Islam is the only way of life (for mankind) before Allah (SWT)

Chapter One: Meaning of Deen

“Innad Deena Indallahil Islam” has been cited from the “Quran”, Sura Al-Imran-3: 19 the final revelation for mankind up to the last day of the Universe (Keama). Which means Islam is the only way of life (for mankind) before Allah (swt).  Deen is a Quranic word repeatedly appearing in the Quran in eighty-eight (88) verses which means the way of life (personal, family, social, state and global) for human beings. Deen is the philosophy of personal and social life, political and economic systems. The word “Deen” means ideology, culture, way of life, Dharma (in Hindi), Jiban Babostha (in Bangla), and Religion (in English). These are sets of beliefs and systems, specially held by a particular group and that influences the way of peoples’ behave, way of livelihood, cultural and socio-economic activities.    

The word “Religion” and its related words are neither used in the ancient revealed scriptures nor in the Quran. The word religion was established in 18th century (after industrial revolution) for defining Christian beliefs and practices. At that time modern state philosophy based on materialism evolved and Church was separated from state. People also started to use the word Religion for Islam as well. But Quran, the divine guidance for mankind, urges humanity to build society based on faith (iman) and good deeds (amalus salihat) for success in this life and hereafter and for the pleasure of Almighty Allah (swt). Therefore, we find in Quran, a comprehensive guideline of elements of faith and good deeds of all aspects of human life–personal and family affairs, social, economic, equity and justice, woman status, legal matters, human rights, state and global affairs etc. It is reflected in the struggle and success of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) in the establishment of model state according to Al-Quran.  Therefore, the word Religion should not be used for Islam. Deen is the right word for an accurate understanding of Islam.

“Significance of Deen is obedience to a law or to what is conceived as a system of established and therefore bindings- usages, i.e. something endowed with moral authority; hence way of life, faith, and religion” (Reference from “The Message of the Quran” Translated and Explained by Muhammad Asad)

Some Deens are named after outstanding personalities as in the case of Christianity which was named after Jesus Christ, Buddhism after Gautama Buddha, Confucianism after Confucius, Marxism after Karl Marx etc. Some Deens are named after a Tribe like Judaism after the tribe of Judah and Hinduism after the Hindus (Hill). 

Islam is the only Deen (way of life) from Allah (swt), the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and as such, the name represents the central doctrine “submission to the will of Allah (swt)” and anyone who believes in Islam so is termed a Muslim. When we say Islam is “Peace” it means natural consequence of total submission to Allah (swt). 

Islam is the Deen which was revealed to Adam (pbuh), the first human being and the first Prophet of Allah (swt) and Islam was the Deen of all Prophets/ Messengers sent by Allah (swt) among all nations in all ages. The name of Allah’s Deen is Islam and was not decided upon by later generations. It was chosen by Allah (swt) himself and clearly mentioned in His final revelation to mankind. In the final divine revelation, “the Quran”, Allah (swt) revealed the following verses: 

“And this Quran is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah: but it is a confirmation of (the revelations) which were before it (Taurat, Injeel, Zabur and Other seriptunes) and a full and detailed explanation of the former Scriptures (Books), about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the Alamin (worlds and all existence) Sura Yunus (10:37)

Explanation of Sura Yunus (10:37 )

Allah’s revelations (books and scriptures) throughout the ages (time) is one. The Quran confirms, fulfils, completes and further explains the one true revelation, which has been sent by the Allah in all ages.  

(Reference; The Holy Quran, Text, Translation and Commentary, by A Yousuf Ali

A lot of rules and regulations, socio-cultural systems, day of resurrection were not cleared in the previous scriptures and books. Therefore, the Quran fulfils all the shortcomings and described nicely and elaborately.

(Reference: Tafsir Al Quran, by Md Abdul Hakim and Md Ali Hasan)

The statement that  it is a confirmation of the revelation made before it’ underscores that the Quran lays no claim of introducing anything novel, of coming forth with any innovation at variance with the fundamental teaching already communicated to man  through the Prophets( peace be on them ).The Quranic claim merely consists of confirming and authenticating those teachings. Had the Quran been the product of the imagination of the founder of an altogether new” Deen”, the outcome of a creative brain, it would have borne traces of novelty in order to emphasize its distinctiveness.

The second part of the statement, namely that the Quran is a detailed exposition of the Book is equally significant. What means is that the Quran elaborates those fundamental teachings which constitute the core and essence of all the scriptures (Al- Kitab); that is, those teachings which have been sufficiently in the Quran so that they might be grasped by people and penetrate their hearts; and additionally, it has been shown how those teachings could be applied to practical life.

(Reference: Tahfim Al Quran, by Sayyed Abul Ala Moududi)

Sura Kafirun is the clear proclamation from Allah (swt) to Kafir (non-believers) that in the matter of Deen there is no compromise for the true faith or belief with false worship. So, “To you be your Deen (false worship) and to me is mine Deen (Islam)”. Therefore the word “Deen” was used for Islam and also for other way of life (for previous scriptures which are distorted by their followers)

“Islam is the only Deen (way of life for mankind) before Allah” (swt) (Sura Al-Imran (3:19).

All Prophets before Mohammed (Pbah) came with Deen (Islam) prescribed by Allah (swt). But those Scriptures of Deen are not protected in the original form by their followers.  Islam (Quran) the final revelation to Prophet Mohammad (Pbah) has been in unchanged form that can be easily verified by comparing original revelation (manuscripts) and the Quran that is available in our time. 

Other than Islam, a number of Deen in different names has been presented before human beings. Some of those are Ancient such as:  Judaism, Christians, Magians, Sabians, Polytheists, Hinduism, Buddhism etc. and some are Modern which are: Materialism, Capitalism, Communism, Socialism, Nationalism, Secularism, etc. which are evolved by some Scholars (their philosophy of life is different from Islam) to lead the life of human beings. 

The following verses of the Quran testify that all scriptures revealed to past Messengers/ Prophets was “Islam”:

“Say (O Muslim): “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Ibrahim(Abraham), Ismail, Ishaq, Yakub (Jacob) and the Tribes, and that given to Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) and that given to (all) Prophets from their Allah (swt), the Creature and Sustainer. We make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to Allah (in Islam)” (Sura Baqara 2:136).

“So if they believe as you believe, then they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, then they are only in opposition. So Allah (swt) will suffice for you against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All Knowing.” (Sura Baqara-2:137).

“Or do ye say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Al-Asbat were Jews or Christians? Say: Do you know better than Allah? (know better that they all were Muslims) and who is more unjust than those who conceals the testimony [to believe in Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)] when becomes, as is written the Books they have from Allah? And Allah (swt) is not unmindful of what you do” (Sura Baqara-2:140). (see also verse Sura Araf 7:157)

The last Aya revealed from Allah (swt) is placed in Surah Al-Maaihdah which states: 

“This day I have perfected Deen for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen (way of life for mankind)”. (Sura Al-Maa’idah 5:3).

Therefore, Islam is the only Deen for mankind before Allah (swt). In all verses the word Deen stands for the complete way of life and behavior in all walks of life.

Allah (swt) sent His Messenger Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) with the true Deen, the way of life meant by him for mankind which is know “Islam” and it was the primary purpose of the Prophet‘s mission that he should make this Deen prevail and triumph over all other Deens (ways of life).

Chapter Two:   Iman (Faith) and Amelus Salihat (Righteous deed)

In different verses of the “Quran”, Allah (swt) has addressed to the Believers as “Yea Ayeuhal Lazina Amanu” means “O you who have believe”.  The way of life of human beings will be based on Iman (faith) and Amelaes Salahat (Rightous Deeds) that are correlated to each other. The word Iman (belief), which appears at some places in the Quran, has been used in the meaning of only verbal affirmation of Faith and its dimensions which are illustrated:

Disobedience:

It is important to note that Iblis (Satan) disbelieved by just not following the command of Allah (swt):

“And (remember) when we said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves before Adam.” And they prostrated except Iblis (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah)”. (Surah Al Baqarah 2:34)

Denying the Truth:

The following verse implies that disbelieving is denying the truth:

“Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allah, and denies the truth [this Qur’an, the Prophet (Muhammad) and the Islamic Monotheism] when it comes to him! Is there not in Hell an abode for the disbelievers?” Surah Az Zuman 39:32

Believers Vs. Disbelievers:

Believers are those who love Almighty Allah (swt) and disbelievers put their trust on others as Allah says:

“And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else). If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is Severe in punishment.” Surah Baqara 2:165

Belief in one Illah (One God):

One has to believe in one Illah (God) as Allah (swt) says:

“Say (O Muhammad):” “I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Illah (God) is One Illah (God –i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” Sura Al Kahf 18: 110

Reward for Believers:

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds, they will have the Gardens of Paradise for their entertainment” Sura Al Kahf 18:107

Belief on basic issues:

“O you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad), and the Book (the Qur’an) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him); and whosever disbelieves in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away.” Surah An Nisa 4:136

Believers who trust on Allah (swt):

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’an) are recited to them, they increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone).” Surah Al-Anfa 8:2

The Set of Basic Beliefs:

The set of basic beliefs are (a) there is no Illah but One Allah (swt.) (b) Al Ghaib (c) His Angels (d) His Messengers and last Messenger Mohammad (pbah) (e) His revealed Books and Scriptures Injil, Towrat, Zabur and Quran (as final revelation) (f) The day of Resurrection (Hereafter) (g) Al Qadar (h) Salah (total submission to Almighty Allah (swt) (i) All Righteous Deeds according to the Quran etc. 

Relationship between Iman and Amelus Salihat:

The phrases “Yea Ayeuhal Lazina Amanu (Faith)” and “Amelus Salihat” (Righteous Deed) are mentioned side by side in forty nine (49) verses in the Quran.  Iman (faith/ beliefs) should be the first quality of a human being followed by performing Amelus Salihat (Righteous Deed). According to the Quran no act can be a good act unless it is based on faith and it is performed in obedience to the guidance given by Allah (swt) and His last Messenger.   

Following are some verses on Iman (Faith) and Amelus Salehat (Righteous Deeds):

“And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah-Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever.” Surah Al Baqarah 2:82

“And as for those who believe (in the oneness of Allah) and do righteous deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full. And Allah does not like the Zalemeen (polytheists and wrong-doers).” SurahAl Imran 3:57

“But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah- Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to the Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e. in Paradise) to dwell therein forever. Allah’s Promise is the Truth; and whose words can be truer than those of Allah? (of course, none).” Surah An Nisa 4:122

“Who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, order recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma’ruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil (Al-Munkar) which Allah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s cause during preaching His Deen of Islamic Monotheism or Jihaad).” SurahAl-Asar103:3

Nowhere in the “Quran” deed without faith is called a good deed nor any reward is promised for a deed performed without faith.   

From above it is understood that, the acceptance of the righteous deed depends on the following two basic conditions which must be fulfilled:

1. The intentions while doing such deeds must be totally for Allah’s sake only without any show off or gaining praise or fame etc.

2. Such deed must be performed in accordance with the “Quran, the final revelation from Allah (swt)” and Sunnah (legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements) of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah, the last of all the Prophets and the Messengers.

The relationship of Iman and Amelus Salihat is explained in the Tafsir “Tafhim Al Quran” by Sayyid Abul Ala Moududi as follows:

“The relationship between Iman (Faith) and Amelus Salihat (Righteous Deed) is of the seed and the tree. Unless the seed is sown in the soil no tree can grow out of it. But if the seed is in the sail and no tree is growing out of it, it would mean that the seed is lost in the soil. On this very basis whatever good news has been given in the “Quran” has been given to the people who believe and do good deeds. What man requires to do after Faith in order to remain secure from loss is to perform righteous deeds”.

Further Messengers of Allah (swt) were sent to call people to Islam, practice and establish righteous deeds according to the message  revealed from Allah(swt).

“O you who believe! enter perfectly into Islam, whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Shaitan Verily, he is to you a plain enemy”. (Sura-Baqara-2:208). 

According to the above Aya, Allah (swt.) ordered the mankind to obey all the rules and regulations of Islam perfectly. No other Deen such as Judaism, Christianity, Sabians and other ancient scriptures revealed to previous Messengers and also Modern Ideologies evolved by some Scholars are acceptable. The Righteous way is the way of “Seratul Mustaquim (straight way) according to the Aya No 6 of Sura Fatihah, Aya No. 36 of Sura Maryam and Aya No. 4 of Sura Yaa-seen, Aya No. 73 of Sura Muminun.

Chapter Three:   The Last Messenger

Allah (swt) has sent forth Messengers / Prophets to all nations with tScriptures/Deen but those are distorted by their followers. Finally, Allah (swt) sent the last Messenger Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) with final revelation the “Quran” to mankind. Following are some verses of the Quran regarding messengers to all nations and the last Messenger:

“Verily, we have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them”. (Surah Al Fatir-35:24)

 

“Truly, you (O Muhammad) are one of the Messengers”. (Surat Ya-Sin-36:3)

Prophet Mohammad (Pbah) was sent as last Rasul/Messenger for the well-being of the whole mankind. That is why Allah (swt) reiterated the same verse in three Suras (Al-Taubah-9:33, Al-Fatha-48:2, As-Saff-61:9) which are as follows: 

“It is he who (Allah) has sent his Rasul (Mohammed) with guidance and the Deen of truth (Islamic monotheism) that he may proclaim it, over all other Deens, Even though the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers), hate it”.

“By Allah, We did certainly send (messengers) to nations before you, but Satan made their deeds attractive to them and he is the disbelievers’ ally today (as well) and they will have a painful punishment”. (Sura Nahl 16:63)  

“And we sent down the Book (the Quran) to you for the express purpose, that you may clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be A guide and a mercy to those who believe” (Sura Nahl 16: 64).

“O Prophet (Muhammad) verily, We have sent you as witness and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner”. (Sura AL-Ahjab 33:45)

Believe in Mohammad (pbuh) as Judge:

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” Surah An Nisa 4:65

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All-Knower of everything” (Sura AL-Ahjab 33:40)

 

Narrated Abu Huraira, the Prophet said. “There was no Prophet among the Prophets but was given miracles because of which people had belief, but what I have been given is the Divine Revelation which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that my followers will be more than those of any other Prophet on the Day of Resurrection” (Hadith No. 379, Vol. No. 9, Sahih Al- Bukhari)

Chapter Four:   Understanding of two Ayas of the Quran:  (2:62 and 5:69)

The following same verse has been cited in two Suras of the Quran (Sura Baqara 2:62 and Sura Mayeeda-5:69):

“Verily those who believe, and those who are Jewish and Christians and Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the last day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”.(2:62 and 5:69)

The above verses are misinterpreted by some scholars. They thought that those who are Jews, Christians and Sabians and are followers of the “Deen” of respective Messengers shall have their reward from Allah (swt). But it is not true. As Allah (swt) put conditions to several verses in the Quran, that one should have firm belief in Allah (swt) and Hereafter and be Righteous deeds according to the spirit of Al-Quran. Allah (swt) called upon deviated Christians, Jews and Sabians to revert to true Deen (Islam). True believers/ followers are not Christians, Jews and Sabians but they are Muslims.

All past nations used to live in Musal (Iraq) and say La Ilaha Illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and used to read Az-Zabur (the Psalms of the Sabians) and they were neither Jews nor Christians. 

These Verses 2.62 and 5.69 mentioned in the Quran should not be misinterpreted by the readers as mentioned by Ibn Abbas, a companion of the Prophet, (Tafsir At-Tabari)  as the provision of these Verses were abrogated by another Verse Sura Al- Imran 3:85: “And whoever seeks a Deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted to him, and in the Hereafter, he will be one of the losers”. 

The above Aya (3:85) clearly states that after the coming of Prophet Muhammad (Pbh) on earth and final revelation the “Quran” for human being, no other Deen except Islam, will be acceptable from any one.

The above two verses (2:62 and 5:69) will be more clear when we will go through the following verses:

“Thus have we sent it (the Quran) down (to Muhammad) as clear signs, evidence and proofs, and surely, Allah guides whom he wills” (Sura Haji 22:16).

“Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish, and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists, Allah will judge between them on the day of Judgement; For Allah is witness of all things” (Sura Hajj-22:17)

There is only Deen which is Islam (submission to the will of Allah (swt). The Deen (Islam) was preached by Mohammed (pbuh), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), Abraham, Noah, Adam and all Prophets/ Messenger who came for different nations in different geographic areas at different ages. Final revelation from Allah (swt) of Islam is sent to  Mohammed (pbuh) for the whole mankind.  

All Ayas(verses)  of the Quran are equal in status/importance. Therefore, when we will analyze any topic/ subject of Quran we must have thorough knowledge of the whole context of the message of the Quran. Partial and broken theme should not be considered sufficient to understand the Quran. When we study subject wise, emphasis must be given on the basic concept of the Quran. 

For example, there are three Ayas in the Quran on alcohol/ intoxicant. If we study all four ayas related to alcohol/intoxicant then it will be clear that alcohol/ intoxicant is Haram (prohibited) in Islam. (Ref: Surah Al Baqarah 2:219, Surah Nisa 4:43 and Surah Maidah 5:90 and 91)

The following Hadith is very relevant that only Islam is only acceptable to Allah (swt):

This Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (R); Allah’s Messenger said,

“By Him (Allah) in whose Mohammad’s soul is, there is none from amongst the Jews and Christians (of there present nations) who hears about me and then dies without believing in the Message with which I have been sent (i.e. Islamic Monotheism), but he will be from the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire” (Muslim Vol.-1 Hadith No. 240).

After revelation of final scripture “the Quran” to Prophet Mohammad (Pbuh), no other Deen except Islam, will be acceptable. So righteous Jewish, Christians and Sabians should believe in Allah (swt), all Messengers and the last Messenger Mohammad (pbuh), the day of Resurrection and the final scripture “Quran”.  

For more understanding of the verses (2.62) and (5.69) the following verses should be studied where it is clearly stated that believers means those believing in the Quran. 

And they say:

“None shall enter the paradise unless he becomes a Jew or a Christian. These are their (vain) desires. Say: “Produce your proof if ye are truthful”. (Sura Baqara-2:111). 

Say:

“O people of the scripture! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; and that none of us shall take others as, Lords and Patrons other than Allah. If then they turn back, say “bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s will)”. (Al-i-Imran-3:64)

“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian; but he was true Muslim, and bowed his will to Allah Alone (which is Islam), and he was not Mushrikun. (Al-Imran-3:67).

“Do they seek for other than the Deen of Allah? While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willingly or unwillingly, bowed to his will (accept Islam), and to him shall they all be brought back.” (Al-Imran-3:83)

The true believers of all past Umma (Community/Nation) believed in “La Ilaha Illalah” (There is no Illah but Allah (swt) that can be understood from many verses of Quran. For example, the companions of Prophet Isa (pbuh) were believers.  

“Ye who believe! fear Allah as he should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslim with complete submission to Allah)” (Al-i-Imran-3:102)

“You are the best of peoples, involved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing is Allah. If only the people of the book had faith, it was best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are Al-Fasiqun (disobedient to Allah and rebellious against Allah’s Command). (Al-i-Imran-3:110)

It may be concluded from the above verses that those who say Jews, Christians and Sabians are not following the way of Messengers (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Musa, Isa and others) rather they follow Gods in place of one Allah (swt.) They have no proof to produce that they are in the way of truth. So Allah (Himself) asked them to produce proof. It clearly indicates that, they have no documents that they are in the right way. True believers are Muslim.

Chapter Five:   Conclusion 

From the above discussions it is clearly understood that Allah (swt) has chosen Islam as final “Deen” and is only comprehensive and entire way of life for mankind before Allah (swt). The final scripture for mankind is “The Quran” which was revealed to last Messenger Muhammad (pbuh). Those who believe in Allah (swt), Messengers and last Messenger Muhammad (pbuh), the last day (day of resurrection) and live righteously according to Islam will have their reward from Allah (swt)

It is Allah (swt) who bestows success and guides to the Straight Path. O Allah (swt), accept (this article) as Ibadah. Verily, you are the All Hearer, the All Knower.

References:

1. The Holy Quaran (Text, Translation and Commentary) By, Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

2. The Noble Quaran (English translation of the meanings and commentary) by,                Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al Hilali and Dr. Muhammed Muhsin Khan.

3. Tahfim Al Quaran by Sayyid Abul Ala Moududi.

4. The Message of the Quran, Translated and Explained by Muhammad Asad.

5. Tafshir Al Quaran by Mohammad Abdul Hakim and Mohammad Ali Hasan.

6. Hadith No. 379, Vol. No. 9, Sahih Al Bukhari.

7. Hadith No. 240, Vol. No. 1, Muslim.