Sahih al-Bukhari 45
Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: Once a Jew said to me, “O the chief of believers! There is a verse in your Holy Book Which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day (on which it was revealed as a day of celebration.” ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab asked, “Which is that verse?” The Jew replied, “This day I have perfected your religion For you, completed My favor upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3) ‘Umar replied,”No doubt, we know when and where this verse was revealed to the Prophet. It was Friday and the Prophet (ﷺ) was standing at ‘Arafat (i.e. the Day of Hajj)”
- Islam, as a religion and way of life, is rooted in the concept of submission to the will of God. The term “Islam” itself means submission or surrender to God’s commands. It encompasses not only a set of beliefs and rituals but also a comprehensive framework that guides every aspect of a believer’s life. By submitting to the will of God, Muslims acknowledge His sovereignty and recognize His authority over all matters. It entails obeying His commandments, following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and adhering to the principles and values laid out in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Islam provides a complete way of life, offering guidance and instructions for individuals in all spheres of life, including personal conduct, family life, social interactions, economic affairs, and governance. It addresses matters of faith, spirituality, morality, ethics, law, and justice. Islam encourages its followers to live in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, promoting virtues such as honesty, compassion, generosity, humility, and justice. In essence, Islam is not limited to being merely a religious belief system but rather a comprehensive way of life. It provides a framework for Muslims to navigate the challenges and complexities of the world while seeking spiritual growth and closeness to God. It emphasizes the importance of integrating religious principles into all aspects of life, seeking harmony between faith and daily actions. Thus, the essence of Islam as a deen (way of life) lies in submission to the will of God and embracing it as a complete way of life. By surrendering to God’s guidance and striving to align one’s actions with His commands, Muslims aim to find peace, fulfillment, and ultimate success both in this world and the hereafter.
