Submission
In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[3:19] The only religion approved by GOD is "Submission." ...
[3:85] Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers.
What is Islam? Submission?
It is crucial to understand that the present day Islam as seen worldwide has nothing to do with the real religion of Islam. All religions of the world - Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others - have been severely corrupted through innovations, traditions, and the idolization of humans such as the prophets and the saints. The true religion of Islam is that of submission to the One God, the Lord of the Universe. It is the religion of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad... and has been since the time of Adam.
“Islam” is simply an Arabic word which means “submission to God.” One who submits to God is a “Muslim,” an Arabic word which means “submitter.” Anyone can be a “Muslim” if he or she worships God Alone. From the Quran, chapter 2, verse 62:
Unity of All Submitters
[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
This shows that all believers are united in the worship of ONE GOD.
GOD has proclaimed: "Do not worship two gods; there is only one god. You shall reverence Me alone." [16:51]
To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth and therefore, the religion shall be devoted absolutely to Him alone. Would you worship other than GOD? [16:52]
O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should be observed, and do not die except as Submitters. [3:102]
We sent down to you this scripture, truthfully; you shall worship GOD, devoting your religion to Him alone. Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers. [39:2-3]
Therefore the way of life decreed by God is submission to His will, and to Him alone, in service and worship.
Islam was not founded by Muhammad-he was the Prophet through whom the Quran was revealed. But Islam, submission to God, has been around since Adam and Eve. There are certain practices which are part of Islam. These practices were given by God to Abraham and passed from generation to generation, and they help us focus on God, so that we can grow in our submission. They are sometimes referred to as the “five pillars of Islam.”
Dividing the religion into sects - Wrong
At the time of the prophet Muhammad, there were no sects. Yet today, we see a religion so divided and corrupted by innovations and idolatrous practices that it is no longer the religion followed by Muhammad and those before him.
Religious Sects Condemned
[6:159] Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD, then He will inform them of everything they had done.
Sectarianism Condemned
[30:32] (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.
Only One Religion
Monotheists vs Idol Worshipers
[42:13] He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it." The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit.
Believers are United
[3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do not be divided. Recall GOD's blessings upon you - you used to be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you therefrom. GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided.
The Quran, which is the Final Testament, considers all religions devoted to God alone as being valid and acceptable, as long as certain minimal criteria are met. Devotion to God alone guarantees salvation. It’s the duty of all humans -whether they consider themselves Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, or any other religion-to recognize the absoluteness of God as Lord of the Universe and not place any idols besides Him.
Is Allah the same as God?
"Allah" is simply the Arabic word for God, just as "Dios" is the Spanish word for God. It’s one and the same God.
[7:180] To GOD belongs the most beautiful names; call upon Him therewith, and disregard those who distort His names. They will be requited for their sins.
[17:110] Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him the Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names."...
Islam is a way of life; it permeates all aspects of your day. By recognizing that God is in full control of everything-To God belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth, and all matters are controlled by God. [3:109]-Muslims are able to submit their will to the will of God and know that everything that happens happens for a reason.
Divine Law
[64:11] Nothing happens to you except in accordance with GOD's will. Anyone who believes in GOD, He will guide his heart. GOD is fully aware of all things.
Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers. [3:85]
Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know. [30:30]
Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous. [2:130]
Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth. Absolutely, there is no god except GOD. Absolutely, GOD is the Almighty, Most Wise. [3:62]
Read More:
The Five Pillars of Islam (Submission)
Practices of Submission