Honorable Mention - Ammaiza Omair

Explaining Islam: the concept of Imaan

The word Islam does not translate to peace like often thought of. It means submission to God. To grasp Islam, we would look at the real teachings from the Quran and the example our prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) sets. The fundamental concepts would be to believe in one Allah, His messengers and last messenger, Muhammad (s.a.w). Moreover, belief in His angels, the last day and the afterlife. And belief in His books and our last unchanged book the Quran of Muhammad (s.a.w). A better word Muslims would proudly use is Imaan. A person’s Imaan is stronger than just belief; it is blindly knowing that you trust that truth without needing proof. 

Yes, Jesus exists in our religion. He is no way related to God or a God himself. It may not be the same concept, but the Bible is discussed in our book too. The Bible or as Injeel is a book that Allah sent through prophet Isa (a.s). The difference between the original Bible and the Quran is not huge. We think of Quran as a final version. How we know whether Quran has changed or not is back to the Imaan concept. Allah promised His people to protect His word. Sure, you could publish a book and call it Islam, but thousands of people have understood and memorized the real deal. 

And never would Islam ever disrespect any religion, race or gender. Our prophet (s.a.w) said (2) that no race is superior. Keep in mind the prophet lived a long time ago. Before even all Westerners excepted the concept of equality properly. Women are not suppressed in any way by the religion. The Quran (1) taught no matter which gender does genuine deeds they both get the same reward.

In the end Islam is nothing about suppression or terrorism but peace. Allah gives as ample rewards and paradise if we follow simple rules like fasting in Ramadan, Imaan, praying five times a day, eating and earning halal, going to the Kaaba if we afford it, cleanliness and kindness to Allah’s other creations. Because in the end Allah is forgiving and all-knowing and our Imaan is between him and us.

References: 

(1): Quran (4:21) 

(2): Hadith of prophet: At-Tirmidhi