What Is Islam ?

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers - We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.” (Surah An-Nisa 4/115)

“Whoever says ‘I have accepted Allah as Lord, Islam as religion and Muhammad as my prophet’ will definitely enter Heaven.” The life in this world is a temporarily journey and absence from home for humankind. Therefore, every person yearns for the heaven, wants a life like heaven, and seeks for the beauty of heaven everywhere. Islam teaches humans the ways to realize the desire for heaven which is ingrained in their soul.

“Almighty Allah ordered: “O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.” (Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 55) Oppression is not giving their due to the right-holder, and using a being where they do not deserve. Oppression is the common name for any type of torture, injustice, remorselessness, and inequality.

“And we have certainly established you upon the earth and made for you therein ways of livelihood. Little are you grateful.” (Surah Al-A'raf 7/10) Gratitude is giving thanks to Allah sometimes with heart and with words at others, and confessing that they can maintain a life thanks to His blessings.

“Say I affirm my faith in Allah and then remain steadfast to it.” Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) (Muslim, Iman, 62) Truthfulness is a universal principle of morality and refers to having one’s heart on one’s sleeve, and the compliance between peoples’ intentions, words, and actions. Indeed, being truthful, trustful and honest have a significant place in Islamic ethics.

“But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and reforms, indeed, Allah will turn to him in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5/39) The Almighty Allah created humankind with a natural tendency to good and truth, and blessed them with potential powers such as reason, consciousness, will and emotion.

“If the final Hour reaches upon one of you while there is a sapling in his hand, then finish planting it.” Prophet Muhammad (saw) (Ibn Hanbal, 3/184) Allah (swt) has introduced people to the environment, told them the meaning codes of the universe, and taught them how to develop a relationship with nature since the day their life on earth has begun. There are numerous verses in the Holy Qur’an expressing the functioning of the universe, the balance and order between creatures, the purpose of creation of each and that they are the evidences of the existence, power and wisdom of Allah.

“The most benevolent among you is the one who is benevolent to his family. I am the most benevolent to my family among you.” Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) (Tirmidhi, Manaqib, 63) Establishing a family and raising new generations is a model of life insistently recommended in Islam. The Holy Qur’an presents the ties of communication and mercy between a man and woman as the evidence of Allah’s existence, and the family as His blessing.

“Does man think that he will be left neglected?” (Qiyamah, 75/36) Allah the Almighty made humans special by giving them “reason” and “will” unlike other creatures. He equipped them with various capabilities and gave them freedom to perform the decisions they make. He wanted that humans use their will in favor of the truth and goodness, and use their realm of freedom with the awareness of responsibility.

“I have not been sent as the invoker of curse, but I have been sent as mercy.” (Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 87) "Verily My Mercy overcomes My Anger." (Buhari, Tevhid, 22) He states that “My mercy has passed My rage.” and forgives people by force of this mercy. He (swt) wants people to be merciful and behave mercifully.