Many people around the world turn to religion to find meaning, purpose, and peace. Religion offers answers to life’s biggest questions, guidance for living with integrity, and a sense of belonging within a community. It provides comfort during difficult times, helps shape moral values, and inspires self-improvement and spiritual growth. Whether through tradition, personal choice, or a search for something greater, religion continues to play a powerful role in shaping lives and societies.
Across the world, people follow many religions and beliefs. Each has its own teachings, rituals, and idea of God. But as we discussed in the section on Creator and Creation, our duty is to follow what God Himself revealed—not man-made religions.
What is Chosen by Our Creator (Allah) ?
Allah clearly says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the religion with Allah is Islam.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:19)
“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
These verses show that Islam is not man-made, but chosen by Allah as the true guidance for humanity.
2. Why Islam ?
a) Islam is Universal
Unlike religions tied to a certain nation or time, Islam is for all people until the end of time. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a “mercy to all worlds” (21:107). This proves that Islam is the final and complete guidance.
b) Islam Gives Complete Guidance
Islam covers every part of life—worship, family, justice, morality, spirituality, and even how we treat the environment. No other way of life is so balanced and complete. This is Allah’s wisdom in choosing Islam for us.
c) Islam Matches Human Nature (Fitrah)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every child is born upon the fitrah (natural state of knowing Allah), then his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This means Islam agrees with our natural nature to believe in and worship one Creator. Allah placed that fitrah inside every human being.
d) Islam Continues the Same Message of All Prophets
All prophets—Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all)—taught the same basic truth: worship Allah alone and live righteously. Islam is the continuation and completion of that timeless message.
Islam’s View on Other Religions
- All people are God’s (Allah) creation: Regardless of religion, every human being was created by God (Allah).
- Earlier religions had truth but became incomplete: Judaism and Christianity originally had Allah’s message, but over time their scriptures and practices were changed.
- Other religions that worship many gods or follow man-made ideas are not true guidance.
- The Qur’an is the final preserved revelation: It confirms the truth in earlier books and corrects what was changed.
- Freedom of belief: Islam respects people’s choices. The Qur’an says: “There is no compulsion in religion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256)
Common Ground with Judaism and Christianity
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all Abrahamic religions. They share some beliefs:
- One God: All worship a single Creator (Allah in Islam).
- Prophets: All accept prophets like Moses (Musa ﷺ). Islam also honors Jesus (Isa ﷺ) as a prophet.
- Scriptures: Jews follow the Torah, Christians follow the Bible, Muslims follow the Qur’an.
- Morality: All teach honesty, justice, kindness, and worship of God.
What makes Islam different is that the Qur’an is the final, unchanged guidance, and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the last messenger, completing the message of all earlier prophets.
Islam & Science
many people wonder about the connection between Islam and science. The Qur’an is not a science textbook, but it contains many verses revealed 1400+ years ago that align with modern scientific discoveries. Muslims see these as signs (āyāt) of the truth of Islam.
Here are some examples:
Scientific Proofs in the Qur’an
1. Embryology
The Qur’an describes human development in the womb in detail:
“We created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a drop in a safe lodging. Then We made the drop into a clinging substance (‘alaqah), then into a lump (mudghah), then bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh…” (Qur’an 23:12–14)
- Modern embryology confirms that the embryo goes through stages exactly like alaqah (a clinging clot/leech-like shape) and mudghah (a chewed lump).
- Dr. Keith Moore, a world-renowned embryologist, said the Qur’anic descriptions match modern science, though they were revealed in the 7th century.
2. Mountains as Stabilizers
The Qur’an says:
“And He has placed firm mountains on the earth so it would not shake with you…” (Qur’an 16:15)
- Geology confirms that mountains have deep “roots” that stabilize the earth’s crust, preventing large-scale shifting.
3. Barrier Between Seas
“He released the two seas meeting [side by side]; between them is a barrier they do not cross.” (Qur’an 55:19–20)
- Oceanography discovered that when two seas meet (like the Atlantic and Mediterranean), they don’t mix immediately because of differences in salinity, temperature, and density. This “barrier” was only studied in modern times.
4. Expansion of the Universe
“And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.” (Qur’an 51:47)
- Modern cosmology (Big Bang theory) confirms that the universe is expanding — a fact discovered in the 20th century.
5. The Protective Atmosphere
“And We made the sky a protected ceiling, but they turn away from its wonders.” (Qur’an 21:32)
- The earth’s atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation, meteors, and maintains life — exactly as described.
6. Every Living Thing from Water
“And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Qur’an 21:30)
- Modern biology confirms that water is essential for life — cells and organisms depend on it.
7.The Big Bang
“Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We split them apart?” (Qur’an 21:30)
- Suggests the universe started from a single entity — aligns with the Big Bang theory.
8. Expansion of the Universe
“We are expanding the heaven.” (Qur’an 51:47)
- Aligns with the modern discovery that the universe is expanding.
Conclusion
- These verses were revealed to an unlettered Prophet ﷺ in the 7th century, long before microscopes, telescopes, or modern science.
- Islam encourages science: “Say, travel through the earth and see how He began creation…” (Qur’an 29:20).
- For Muslims, this harmony between Qur’an and science is a strong proof of its divine origin.
The Meaning of Islam and Muslim
The word Islam comes from the Arabic root س-ل-م (S-L-M). It has three connected meanings:
- Peace – calmness, safety, security.
- Submission – giving yourself fully to Allah.
- Safety/Protection – freedom from harm.
| Term | Root Word | Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islam | س-ل-م | Submission, peace, safety | Islam is the way of life where one submits to Allah, gaining peace and protection. |
| Muslim | س-ل-م | One who submits | A Muslim is a person who practices Islam and follows Allah’s commands. |
| Salaam | س-ل-م | Peace, safety, well-being | True peace comes only by submitting to Allah. |
So:
- Islam = the way of submission.
- Muslim = the person who follows it.
- Both come from the same root, showing that peace is found through surrendering to Allah.
Do I Have to Follow Islam ?
If someone believes in Allah (the One God) but does not believe in Islam, it usually means they acknowledge the existence of a Creator but either:
- Do not accept the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final Messenger, or
- Do not accept the Qur’an as Allah’s final revelation, or
- Follow another religion or personal understanding of God while still calling Him “Allah.”
From the Islamic perspective:
- Belief in Allah alone is not sufficient unless it is accompanied by belief in His Messengers, His Books, His Angels, the Day of Judgment, and Qadr (destiny) — these are the pillars of faith (īmān).
- The Qur’an emphasizes that belief in Allah without belief in the Messenger ﷺ is incomplete: “Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make a distinction between Allah and His Messengers, saying, ‘We believe in some but reject others,’ and wish to adopt a way in between – it is they who are truly disbelievers.” (Qur’an 4:150–151)
So, in Islam, true faith (īmān) means not only affirming Allah’s existence but also accepting His Oneness (tawḥīd), worshiping Him alone, and believing in the finality of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Qur’an.
From a practical standpoint, many people around the world believe in God/Allah but do not follow Islam due to upbringing, culture, or personal choice. Islam acknowledges this reality but teaches that the complete path to Allah’s pleasure and salvation is through Islam.
But If …..
If Islam is perfect, how should we understand Muslims who don’t fully follow it or live by its teachings ?
Islam is the truth, and Muslims are its followers. But if a Muslim does not fully follow Islam, it doesn’t change the truth of Islam itself. Islam remains pure and perfect; it is people who may fall short. Everyone is on their own journey, and mistakes or neglect do not erase the truth of the faith. We should respond with kindness, advice, and prayer — not judgment — while remembering that only Allah knows what is in a person’s heart.
Many people say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The same idea applies to religion. Don’t judge Islam by the actions of people who don’t follow it properly. Islam itself is a complete and balanced way of life, but like any set of values, some followers may fall short. A good person can sometimes make mistakes or lie — that does not make goodness or honesty bad values.
In the same way, if someone who calls themselves Muslim does not fully practice Islam, that does not define Islam. To understand Islam fairly, you need to study its primary sources — starting with the Qur’an itself and the most authentic collection of Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari, and see its principles in action. Only then will you see its real beauty — mercy, justice, compassion, and truth.
Final Thought
Islam is not just rituals—it shapes our thinking, speech, and actions. It teaches sincerity, patience, compassion, and accountability. When we follow it, we understand our purpose, live with clarity, and find peace in both this world and the Hereafter.
When we say “Allah chose Islam for us”, it means He gave us a gift—the complete guidance that brings peace, purpose, and hope.
” O Allah, open OUR heart to Your truth, fill it with light and guidance, and make us love and follow what pleases You. Remove from OUR heart any doubt, pride, or resistance. Grant Us sincerity, understanding, and the strength to live by Your teachings. ” Ameen !
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الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ - Visit Blog - Follow Instagram - Join What's App Community