1.1 The Meaning of Islam


What is Islam or what does the word 'Islam' means? Yes, you may say it is a religion. When you define it as a religion, you are looking at the terminological meaning. Islam can be defined in three ways, the literal, technical and terminological ways. If you say it is a religion that is revealed by Allah, it is the terminological meaning. Terminological meaning is a meaning which used in the real context. What would be the literal and technical meaning of Islam?

Literally, the word 'Islam' has two meanings:
Submission, surrender and obedience
Peace and security

Submission, surrender and obedience (from the word ....).

The meaning is derived from the word (أسلم - يسلم - اسلاما) which means to bow, to obey and submit. Hence, Islam means to bow, to obey and to submit oneself to the commands of Allah SWT, the Sole Creator and Administrator of All Universe.

Do you aware that there are two kinds of submission? One is compulsory submission, and another one is willing submission. Both types of submission are mentioned in the Holy Quran as follows:

1.1 The Meaning of Islam


Compulsory submission (everything in creation)

والشَّمْسُ تَجْرِي لِمُسْتَقَرٍّ لَّهَا ذَلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

"And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing" (Ya Sin : 38)

أَفَغَيْرَ دِينِ اللّهِ يَبْغُونَ وَلَهُ أَسْلَمَ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

"Do they seek for other than the religion of God? – While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing of unwilling, bowed to His Will (accepted Islam), and to Him shall they all be brought back" (Al 'Imran : 83)

Willing submission/Submission by Choice (the submission of the believer)

وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الإِسْلاَمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

"If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to God), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good)". (Al 'Imran : 85)

1.1 The Meaning of Islam


Peace and Security

The meaning is derived from the word (سلم - يسلم - سلما) which means safe, peace and security. How the word سلما relate to the word إسلام? Can you explain that? By bowing, obeying and submitting totally to the commandments of Allah SWT with, one will feel the safety, peace and security. Allah SWT will save him/her from HIS wrath. When one is free from Allah's wrath and the incitement of the devils (الشياطين), he/she will experience peace of mind and heart. He/she will be feeling secure because he/she strongly believes that Allah SWT will always be with him/her if he/she obey Allah's commandment. No fear to others except to Allah SWT only.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ادْخُلُواْ فِي السِّلْمِ كَآفَّةً وَلاَ تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

"O we who believe! Enter into Islam wholeheartedly; and follow notthe footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you and avowed enemy" (Baqarah : 208)

Now, let us look at the technical meaning of the word Islam. The word Islam technically means a willing submission to the Will of Allah SWT, the God of the universe with unqualified consent by fulfilling His Wills and Commandments and avoiding what are forbidden by Him.