Islam Basics
From Encyclopedia Islam
Meaning of the Word Islam
The word Islam stems from the root word meaning "to be at peace". The meaning of the word Islam itself means submission - submission, in this case, to the Will of Allah. However, Islam is far too comprehensive to be called a religion as others are - Islam is an entire way of life, with edicts and beliefs ranging from the intimately personal to the society at large. Therefore, the body of the followers of Islam, or the Muslims, can be considered as a nation in itself, and not just a demographic.
Sources
The sources for the religion of Islam, including laws, beliefs, principles, and important religious history, are two and only two:
- The Quran, which is the Speech of Allah.
- The Sunnah, which is the combination of the actions, sayings, and implicit and explicit approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (salallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) during his lifetime.
Nothing outside of these two sources can be considered to be a part of the religion itself. Therefore, nothing new can be introduced into this religion and be accepted as authentic.
