives in this world and in the Hereafter.

The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant.

The follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim's other beliefs are: God's angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayers, payment of Zakat (alms), keeping fasts in the month of Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Each person is born pure. Human beings are given a choice between good and evil and to seek God's pleasure through faith, prayer, charity and in their daily conduct. Islam's main message is to worship God and to treat all God's creation with kindness and compassion.

Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Women's rights were safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the test of time. In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless of human changes.

Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a relationship with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope and courage.

At present there are 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide and they constitute the majority in more than 50 countries. Islam is the fastest growing faith in the world. In Canada, Islam is largest non-Christian religion with over 650,000.