Why the name "Islam"?

[Darth Ultor]

I've been wondering, why is the religion called Islam? Islam means submission (to the will of God). To me, submission implies surrender, as if we were in a war with God and lost it, thus are not doing it by choice.

 

[Zuzubu]

It means to obey God, to pray. We are not mighty enough to fight with Allah. But you can translate it as surrender, if you wish. It has more meanings. =)

 

[Perseveranze]

You forgot the peace part.

 

[- Malak -]

Islam means obey to God. God ask you pray, fasting ,.. other worships you obey to his will.

the obvious example to obey meaning : when Allah asked Angles to prostrate to Adam. they did except Iblees refused (he doesn't obey to God )

 

[- Qatada -]

You surrender yourself whole-heartedly to God, knowing that He is wiser than us. And He wants only that which is good for us.

 

[siam]

Islam means (willing)submission/surrender (to God's will). The root word comes from the same word "salam" meaning Peace---so this willing surrender to God's will leads to peace---because Islam is Guidance for the benefit of man by the most Merciful, the most Compassionate.

If God had so willed---he could have taken away our free-will and we would be automatically be muslims (ones who submit---to God) because all nature submits to God's will. But he chose to give us the liberty of choice through the gift of free-will. So instead of imposing his will---he sends Guidance through messengers/Prophets/wisdom teachers and holy books. This leaves open the way for human beings to decide for themselves if they will chose his Guidance or not. This freedom makes any surrender/submission one that is voluntary/willing.

Guidance/Islam is for the benefit of human beings---(God does not have any needs/desires.) Thus when we follow Guidance, we attain harmony and balance and this brings us to peace. The Guidance of the Quran is about both inner peace (spirituality) and outer peace (society)

 

[Ubeyde]

Islam has three meanings if I remember correctly, with all three of these factors in Balance and then can we truely submit ourselves to the will of Allah Ta'ala.

It means peace, obediance and submission to Allah.

 

[Perseveranze]

Give me one thing in this life that you don't "surrender" or "submit" to? You surrender to your countries governing laws, to your work rules, you even submit to yourself when your forced to sleep.

Understand with a clear mind and you'll see no doubt.

 

[Zafran]

Salaam

Muslims only sumbit to the creator of the universe - Its perfect name.

peace