Islam is an Arabic word which means 'surrender'. This means to accept the power of Allah, and follow His Commands. Happiness in this life and success in the life after death can only be obtained by obeying Allah.
Islam is not just a religion, but a complete way of life. This means that it shows us how to live all aspects of our lives in the best possible way.
There are five pillars on which Islam stands, they are:
- To firmly believe in the heart and declare' Laa ilaaha illallaah, Muhammadur-Rasulullah'
"There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.". This is what is meant by Iman (Belief)
- To pray five times a day (perform Salah).
- To pay Zakat.
- To fast during the month of Ramadhan.
- To go on Hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah once in a lifetime if one can afford it.
A person who accepts Islam is called a Muslim. It means 'one who surrenders.' A Muslim is required to do all that Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) have asked of them, and to keep away from doing things which Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) have told not to do.
Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) have told us to do good deeds, like being dutiful to our parents, helping others who are less fortunate and to be kind to animals.
(Truly, the religion with Allah, is Islam - Al-Imran, 3:19)
