What is Islam?

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

"Verily, all praise is due to Allah. It is due to Him, and to Him alone. We praise Him and we seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our own selves and from the evil of our actions. And whomsoever Allah guides, there is none to misguide him, and whomsoever Allah leads astray none can guide him aright. I testify that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, alone with no partner, and I testify that Muhammad (SAWS) is His slave and messenger. Indeed the best speech is the book of Allah, and the best guidance is that of Muhammad (SAWS). The worst affairs are the newly invented matters, for every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire."

Islam in its simplest form is submission to Allah in every sense of the word. It is a complete way of life. It tells man about the purpose of his creation and existence, his ultimate destiny and his place among other creatures. More importantly, it provides us with guidance (hidayah) to lead a balanced and purposeful life which will enable him to avoid the hellfire (Jahannam) and be rewarded with a place in paradise (Jannah) in the life after death. The Arabic word 'Islam' means voluntary surrender to the will of Allah and obedience to his commands. Allah, also an Arabic word, is the unique name of God. Allah is the universal creator of all mankind. The Islamic way of life is based on total obedience to Allah. This is the way to obtain peace both in this world and the hereafter; hence, Islam also means peace.