What is the meaning of Islam?

In a Nutshell: Islam, meaning submission to God's will in Arabic, goes beyond mere obedience. It encompasses achieving inner peace, living a purpose-driven life aligned with God's guidance and ultimately attaining salvation. Introduction The word Islam comes from the Arabic root salama, meaning peace, submission and surrender. Islam is a comprehensive religion that guides believers in all aspects of life - spiritual, social, personal and political. Its primary focus is on fostering a deep connection with Allah (swt) and cultivating an unwavering commitment to His divine will. By submitting to Allah's (swt) guidance, Muslims strive to achieve peace - within themselves, their communities and the world at large. Evidences Quranic Verses: Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. (Qur'an 3:19) And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers. (Qur'an 3:85) This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. (Qur'an 5:3) Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.' (Qur'an 2:136) Hadiths: The Prophet (pbuh) said: Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakat, making the pilgrimage to the House if you are able and fasting in Ramadan. (Sahih al-Bukhari) The Prophet (pbuh) said: Islam has been built upon five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakat, making the pilgrimage to the House and fasting in Ramadan. (Sahih Muslim) The Prophet (pbuh) said: The best of faith is that you love for Allah, hate for Allah, that you employ your tongue in the remembrance of Allah, that you love for your brother what you love for yourself and that you hate to return to disbelief after Allah has saved you from it as you would hate to be thrown into the fire. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi) The Meaning of Islam The Arabic word Islam reveals the core essence of the religion. Beyond simply acknowledging God's absolute authority, Islam encompasses the pursuit of peace in all spheres of life. This peace comes from aligning oneself with Allah's (swt) guidance as revealed in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). True submission to God does not equate to blind obedience or suppression of the self. Instead, Islam teaches that when we understand and internalize Allah's (swt) commands, we discover a profound harmony between our desires and His divine will. This conscious surrender unlocks inner peace and empowers us to live a fulfilling life according to our divinely ordained purpose. Islam recognizes that human beings have a natural inclination towards their Creator. This innate disposition, known as the fitrah, is a reminder of the covenant we made with Allah (swt) before our creation. Islam provides a framework to nourish this fitrah and guide us back to our spiritual origin. The pillars of Islam, as outlined in the hadiths, serve as practical steps towards realizing the fullness of submission and peace. Each pillar holds deep symbolism and contributes to the Muslim's spiritual, ethical and social development. Furthermore, Islam emphasizes the importance of intention, sincerity and striving in one's spiritual journey. It teaches that Allah (swt) rewards not only outwardly correct actions but also the pure intentions that lie within the heart. Ultimately, the meaning of Islam extends beyond this life. True submission to Allah (swt) paves the way for eternal peace and salvation in the Hereafter.