Islam is one of the most beautiful and deeply meaningful words in the Arabic language. Yet, many misunderstand what it truly stands for. To discover the real meaning of Islam, we must return to its original source — the Qur’an.
What Does the Word “Islam” Mean?
The Arabic word “Islam” (الإسلام) comes from the root S-L-M, which means:
- Peace (Salaam)
- Submission
- Safety and Wholeness
Therefore, Islam literally means “submission to the will of Allah in peace.”
A Muslim (مسلم) is “one who submits to Allah.”
This submission is not about force or fear — it’s about trust, love, and surrender to the Creator. When a person truly submits to Allah, they find inner peace and live in harmony with others.
Islam in the Qur’an
1. The Only True Way of Life
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.”
— Qur’an 3:19
The Qur’an teaches that Islam is not a new religion that began with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
It is the eternal way of submission to the One God, followed by all Prophets — from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
2. The Faith of Abraham
“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim (one who submits to Allah).”
— Qur’an 3:67
“When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit (Aslim),’ he said, ‘I have submitted (Aslamtu) to the Lord of the worlds.’”
— Qur’an 2:131
From these verses, it’s clear that Islam is not a label — it’s a state of the heart that surrenders to Allah’s will.
3. Islam Brings Peace and Guidance
“O you who believe! Enter into peace (Islam) completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan.”
— Qur’an 2:208
Here, Islam is directly linked to peace (Salaam).
When a person follows Allah’s commands, they experience peace in their soul, in their family, and in their community.
The Essence of Islam: Peace Through Submission
| Core Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Faith | Believe in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed) |
| Purpose | Submit to Allah’s will with sincerity |
| Lifestyle | Live righteously and do good deeds |
| Result | Inner peace and eternal success |
“Whoever submits his face to Allah and is a doer of good — he has grasped the firmest handhold.”
— Qur’an 31:22
Conclusion
The real meaning of Islam according to the Qur’an is simple yet profound:
🌿 Peace through submission to Allah.
Islam is not merely a religion; it’s a complete way of life that leads to harmony, justice, and spiritual peace. By surrendering to Allah with sincerity, a believer finds the true meaning of freedom — the peace that only faith can bring.
