What is ISLAM?

[jkhan]

 Peace..

What is ISLAM in Quran?  Well.. In my comprehensive understanding of Quran,  ISLAM means a SYSTEM / MECHANISM as DEEN / DIRECTION to adhere those who call themselves believers in their Creator... Yes. You may differ but it won't make any difference  unless it is truth in others researches.. Truth spoken by anyone is truth and falsehood spoken by anyone remains falsehood.. Individuals are to comprehend it.. Accountable..

Having said that,  what I want to present here is about ISLAM not about the meaning of SURRENDERING or SUBMISSION but aforesaid meaning I clarified, ie  SYSTEM...

Significant point I want to raise here is WHY HISTORICALLY it is accepted that ISLAM BEGAN with Quran or rather with advent of Mohamed?  Is that really true? Or is it fabricated in  the name of Quran and Mohamed by some who came well after Mohamed and Quran since they didn't find a ritualistic religion to their own taste... ISLAM (monotheistic SYSTEM) as a DEEN /DIRECTION was ordained from the time of prophet Ibrahim and all the messengers and prophets came after were given the same ISLAM /SYSTEM and that is well documented proof within Quran...
If so,  let's find some logical answers to below potential concerns..

1... Why Arabs alone claim ISLAM as their Religion.. Yes.. After invasions, non-Arabs accepted that so called ISLAM.. But Arabs are the originator of the religion called 'Islam'...

2... Did Muhamed claim that Islam was his religion and different to all prophets and messengers came before to form a separate religion ?

3... Why so called ISLAM spread through Arabs only if most of the people of the book (Torah and Injeel) were indeed MUSLIMS following ISLAM /SYSTEM?

4... Why genuine Hadu and Nasara of the past never claimed that their RELIGION is ISLAM but they always believed in revelation revealed to them in Torah and Injeel and even Quran and they remained Muslims/Submitters to Allah alone thus they followed the SYSYEM /ISLAM but never claimed their RELIGION itself is ISLAM.. Did they?

5.... How come among the people of the book who were truly believers and dominant to that region never spread a RELIGION called ISLAM while they literally did follow the Islam Deen ?... Doesn't that mean there was NO religion from Allah but only a revelation to follow which is systematic and common to all... 

6.... Was there any religion called as ISLAM until these Arabs called themselves?  If No.. Then,  isn't Islam a religion invented basically through the ARABS of that region and has no connection whatsoever to the absolute truth of Quran which Mohamed and his followers complied to..

7.... Rigid and conspicuous point is no one is a Submitter/Muslim unless they accept a RELIGION called ISLAM while according to Quran Islam/System is a Deen / Direction to follow for the success and that SYSTEM prevails above all Directions / Deen exists ..
8... Simple question... What is the religion of people of scripture or even Bani Israel who were truthful believers? 

9.... Without any element of surprise, Islam was invented and made a religion fundentally based on human touch and giving little icing with Quran to keep it alive. Whoever invented this religion had an agenda.  Quran is full of guidance and knowledge and wisdom in which Islam / system also detailed for believers to abide by.. Entire Quran is not Islam but only Systematic Law mentuoned in Quran is Islam..
The Islam that we see for centuries has its own function and entirely contrary to what is written in Quran...  Word Islam proves it.. Take a look at below verse..
3:85 "
And whoever seeks other than the System / Islam a Direction / Deen- never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers."

A profound and strong verse to reflect...

Above verse, everyone translated "Islam as religion " and word Islam thus became the name of the religion automatically ..

But contrary to that, Allah has constituted the System and completed and presented for believers to take direction from it to practice in life and most significantly NO OTHER Direction / Deen will be accepted other related in the System... Now.. Point to ponder is, ISLAM itself another religion with plethora of fabrications and the Islam has its own identity and following anything other than that is invalidated by this religion...  For example this Islam has five pilars starting from Shahada...  But, carefully note what the verse 3:85 states... "whoever seeks other than Islam Deen WILL NOT be accepted... "

So folks, where is Islam Deen written if not in Quran itself?  Would you want to follow other than Islam Deen which Allah guaranteed will NOT be accepted and unfortunately informed will be LOSERS ?

So,  finally,  ask yourself... 'DO YOU FOLLOW ISLAM DEEN or other ?

After all,  which ISLAM has spread all over the world from some point of time in the past?  Is it Islam that Allah refers in 3:85 or something other than that which Allah refers in same verse? 

Islam is just systematic law to apply in one's life wherever it is necessary but beyond Islam there are many things in Quran to learn since it is full of guidance and wisdom.. So Islam itself cannot be a religion and everything .. Everything in Quran is not Islam.. Try to grasp it... Islam is just one part of believers life cuz it has set of directions to follow..
 

[jkhan]

Peace..

What is ISLAM in Quran?  Well.. In my comprehensive understanding of Quran,  ISLAM means a SYSTEM / MECHANISM as DEEN / DIRECTION to adhere those who call themselves believers in their Creator... Yes. You may differ but it won't make any difference  unless it is truth in others researches.. Truth spoken by anyone is truth and falsehood spoken by anyone remains falsehood.. Individuals are to comprehend it.. Accountable..

Having said that,  what I want to present here is about ISLAM not about the meaning of SURRENDERING or SUBMISSION but aforesaid meaning I clarified, ie  SYSTEM...

Significant point I want to raise here is WHY HISTORICALLY it is accepted that ISLAM BEGAN with Quran or rather with advent of Mohamed?  Is that really true? Or is it fabricated in  the name of Quran and Mohamed by some who came well after Mohamed and Quran since they didn't find a ritualistic religion to their own taste... ISLAM (monotheistic SYSTEM) as a DEEN /DIRECTION was ordained from the time of prophet Ibrahim and all the messengers and prophets came after were given the same ISLAM /SYSTEM and that is well documented proof within Quran...
If so,  let's find some logical answers to below potential concerns..

1... Why Arabs alone claim ISLAM as their Religion.. Yes.. After invasions, non-Arabs accepted that so called ISLAM.. But Arabs are the originator of the religion called 'Islam'...

2... Did Muhamed claim that Islam was his religion and different to all prophets and messengers came before to form a separate religion ?

3... Why so called ISLAM spread through Arabs only if most of the people of the book (Torah and Injeel) were indeed MUSLIMS following ISLAM /SYSTEM?

4... Why genuine Hadu and Nasara of the past never claimed that their RELIGION is ISLAM but they always believed in revelation revealed to them in Torah and Injeel and even Quran and they remained Muslims/Submitters to Allah alone thus they followed the SYSYEM /ISLAM but never claimed their RELIGION itself is ISLAM.. Did they?

5.... How come among the people of the book who were truly believers and dominant to that region never spread a RELIGION called ISLAM while they literally did follow the Islam Deen ?... Doesn't that mean there was NO religion from Allah but only a revelation to follow which is systematic and common to all... 

6.... Was there any religion called as ISLAM until these Arabs called themselves?  If No.. Then,  isn't Islam a religion invented basically through the ARABS of that region and has no connection whatsoever to the absolute truth of Quran which Mohamed and his followers complied to..

7.... Rigid and conspicuous point is no one is a Submitter/Muslim unless they accept a RELIGION called ISLAM while according to Quran Islam/System is a Deen / Direction to follow for the success and that SYSTEM prevails above all Directions / Deen exists ..
8... Simple question... What is the religion of people of scripture or even Bani Israel who were truthful believers? 

9.... Without any element of surprise, Islam was invented and made a religion fundentally based on human touch and giving little icing with Quran to keep it alive. Whoever invented this religion had an agenda.  Quran is full of guidance and knowledge and wisdom in which Islam / system also detailed for believers to abide by.. Entire Quran is not Islam but only Systematic Law mentuoned in Quran is Islam..
The Islam that we see for centuries has its own function and entirely contrary to what is written in Quran...  Word Islam proves it.. Take a look at below verse..
3:85 "
And whoever seeks other than the System / Islam a Direction / Deen- never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers."

A profound and strong verse to reflect...

Above verse, everyone translated "Islam as religion " and word Islam thus became the name of the religion automatically ..

But contrary to that, Allah has constituted the System and completed and presented for believers to take direction from it to practice in life and most significantly NO OTHER Direction / Deen will be accepted other related in the System... Now.. Point to ponder is, ISLAM itself another religion with plethora of fabrications and the Islam has its own identity and following anything other than that is invalidated by this religion...  For example this Islam has five pilars starting from Shahada...  But, carefully note what the verse 3:85 states... "whoever seeks other than Islam Deen WILL NOT be accepted... "

So folks, where is Islam Deen written if not in Quran itself?  Would you want to follow other than Islam Deen which Allah guaranteed will NOT be accepted and unfortunately informed will be LOSERS ?

So,  finally,  ask yourself... 'DO YOU FOLLOW ISLAM DEEN or other ?

After all,  which ISLAM has spread all over the world from some point of time in the past?  Is it Islam that Allah refers in 3:85 or something other than that which Allah refers in same verse? 

Islam is just systematic law to apply in one's life wherever it is necessary but beyond Islam there are many things in Quran to learn since it is full of guidance and wisdom.. So Islam itself cannot be a religion and everything .. Everything in Quran is not Islam.. Try to grasp it... Islam is just one part of believers life cuz it has set of directions to follow..
 

Salam..

Every religion practiced worldwide from ancient time up until now has their own dogma and they all worthless infront of Allah, if they don't follow path of Allah.

3:85 transcend a heavy message to the people who claim we belong to such and such religions. 
"The System / Al Islam as Direction / Deen only will be ACCEPTED " means every other path is waste of effort and time..

No one needs to be in confusion if they follow the Islam which is detailed in Quran's many chapters..  As long as one with immaculate intention converge to God's revelations alone without having to accompany anything away from it, then Guide is non other but Allah....

Isn't 3:85 very manifest in its message that those who follow other than the Islam is LOSERS?  If Allah said so,  could we disregard it or take lightly?

So...  What Islam have we embraced in  our life?  Why not question our selves with serious intent rather than be one of those losers which Allah has warned?

[good logic]

Peace brother, all.

Islam is GOD s only deen. GOD made sure His message/words explain this deen in detail.

Does Qoran connect Islam to any source other than GOD Alone and His revelation?
Islam to GOD  is the only acceptable way of life. It has nothing to do with any bachar ,their sayings or books of consensus.

Why does GOD bother to send His own words if we are to follow/take as source of salvation other authority/human words?

Is GOD not enough as a source of law and religion? Are His words not complete and enough for us?
Does GOD run out of words /books that we require other human books for our Islam to GOD Alone and His authority?
Or has GOD instructed us to follow another authority besides GOD?

What did the "Rasool" leave for us ? GOD s message or his own book/sayings as well and consensus of the Ummah?
What was revealed from GOD only as a message? It cannot be authored by other than GOD  can it?
Then men s words ,their own sayings/books are not GOD s words. So what is "follow what has been revealed by GOD" to us?

How on earth can one prove what any man said unless they witness it or record it with honesty to preserve for others? Has anyone got solid proof that the rasool said all these things or are we to just to believe he did,even if it goes against GOD s words through hearsay?

GOD says clearly "obey the rasool",never obey the Nabi or the man s own words. There is only the message of GOD from the rasool if he is GOD s rasool. Or is he his own rassol giving us his message/sayings separately as well? Or has he left authority with others after him to write books for us?

The rasool has done the job and delivered GOD s message to us. We are making a mockery of GOD s words and following men s words that GOD says to "beware !!!
But one has the choice:GOD Alone or others or GOD with partners in His Deen.
GOD bless you.
Peace.

[Fusion]

Chapter 3 Verse 85 is indeed a very strong verse, and if I understand what Jkhan is implying is the consistent message of Islam as delivered through all prophets. The surrounding verses highlights a covenant made with these prophets, including the last, Muhammad, to uphold and propagate this unified divine message. This divine system (Deen) is portrayed as the only acceptable path, and deviation from it leads to loss. If I get it right, Jkhan underscores the idea that Islam is not just a set of beliefs but a comprehensive system for living, as ordained by Allah and to be followed universally across all of creation, and warns against deviating from it.

Good Logic essentially confirms and supportive with the original content of this thread and offers a stringent critique of non-Quranic sources of Islamic law and teachings (such as Hadiths or traditional Islamists do) and sees any addition to the Quran as potentially problematic and an unwarranted human interference in the divine law.

In my view what is ask here by Jkhan:

DO YOU FOLLOW ISLAM DEEN or other & What Islam have we embraced in  our life?

But I have some questions for both of you.


I appreciate the detailed and focused interpretation of Islam you both present, emphasizing a strict adherence to the Quran as the sole source of divine guidance. However, I am concerned about the implications of such an interpretation for the vast majority of the world's population. According to your discussions, it seems that nearly 99% of people might not meet the criteria you define for true adherence to Islam as described in Quranic verse 3:85. If we consider that each human generation spans roughly 100 years, the figure representing those who do not meet these criteria becomes staggeringly large. Observing religious practices(rituals) in populous nations like India and China, it seems that most individuals do not fit the strict interpretation of Islam you outline. This raises profound questions about the nature of divine mercy.

Given the Quranic depictions of hell—such as in verse 50:30, which questions hell about being filled, and it responds, seeking more, and the description of hell's vastness with seven gates in verse 15:44—contrasted with the descriptions of an expansive paradise in verse 3:133, prepared for the righteous, the scripture seems to offer a nuanced view of afterlife that balances divine justice with profound mercy. My concern is how this balance is reflected in your interpretations?.
Does a strict adherence to your Quran-centric view inadvertently portray a less merciful, more punitive God than the scripture might suggest?

Furthermore, what happens to those countless individuals who, across centuries, may have practiced Islam with sincerity but perhaps focused more on traditional rituals rather than a 100% pure Quranic understanding? They may not have grasped the essence of the teachings as you describe but nonetheless lived morally upright lives. Considering the Quran's emphasis on God's omniscience and mercy, could there be room in your interpretations for the possibility that God judges individuals based on the purity of their intentions and the context of their lives, rather than their strict adherence to practices as you define them?How do we reconcile the potential for vast numbers of people being deemed "LOSERS"!!. with the Quranic portrayal of a merciful and forgiving God?

This question is crucial not just for understanding theological positions but for addressing how these interpretations affect the broader perception of Islam in a diverse and complex world, where billions live in various states of religious practice and belief.

[good logic]

Peace Fusion.

I am not the judge or wakil of anyone. GOD is the sole judge of all the people.Past present and future.

Are you saying these people have been misled through no fault of their own? Are you saying there are some innocent ones that are in the wrong religions?
Then GOD will punish or forgives according to His own knowledge of their convictions.
 GOD talks about the majority here:

Most people, no matter what you do, will not believe.
وَما أَكثَرُ النّاسِ وَلَو حَرَصتَ بِمُؤمِنينَ

 This means disbelievers and pretenders /Hypocrite/ wrong motives/for their own gains...etc
GOD Alone knows who and why.

And this:

The majority of those who believe in God do not do so without committing idol worship.
وَما يُؤمِنُ أَكثَرُهُم بِاللَّهِ إِلّا وَهُم مُشرِكونَ

Of course it is up to GOD.
each will have to sort out his/her salvation, GOD is aware of those on the right path.
GOD bless you.
Peace

[Fusion]

Good Logic, the reality is that many people are unfamiliar with the verses discussed here because they lack knowledge of the Quran. Most are simply trying to manage their daily lives, and for many, the message of the Quran hasn't even been presented for consideration. According to Quran 3:85, Islam is the only religion acceptable in the eyes of Allah, yet many have not had the opportunity to reflect on this faith.

My question revolves around how you reconcile the fact that a vast majority are not even aware of the only Deen acceptable. Jkhan has indeed introduced the right topic, but how do you plan to spread the message of Islam to all those individuals? now that the prophet is already gone.... They aren't reading this thread. Their only exposure to signs might be those within themselves and in the universe, yet so many are entangled in the vicious cycle of daily life, struggling to make ends meet financially.

You rightly pointed out that everyone might need to find their path to salvation based on their own circumstances. Consider the long periods, spanning hundreds of years between prophets—how would people in those times access credible information about the only religion acceptable to Allah? Take, for instance, China during the 11th to 13th centuries. Were they aware of the only acceptable religion passed down from the prophets named in the Quran? Some suggest that every nation had a prophet. There might have been one, but logically, a prophet would need to appear every 100 years; otherwise, people couldn't be held accountable if the message wasn't actively preserved and accurately conveyed for them to either accept or reject.

[amin]

What is islam,

Islam is peace and submission, to me, the religion we have now as claimed as Islam, definitely the majority will not come under that. In the name of Islam, what many so called religious leaders spreading is fear and superstitions.

Being islamic is really difficult, its not suppressing our blessings, but instead use that for the benefit of the community that includes ourselves, our near and dear ones and the ones in need.


Praying without understanding its purpose and claiming the more we do the more we are blessed is not Islamic.
Idolizing a physical symbol/place to be sacred without any purpose of community welfare cannot be Islamic, If prophet Ibrahim should see this, will he not break out those?

Hadeeths are ok, but its just a part that reflects prophets good deeds that should be emulated, but not copied without any meaning, do we need that  strict Arabic dress code in all places,  follow an arabic calendar that doesnt have significance, following some culture and call others who doesnt follow as mushrik, purely all leads to be a hypocrite.


Being islamic or being a muslim, accepting our god and others god are the same, not fall into sectarianism in any form to mock and suppress others, the blessings we get is to work for the welfare and happiness of those who surround us,live as how the praised ones(prophets/great men) lead, taking them as examples.infact the core of Quranic message is this and nothing else.

[jkhan]

Chapter 3 Verse 85 is indeed a very strong verse, and if I understand what Jkhan is implying is the consistent message of Islam as delivered through all prophets. The surrounding verses highlights a covenant made with these prophets, including the last, Muhammad, to uphold and propagate this unified divine message. This divine system (Deen) is portrayed as the only acceptable path, and deviation from it leads to loss. If I get it right, Jkhan underscores the idea that Islam is not just a set of beliefs but a comprehensive system for living, as ordained by Allah and to be followed universally across all of creation, and warns against deviating from it.

Good Logic essentially confirms and supportive with the original content of this thread and offers a stringent critique of non-Quranic sources of Islamic law and teachings (such as Hadiths or traditional Islamists do) and sees any addition to the Quran as potentially problematic and an unwarranted human interference in the divine law.

In my view what is ask here by Jkhan:

DO YOU FOLLOW ISLAM DEEN or other & What Islam have we embraced in  our life?

But I have some questions for both of you.


I appreciate the detailed and focused interpretation of Islam you both present, emphasizing a strict adherence to the Quran as the sole source of divine guidance. However, I am concerned about the implications of such an interpretation for the vast majority of the world's population. According to your discussions, it seems that nearly 99% of people might not meet the criteria you define for true adherence to Islam as described in Quranic verse 3:85. If we consider that each human generation spans roughly 100 years, the figure representing those who do not meet these criteria becomes staggeringly large. Observing religious practices(rituals) in populous nations like India and China, it seems that most individuals do not fit the strict interpretation of Islam you outline. This raises profound questions about the nature of divine mercy.

Given the Quranic depictions of hell—such as in verse 50:30, which questions hell about being filled, and it responds, seeking more, and the description of hell's vastness with seven gates in verse 15:44—contrasted with the descriptions of an expansive paradise in verse 3:133, prepared for the righteous, the scripture seems to offer a nuanced view of afterlife that balances divine justice with profound mercy. My concern is how this balance is reflected in your interpretations?.
Does a strict adherence to your Quran-centric view inadvertently portray a less merciful, more punitive God than the scripture might suggest?

Furthermore, what happens to those countless individuals who, across centuries, may have practiced Islam with sincerity but perhaps focused more on traditional rituals rather than a 100% pure Quranic understanding? They may not have grasped the essence of the teachings as you describe but nonetheless lived morally upright lives. Considering the Quran's emphasis on God's omniscience and mercy, could there be room in your interpretations for the possibility that God judges individuals based on the purity of their intentions and the context of their lives, rather than their strict adherence to practices as you define them?How do we reconcile the potential for vast numbers of people being deemed "LOSERS"!!. with the Quranic portrayal of a merciful and forgiving God?

This question is crucial not just for understanding theological positions but for addressing how these interpretations affect the broader perception of Islam in a diverse and complex world, where billions live in various states of religious practice and belief.

Peace...
GL and Fusion and the rest..

@Fusion..
Long reply be patient...
First and foremost I never said RELIGION..  the word RELIGION is such a misleading word since this world is full of ritualistic religions to which people are devoted or at least calling themselves as his religion.. It's an identity..  Being an atheist too is a religion in which he discard all the religions save his own path/religion... So if they had an identiy in the name of religion and then be accountable for it.. Isn't it fair?

Significant point is...

Why they chose and why they preferred a RELIGION which they inherited through their ancestors or on their own willingness ?  They are accountable for their CHOICE... human is not stupid at all like you sympathied in your above thread.. .. They choose even a simple of things to their lives by reflecting a lot..  Don't they.. Even complicated matters also they give considerable thought... But unfortunately,  they ever ready to go in the footsteps of their forefathers when it comes to religions just to have an identity which they cherish ... Guidance of Allah is not a lottery...  The one who is interested and seeking will be granted but the problem is they are happy with what they have and not like Ibrahim who wanted truth and ascertain who his Lord is... Such truth hunters are in China or Brazil or Japan or India or Africa or America or Europe and you don't know them.. They not rely on their ancestors but they go beyond it and look for truth...  Even how much parents taught about their ancestral religions to one, if he is seeking truth beyond it,  Allah opens His mercy... Those who deserve will get it..
Meanwhile,  just cuz one lived with living Messengers doesn't mean they followed the path of Allah.. They were the worst and almost all nations were destroyed with the wrath and anger of Allah.. Even one happened to live under one roof of a prophet, guidance won't reach unless that person is interested to seek truth of his life though he knows the system / Islam thoroughly .. Needless to bring examples.. But still take a look at the son of Nuh or father of Ibrahim...  They were not interested in the system and they like their own path... So Messengers' presence is nothing unless people have an urge to seek guidance by practicing system.. ...

Let's concur the fact that before Prophet Muhammad every major nations had at least  one Warner a messenger and that's the clear statement of Allah.. And that same Warner / Messnsger will be  WITNESS to their respective Nation in the hereafter.. So don't delve that topic.. We are not historians and we don't know history and it's absolute truth .. Keeping that in mind as truth since Allah stated,  let's move on..
Now,  your issue perhaps after Mohamed.. It means after Mohamed, in this entire world there is no messenger/prophet and the population is innumerable and reaching the Quran and its true essence is hardly impossible for all these Chinese and Indians etc.. That's your concern If I got you right...
You are wrong brother... Guidance of Allah is not locked for anyone who seeks.. Never.. First ask those Chinese whether they are interested in truth or they are seeking truth... Nope.. The one who is interested to seek truth even he is born in remote village of china knowing nothing of Allah's revelation would have reached towards Allah's guidance... Nothing is a barrier between Allah and the one who call Allah for guidance.. Problem is people don't call..

Similarly.. Ask entire Arab nations... Are they willing to seek guidance through QURAN though it's available in their own language and the book is everywhere... Nope.. No difference to the One in China or India or Japan, these Arab nations.. Cuz they all happy and satisfied with their own respective religion and nothing they will keep above their religion what they practice and their ancestors did  .. Allah guides who seek.. Keep that in mind... If I give you a simple analogy 'The one who trying to earn money and working hard to earn it would find one day a way hopefully to earn it and not the one who never want to earn it'...  Same logic.. Mercy of Allah is there but you initiate it and trigger .. Why would Allah push you while he has given us a Brain and heart and vision and hearing and a toung and all signs in nature.. Let people approach in order Allah to show them truth.. Who is in need?  Allah or We? But they all preferred falsehood which they inherited ... And never bothered beyond it save very few people..

So in modern days, no need another Messenger with revelations.. All complete.. For example,  is there any civilized society  who doesn't know of Mobile phones... Nope.. Same way.. Everyone knows  there is a book called Quran.. But who will explore it unless who is interested...everyone is interested in smart phones but not their life's truth.. What is this 'interest for truth' means in a person?  It means he doesn't know truth and not happy with what ancestors legacy.. Such people will find their way cuz they are thirsty for truth... If a person not at all interested in his Creator and His truth why would Allah make him a way... He is only interested in his life.. He enjoys the mercy of Allah in every aspects but consider it natural...  If one gets sick how many places he goes to find a way to cure his illness.. Cuz he is in need.. But human not in need of his Lord and totally forgotton... He is not like that sick person.. Had he been to find truth like he found medicines to his illness reaching all possible grounds,  he would have found truth.. But he never gave any weight to it.. He gave all the weight to his life and indulgence.. So Allah's door is closed..
So don't feel pity for a people who has forgotten his Lord,  and if you really feel pity just herald the message of God.  And be silent.. No one accepts save who seek truth... Having an ancestral religion doesn't mean people are guided  ... Allah is fair  .. Let everyone seek his path... Anyone who steps in on that voyage,  Allah opens him His mercy and guides him. .. Let every human find connection to His Lord.. Then the Islam / the System of Allah is not far for him or her wherever he lives in this Earth  . Allah can reach to his Ibadi when he calls for guidance  ... Would Allah neglect a call from China or Brazil or Africa?  No.. Problem is majority not call Him for help.. And you wrongly assumed that these Arabs calling Him for help  ... Nope Only believers wherever they are calling Allah for help.  Rest of human committing association /shirk to Allah and happy with their own religions even the base of their religion is Allah Himself ..  Even Chinese call a God or Indians call Baghwan or Arabs call Allah. Nothing is worthy if they not call Him alone in their life.. For that they have to find true path and being from their own religion calling Allah or Baghwan or Shiva or whatwver people call to their Creator won't find any worth in Him.. It's just a desperate call and nothing else. Cuz their PATH is not the one they call. 

Another important point I want to emphasize here. . There are / were believers even without reading a single verse of Quran on this earth... Allah can guide directly.. Remember Quran is just a book to enhance and convince one's  faith...  But there are people who never ever approached it.. But they never disbelieved in their Creator.. They always had the faith of their Creator.. They never equaled anyone with Him.. They never followed any human inventions with any intent ... But they always lived with what is right which is naturally inbuilt and they used Allah gifted knowledge to perceive .. There is nothing that is beyond a civilized society could accept and practice in the system / AL Islam. . Most of what Islam enjoins is within the law of many a civilized law. But in the past,  in ancient time most of the communities practiced not only pagan rituals but away from civilized SYSTEM which is cruel ... For example burying girls alive...
ISLAM as a systematic Law is so simple. For example Islam as law ordains people to do charity or look after parents or orders not to marry such and such people or not to drink blood or eat dead animals or not to kill an innocent, lots of law etc etc and all these are so natural in civilized societies. And anything against it,  then civilized societies always raise voice regardless of their respective faith. Islam is inbuilt too but people of the past chosen very coerse path so Allah rejuvanated them with what is right.. All in all Islam is practiced 95 % by world's population but unfortunately those 95% itself not accept their Creator and they associate to Him.. Same as Allah says all SJD and ASLAM but unwillingly most.. So ISLAM is just a DIRECTION of Allah to implement and NOT guidance of Allah... That's why eventhough most on Earth follow Islam/System still not GUIDED.. Islam is just to have a civilized society away from a horrendous uncivilized and optimistic rituals ...

Try to grasp what is Islam within Quran.. As I said earlier entire Quran is not Islam.. Islam is law specified in a nutshell to have a better society. There are lot beyond Islam in Quran by which people can get sheer guidance and enhance their faith and get convinced of the hereafter...

Keep reflecting...  Allah never leave a true seeker in astray..

[good logic]

Peace Fusion.

I trust GOD to sort out the good from the bad in every generation.
Every one will look after themselves and if they seek GOD, GOD will respond according to his knowledge of each one.

You for example, do you want to save your own neck? Then respond to GOD and follow what you know is His message.
GOD is aware of everyone and every thing.
We cannot bog ourselves with situations that are not in our control.GOD will sort it out justly.
Islam to GOD is a relationship with the individual and GOD Alone.
The same for me, I concentrate on my own salvation
GOD s message will reach people by instinct The sincere will be guided
If one does not search for GOD or want to know GOD then they have that freedom too.
GOD will make sure His message reach everyone according to what they can bare.
Then, the choice is clear  each lives life with GOD or without GOD
Every one will be accountable only for their life and what they are able to control.

Everything else is left to GOD to sort out .
GOD bless you.
Peace.

[Fusion]

Peace...
Another important point I want to emphasize here. . There are / were believers even without reading a single verse of Quran on this earth... Allah can guide directly.. Remember Quran is just a book to enhance and convince one's  faith...  But there are people who never ever approached it.. But they never disbelieved in their Creator.. They always had the faith of their Creator.. They never equaled anyone with Him.. They never followed any human inventions with any intent ... But they always lived with what is right which is naturally inbuilt and they used Allah gifted knowledge to perceive .. There is nothing that is beyond a civilized society could accept and practice in the system / AL Islam. . Most of what Islam enjoins is within the law of many a civilized law. But in the past,  in ancient time most of the communities practiced not only pagan rituals but away from civilized SYSTEM which is cruel ... For example burying girls alive...
ISLAM as a systematic Law is so simple. For example Islam as law ordains people to do charity or look after parents or orders not to marry such and such people or not to drink blood or eat dead animals or not to kill an innocent, lots of law etc etc and all these are so natural in civilized societies. And anything against it,  then civilized societies always raise voice regardless of their respective faith. Islam is inbuilt too but people of the past chosen very coerse path so Allah rejuvanated them with what is right.. .......
Islam is just to have a civilized society away from a horrendous uncivilized and optimistic rituals ...
Try to grasp what is Islam within Quran.. As I said earlier entire Quran is not Islam.. Islam is law specified in a nutshell to have a better society. There are lot beyond Islam in Quran by which people can get sheer guidance and enhance their faith and get convinced of the hereafter...
Keep reflecting...  Allah never leave a true seeker in astray..

What you said is very difficult to swallow by those who follow/insist on a religion of rituals and practices but the fact of matter is your words are bitter truth and speaks volumes. I thank you for that.

[Fusion]

I find the book interesting, still reading through it.

What is Islam?: The Quranic Perspective

https://resurgentislam.com/wp-content/uploads/What-is-Islam-By-G.A-Parwez.pdf

Excerpts:
After becoming a religion, Islam, a lively, fully awake
and dynamic system of life, instead of leading the caravan of mankind to its intended
destination, was reduced only to a collection of some lifeless beliefs and soul-less
rituals.

[hawk99]

Peace,

    What is Islam?  Islam is the universal guidance to peace for all of men and jinn.  A system of behaviors
that gives us the best outcome worldwide.  It is a guidance system that creates brotherhood among mankind.
And the deviation from its tenets created what we have seen historically and what is currently in our lives today.

    Being a good person is the instruction from our creator no matter where you live on the planet.
The Quran is a gift that teaches us how to become that good person.

[2:177}  Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

    There are good people all over the planet who submit thru guidance who do not call themselves Muslim.
I would never say that I am a better person than Martin Luther King Jr because he was a Christian or
Ghandi because he was Hindi or man in the artic region or a woman who lives in south America who never
heard of Islam.  That is because The Quran is the final revelation to us however, guidance started a long
time before Muhammad.

God bless


                           

[Fusion]

Peace,

    What is Islam?  Islam is the universal guidance to peace for all of men and jinn.  A system of behaviors
that gives us the best outcome worldwide.  It is a guidance system that creates brotherhood among mankind.
And the deviation from its tenets created what we have seen historically and what is currently in our lives today.

    Being a good person is the instruction from our creator no matter where you live on the planet.
The Quran is a gift that teaches us how to become that good person.

[2:177}  Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

    There are good people all over the planet who submit thru guidance who do not call themselves Muslim.
I would never say that I am a better person than Martin Luther King Jr because he was a Christian or
Ghandi because he was Hindi or man in the artic region or a woman who lives in south America who never
heard of Islam.  That is because The Quran is the final revelation to us however, guidance started a long
time before Muhammad.

God bless


                           

I have one question that often crosses my mind: While guidance began long before, Muhammad is recognized as the final prophet, as indicated in the Quran, affirming the continuity of God's message. So, who bears the responsibility of spreading this true message after Muhammad? If someone hasn't heard about Islam, does a shared responsibility rest upon those who are aware of it, akin to their responsibility towards their own family, to convey the message within reasonable limits? Or should we simply leave everything to God and refrain from any effort? Will there be any accountability from God o the judgement day, and how severe it is, if any?

"Those to whom We gave the Scripture recognize it as they recognize their [own] sons. But indeed, a party of them conceal the truth while they know [it]." (Quran 2:146)

Furthermore, while it is indeed humble to acknowledge that one is not superior to another individual, isn't it also our responsibility to be aware of those who may be conspiring against Islam, the Quran, or God on a larger scale? Are tyrants no longer present in the world as they were in the times of Moses and the Prophets? Should we not speak out against the obvious injustices? Or is everything I've mentioned not reflective of the principles of What is Islam?

[jkhan]

So, who bears the responsibility of spreading this true message after Muhammad?

Keep it simple bruh... Don't bother about Allahs plan... Mohamed as the messenger of Quran didn't SPREAD the message but he delivered the message withouy fail to his community and whoever it reached through Haj... Once the message is revealed and completed,  be it Tora or Injeel or Quran it whatever, SPREADING is not accountable by an individual but Allah takes the responsibility to GUIDE and EXPLAIN Hid revelations..those who look for it would find what they were looking for...
Even while Mohamed was revealing the Quran, only those who were interested would have got updated and not those who didn't care of revelations..
Message already do exist let people find a way if they look for truth of his life and it's purpose, and for the rest it will remain unknown and never opened book cuz they either satisfied with what they know of orthey not at all interested to know any truth since their priority is confined to worldly life as if it is the ultimate life..

So.. Just relax.. Allahs message is not hidden where no one is reachable.  Just look after yourself and seek guidance and herald what you know of the Book...
Thank you

Note..meanwhile..i am reading the book what you shared.. Mind-blowing.. I shared to many people.. Thank you for that book... I suggest everyone read taking your time.. So simple approach and mostly honest and mostly Righy in my perspective... May Allah bless this great man wherever he is..

[Fusion]

Keep it simple bruh... Don't bother about Allahs plan... Mohamed as the messenger of Quran didn't SPREAD the message but he delivered the message withouy fail to his community and whoever it reached through Haj... Once the message is revealed and completed,  be it Tora or Injeel or Quran it whatever, SPREADING is not accountable by an individual but Allah takes the responsibility to GUIDE and EXPLAIN Hid revelations..those who look for it would find what they were looking for...
Even while Mohamed was revealing the Quran, only those who were interested would have got updated and not those who didn't care of revelations..
Message already do exist let people find a way if they look for truth of his life and it's purpose, and for the rest it will remain unknown and never opened book cuz they either satisfied with what they know of orthey not at all interested to know any truth since their priority is confined to worldly life as if it is the ultimate life..

So.. Just relax.. Allahs message is not hidden where no one is reachable.  Just look after yourself and seek guidance and herald what you know of the Book...
Thank you

In this case, I would like to know the purpose, background and message God wants to tell to believers in following verses: Appreciate to have every ones opinion.

"You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah." (Quran 3:110)
In this verses, is not it that we not only follow God's guidance but also are we not one "nation" for good of all humanity?

"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided." (Quran 16:125)
Unless this verse is time specific and only addressing the Prophet.

I understand that Overall, while the Quran may not use the specific phrase "spread the word of God," it repeatedly emphasizes the responsibility of Muslims to convey the message of Islam and invite others to embrace the faith through their words and actions, No?

[And they are] those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of [all] matters." (Quran 22:41)
Even if the concept of Prayer is not intended as ritual, the instructions to the people who faith while oppressed and one day, with the will of God come into power, is to decide affairs for the mass according God's message?

Thank you

[good logic]

Peace Fusion.
What other message do you want us to spread?

Invite to GOD s message-Qoran- and live by that message  There is no other message.

" And remind with it..."
Of course some people will not like that and they keep bringing all sorts of "excuses":

" When you  remind with/preach your Lord using Qoran alone , They will run away/revert to their own ways/message."
GOD has not asked us to preach our understanding of it. He alone explains His message.
That is it.
GOD bless you.
Peace
 

[Euphoric]

It is not Islam it's AL-Islam, that is the title or name of the Deen 3:19, 3:85, 5:3, 6:125, 39:22 that was brought by Muhammad to his people.

Names are not translated.

Only AL-ISLAM is used in the Quran, not islam.

AL-ISLAM did not exist prior to Muhammad. No prophet or messenger is being quoted as bringing AL-ISLAM.

MUSLIM is used both as a name of a group of people and as a description. You need an understanding of Arabic to see the differences in the Quran.

People who followed their prophet or messenger were called Muslims and Mumins. Again, both are used as names and also descriptions and you have to understand Arabic to know the difference.

But none are said to be following AL-ISLAM before Muhammad.

Peace..
What is ISLAM in Quran?  Well.. In my comprehensive understanding of Quran,  ISLAM means a SYSTEM / MECHANISM as DEEN / DIRECTION to adhere those who call themselves believers in their Creator... Yes.

Both AL-ISLAM and AL-QURAN came for Muhammad and his people in their language.

[jkhan]

It is not Islam it's AL-Islam, that is the title or name of the Deen 3:19, 3:85, 5:3, 6:125, 39:22 that was brought by Muhammad to his people.

Names are not translated.

Only AL-ISLAM is used in the Quran, not islam.

AL-ISLAM did not exist prior to Muhammad. No prophet or messenger is being quoted as bringing AL-ISLAM.

MUSLIM is used both as a name of a group of people and as a description. You need an understanding of Arabic to see the differences in the Quran.

People who followed their prophet or messenger were called Muslims and Mumins. Again, both are used as names and also descriptions and you have to understand Arabic to know the difference.

But none are said to be following AL-ISLAM before Muhammad.

Both AL-ISLAM and AL-QURAN came for Muhammad and his people in their language.

The conundrum here is non other but mentality of being an Arab and the Quran being in Arabic, some Arabs ever boasting.

Just because of the reason the definite article AL is placed in front of a word, won't give you the comfort and freedom of calling it as it is without TRANSLATING to another language.. Yes.. Arabs can call AlIslam as their Direction /Deen.. What else they would call? On the contrary, when the Quran / The recitation is translated nothing should be left untranslated unless it is names of a person or place etc.. Every other word should be translated in order for the reader to comprehend in his translated language leaving no confusion .

For instance, AL-FURQAN 2:185 AL-KITAB etc joined with AL and they don't remain as AL-FURQAN for readers in other languages..

Having elucidared that,  I  also refering Al-Islam only which perfectly gives the meaning of The System and not emphasising the other meaning of Islam which is submission /surrendering...

The System / AL islam is not initiated with mohamed and Allah's System for people to follow never changed from Ibrahim . They all followed The System instituted by Allah and it is called in Arabic language AlIslam and it would have been called in other ways by respective prophets' languages?  Why would they call AlIslam while their language is not Arabic?  Even words like Allah or Arrahman,  if the language is different then the wording also different though meaning is same.. Would anyone on this earth call ALLAH OR AARAHMAN or ARRAHEEM except ARABS? but would that mean no previous Messengers ever called ALLAH OR ARRAHMAN OR ARRAHEEM in their language?  What did Sulaiman write at the beginning of his letter?  What did Maryam call Ar'Rahman?  What did Nuh say when embarking in the ship stating in the name of God?  Were all these arabic?

If Allah's  System is same from Ibrahim specifically then why would AlIslam should begin from Mohamed?  What was the Deen/Direction of previous messengers then called ?
Al Islam is just an Arabic word to refer The System..
Muslim is not the one who FOLLOW completely the AL ISLAM / THE SYSTEM.. But Muslim / Submitter has just accepted Allah / The God  in his life without associating others with Him.. Al Islam has nothing to do with just who became a submitter /Muslim.. But indeed AL Islam The System is the Deen / Direction that Muslim has to follow if he wants to be a true Mumin..

Yaqub said to his children in the death bed,  never die except a Muslim / Submitter or Surrerndered person to Allah and they all had The System.. without THE SYSTEM what the heck was revealed in previous Scriptures?  Fancy fairy tales? No sense?

Al Islam / The sound Law OR the System as Deen / Direction is complete 5:3

Arabs pls never change.. Your Deen is AL Islam detailed in Quran.. But know what AlIslam is  because Allah won't accept other than than the Al Islam as Deen.. Ensure what deen you adhere in life.. That's all..

[Fusion]

I see that the discussion is turning towards the linguistic distinctions in understanding the Quranic text, particularly regarding terms like "Islam," "AL-Islam," "Muslim," and "Mumin."
So does this mean that we should pay attention to the importance of linguistic and cultural context (Arabic/Arabs) in interpreting Quran? This could be so for certain specific things but the essence of Quran is to follow the same Deen which has been there since the beginning... is that what you want to convey??

My question to Euphoric with all respect on wording of his statements (and this is for me to understand from where is he coming from and no offence please):

 "..it's AL-Islam, that is the title or name of the Deen 3:19, 3:85, 5:3, 6:125, 39:22 that was brought by Muhammad to his people."

"People who followed their prophet or messenger were called Muslims and Mumins....."

Your statements seems to suggest that Muhammad introduced a religion called "Al-Islam" to the Arab people of his time, and now we all follow him(person). However, I respectfully disagree with this assertion. As Muslims, we follow only God (Allah) and His message. We believe that Muhammad is a messenger of God, and his role was to confirm what was already revealed to previous nations and prophets by God. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that Muhammad brought a new religion or "deen." Rather, he conveyed the same fundamental message of monotheism and righteousness that has been reiterated throughout history by various prophets.

قُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ ١٣٦
Say, ˹O believers,˺ "We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit."

There are several other verses where God has mentioned the name of Mohammad and other prophets by name and explain that it is the same message that he revealed to all of those prophets, implying a universal Deen of Allah.

[Wakas]

Simply having "al" in front of a word does not make it a title or name in Arabic.

The meaning of the word is its primary significance, not as a title/name. When Quran relates stories to us of past prophets it relates them to us in Arabic, and it commonly mentions them or their contemporaries using the words "muslim" for example but obviously the past prophets were not speaking Arabic they would have used whatever was the equivalent in their language at the time. Let's say it was "jimmyjambob". Assigning any kind of specialness to "jimmyjambob" then exposes the ridiculousness of treating it as a title first and foremost.

https://misconceptions-about-islam.com/misconception.php?id=41

http://www.studyquran.co.uk/PRLonline.htm
aslama vb. (4)
perf. act. 2:112, 2:131, 3:20, 3:20, 3:20, 3:83, 4:125, 5:44, 6:14, 27:44, 37:103, 49:14, 49:17, 72:14
impf. act. 6:71, 16:81, 31:22, 40:66, 48:16
impv. 2:131, 22:34, 39:54
n.vb. 3:19, 3:85, 5:3, 6:125, 9:74, 39:22, 49:17, 61:7
pcple. act. 2:128, 2:128, 2:132, 2:133, 2:136, 3:52, 3:64, 3:67, 3:80, 3:84, 3:102, 5:111, 6:163, 7:126, 10:72, 10:84, 10:90, 11:14, 12:101, 15:2, 16:89, 16:102, 21:108, 22:78, 27:31, 27:38, 27:42, 27:81, 27:91, 28:53, 29:46, 30:53, 33:35, 33:35, 39:12, 41:33, 43:69, 46:15, 51:36, 66:5, 68:35, 72:14

[good logic]

GOD has explained what happens every time He sends scripture to correct the last deviation of the people from His message and its corruption by them:
They hijack GODs authority, deviate from His deen/Islam and give themselves a high position as GOD s favourites.
They get devoted to a made up religion and think they are the only ones blessed by GOD.

Then they think they have the truth from GOD and defend their false man made religion to any length.

The status quo continues with successive generations thinking their language that GOD sent His scripture with is holy and their religion is the truth.

GOD sent the scriptures in the language of those receiving it, it is the only way to communicate efficiently with them. No other reason.
Stop thinking your language or your race or your false religion will save you, if you do, it is wishful thinking.
Following GOD s system is open for all people of all races  GOD s last scripture is available to all regardless of language.
Submitting/following GOD s message is leading your life according to GOD s instructions and commands as  best one understands them by studying and trusting in GOD and His guidance.,

GOD bless you all.
Peace.