(Mohammad Masood Ahmed (2025), Would You Like To Know Something About Islam, Second Edition, Crescent Books Inc., New York, USA. Pg. 55-72)

Before moving forward, please note that it is essential to recognize that truly grasping any ideology, religion, or system requires impartial study to the best of one’s ability. Consequently, readers should approach this with an open mind and heart. While most ideologies and religions assert they hold the key to humanity’s well-being, they also contain specific distinctions that, although seemingly minor, are fundamentally important to each philosophy. A biased examination might overlook these critical differences. Conversely, a proper understanding of these core distinctions allows one to clearly visualize and differentiate the philosophy and its purpose from others.

The Philosophy of Islam

The entire universe and everything in it, including us, was created by the Supreme Being, our Lord, Almighty Allah. He is the sole Owner and sole Innovator of all things. He created us to worship Him. Our time in this world is temporary. Each of us lives here for a limited duration before passing to the other world.

One day, the universe will be folded up, and the Day of Judgment will arrive. Everyone will be handed a ‘Register of Deeds,’ containing whatever was earned in this temporary life. Based on our performance here, we will earn either Jannah (Heaven) or Jahannam (Hell). Those who will have acquired ‘ultimate success’ and earned the pleasure of Allah will be sent to Heaven to live there eternally and to enjoy its endless bounties. Those who do not incur the pleasure of Allah and instead earn His wrath will be punished in Hell and will be the ‘ultimate loser.’

Allah gave people free will to choose between right and wrong. Human beings are neither animals nor angels, both of which lack free will. Allah granted man the ability to elevate or diminish himself to a state even lower than that of animals. Allah bestowed free will upon man to test him and see how he fares in this life ¹.

If man chooses wisely and uses his faculties to do what is right, he can maintain the higher status granted to him as the ‘best of all creatures.’ If he does not choose wisely, ignores the inner voice, does not follow the commandments to do good, falls from the original divinely granted status, and degrades himself, he will be unsuccessful and will have earned the displeasure of Allah. Any misuse of the fine human qualities and the bounties of Allah will make him the ultimate loser. No one will be given a second chance to return to Earth and do good ². This is the only chance; use it or lose it. It is a one-way ticket, and there is no coming back.

Allah not only granted and bestowed upon man qualities and capabilities to do what is good and to refrain from what is bad, but He has also clearly shown man both good and bad, as well as what pleases and displeases Him. Allah equipped man with the necessary tools, including intellect, sense, and instinct, and provided the knowledge needed to fulfill the purpose of his creation.

Allah’s chosen beings, known as prophets and messengers, delivered revealed knowledge in its entirety and established the standards for us to emulate to achieve ultimate success. No more excuses remain, and there can be no justification for ignorance. Now, there is no way out. Even though this may sound imposing and frightening, and many people may be reluctant to hear it, I cannot refrain from speaking the truth as presented by Islam. This serves as a clear warning for myself, every Muslim, and all other human beings.

The choices are obvious. Either we save ourselves from the hellfire by choosing to follow the message of the prophets, or we will be responsible for our fate in Hell. Ultimately, it is entirely up to us. Punishment becomes more painful when guilt is realized. Therefore, the guilt of wasting time must be avoided at all costs, allowing for wise choices, the exploration of truth, and the clarity of following the right path. Allah and His prophets have nothing to lose. Indeed, we are the only ones at risk of failing, as we are the only ones being tested.

One of the most essential aspects of Islam is Iman bil ghaib (belief in the unseen). The ‘unseen’ includes, but is not limited to:

• The existence of a Supreme Being, Allah
• The angels
• The process of creation
• The existence of the soul (ruh)
• The state of existence after death (A’lam-e-Barzakh) ⁴
• Resurrection and accountability on Judgment Day
• Eternal life in Heaven or Hell
• Many other truths, purposely kept hidden ⁵

Evidently, these and other hidden truths were essential for testing people’s faith. If any of these hidden truths were made obvious, there would be no need for belief and faith. People would automatically accept the truth, and the purpose of earthly life would be pointless. The whole point is to recognize the Lord without seeing Him, to believe in Him as our Lord and Creator, to follow His message, and to abide by His rules.

Although some Islamic beliefs and teachings are based on unseen truths that are not visible, they can be understood and grasped through logical reasoning and rational thinking. The followers of Islam must have a firm and unshakeable belief in the unseen without questioning it. However, believing in the unseen after positive reasoning, focused thinking, and thorough exploration yields the same reward as having faith in them without questioning it. Allah states:

إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَالْفُلْكِ الَّتِي تَجْرِي فِي الْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنْفَعُ النَّاسَ وَمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مِنْ مَاءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِنْ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ وَتَصْرِيفِ الرِّيَاحِ وَالسَّحَابِ الْمُسَخَّرِ بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ لَآيَاتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ 164⁶

Certainly, the creation of heavens and earth, and the alternation of night and day, and the sailing of ships on sea carrying that which benefits people, and that which is sent by Allah from the sky: water, through which the earth is given life after its death, and scattered animals of all kinds on undefined, and the differing movements of winds, and the clouds bound in between the sky and earth—in all of this, indeed, are signs for those people who utilize intellect.

Islam clearly invites and encourages everyone to pay attention, explore, analyze, and collaborate in the pursuit of truth and success. Islam represents the truth and nothing but the truth; however, seeking inner wisdom and strengthening faith through contemplation is always welcome and rewarded. Those who intend to study Islam to find fault in it, or who are weak in their faith after recognizing Islam’s authenticity and divinity, do not do themselves any favors and displease the Almighty.

Judgment Day and the concept of accountability are central to Islam, as most of its beliefs and practices align with them. The fear of accountability and the consequences of failing on Judgment Day fosters lawfulness, encourages moral behavior, and promotes good manners.

Since Allah is All-Knowledgeable and nothing is or could be hidden from Him, the fact that He is always watching us deters a faithful servant of Allah from all kinds of wrongdoings, both visible and hidden. Even when one thinks no one is watching, Allah is always watchful of one’s deeds, which are recorded by angels.

In this life, it is possible to avoid indictment and punishment due to loopholes in man-made laws, the inherent weaknesses of those laws, personal cleverness, and the lack of evidence or eyewitnesses. However, it is certain that no one can escape from Allah on Judgment Day. Therefore, no one can evade eventual accountability for even the slightest action. Furthermore, accountability is the foundation that distinguishes humans from other creatures.

Could a Man Invent Islam?

Having read so far, the thought that an intelligent person probably invented Islam may cross the mind of an objective reader. Regarding that doubt, I believe that after developing a true understanding of Islamic teachings and considering all aspects of Islam, an objective reader can determine the answer to this question. The following arguments will help in reaching a decision.

When studying Islam closely, one discovers that it encompasses a broad range of physical and metaphysical subjects related to human life on Earth and that it offers guidance for every situation, time, and era. Islam’s universality encompasses all aspects of human necessities, including those that man cannot conceive.

How could a man, around fifteen hundred years ago, devise a comprehensive way of life that addresses humanity's every need for all times to come? How could he ensure that his teachings would remain relevant for all times and situations, even until the Day of Judgment? How could he have predicted the future with such accuracy? How could he have developed such a system of life that would survive for centuries without even being altered slightly? How could he leave such an indelible mark on history that remains so vivid and valid, even after centuries have passed?

He would need to be superhuman or have received direct inspiration from a supernatural source. However, history serves as a witness that he was a man; therefore, he could not have invented such a perfect system of life. This perfection must have undoubtedly originated from elsewhere, and where else could it come from but the Almighty Lord? Only the Almighty Lord knows all the weaknesses and needs of His creation and can prescribe such a unique and transcendent system, valid for all times and places.

Islam is remarkably confident in its teachings, claiming that no one can change, replace, or add anything to make it more perfect or to undermine its perfection. This centuries old claim remains open to challenge. Islam asserts itself as the ideal way of life, and this assertion is certainly valid. Even today, researchers successfully find whatever they are searching for. If something is initially difficult to find in Islam, exploring a little further will surely lead to its discovery. Islam encompasses the knowledge of all things and meets every human need.

All of Islam’s challenges, claims, and qualities serve as clear proof of its absolute truthfulness. If it were an innovation by an individual, that person would never assert infallibility. This suggests that the Architect of Islam must have been confident that no one could meet its challenges or contradict its claims. If the architect were human, he could not be entirely sure about his innovative system. Even if a single claim of the Holy Prophet of Islam and the holy Qur’an could be disproved, the entire structure of Islam would collapse. This has not happened so far and, as claimed, will never occur because this holy system is not a human innovation ⁷

Inspired by the initial divine revelations and commandments, and as commanded by Allah, Prophet Muhammad commenced preaching the message of Islam. Initially, those who had complete confidence in him embraced Islam due to his personal qualities of trustworthiness and compassion. As more individuals witnessed his moral character and the powerful message of Islam he preached, the circle of Islam began to expand.

If he were the architect of Islam, as claimed by some, then, upon achieving much success, why did he call people to the Lord and not to himself? Why didn't he claim this religion as something of his own making? He did not do so because it was not his invention. It is, in fact, the continuation of the guidance that previous prophets of Allah brought to humankind. This divine guidance was perfected with the Final Revelation (Qur’an) to Prophet Muhammad .

In the other articles, we will learn in detail that for both a Muslim by birth and anyone who newly embraces Islam, it is necessary to certify one’s faith in Islam not only verbally but also by believing in it from the heart. Thus, let us assume for the sake of argument that the inventor of Islam was a human being. If that were the case, he would be unable to discern people's hearts to determine if someone had genuinely certified their faith. Why would he bother to require this kind of certification, which he cannot prove or disprove? Clearly, this contradicts logic. His primary concern would be to increase the number of his followers to achieve his purpose, whatever it could have been. When he was genuinely conveying the Lord’s message and fulfilling his duties to connect creation to the Creator, he had to meet all the requirements necessary for that connection, as outlined by the Creator Himself..

The verbal declaration (iqrar bil-lisaan) of faith fulfills the requirement for entering Islam and becoming a member of the Muslim community (ummah). Certifying it from the heart (tasdeeq bil-qalb) is directly connected to acceptance by the Lord and attaining ultimate success. The Holy Prophet was required to ask for the declaration and the certification from people to be faithful (mu’min). If he had invented Islam, only the declaration would have sufficed. This serves as further proof that Islam is not a human invention.

In my view, this is sufficient, but readers will continue to encounter more evidence that will allow them to conclude that Islam is not a human invention. Keeping Islam’s divinity in mind, I hope the reader can gain a true understanding of it.

No Question is Unanswered in Islam

As we compare our physical existence to other grand creations and recognize that we are merely tiny particles in the universe, we pose countless questions. Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we headed? What is the purpose of all the things out there? If there is life after death, what is it like? If there are Heaven and Hell, what do they look like, and where are they? How can we believe in the existence of God, Lord, Creator, or Allah? What does He look like? Why can we not see Him? Who are the chosen prophets? Which prophets were real, and how can we believe in them? Is there a book or a set of rules revealed by the Lord, or are all such books merely creations of the human mind? Who is right and who is wrong? How can we achieve peace, happiness, prosperity, and more? Who decides what is good or bad, and how can we be certain of it? How is it possible that when we die and turn to dust, we come alive again? Is there a spiritual world? Are the body and soul two distinct entities? Everyone asks such questions; some ponder them deeply in search of answers, while others only scratch the surface.

If these and many other questions are not answered to our satisfaction, or if we fail to understand the answers or simply abandon our inner voice of curiosity, true satisfaction and peace of heart, mind, and soul cannot be attained. Even if we achieve material success at some point in our lives, we are not completely satisfied. We continue to experience a sense of emptiness, and thoughts of failure overshadow our conscience. In this vast universe, we often lose our sense of purpose, place, and zest for life until we find answers to these and many other questions that linger in our curious minds.

If an ideology or religion fails to provide complete, satisfactory, and rational answers, or if the answers it offers are no longer relevant, then, in my view, that ideology or religion is lacking. Since Islam claims to be the complete way of life, it must provide answers to all questions one might raise. After reading articles related to Islam, I am confident that readers will come to believe that Islam holds answers to all inquiries and that nothing remains unanswered.

Allah created and revealed a system that explains how we should live and prepare to achieve ultimate success. No one else but Him could have developed this necessary system, for He is our Lord and understands our needs, desires, abilities, shortcomings, psychology, and more. Allah is our true Lord and does not want us to go astray; therefore, He has included answers to every possible question and completed the din of Islam beforehand. Thus, there is no mystery in Islam.

However, to obtain answers to complicated questions, the following prerequisites are essential: a sincere desire, a thirst for true knowledge, and a heartfelt wish to seek the truth. Additionally, remember that this world is Allah’s creation, governed by His principles, and that we are merely His creation, lacking unlimited knowledge and power. Even though Allah has revealed the complete message, we may not instantly comprehend it and require more profound knowledge and wisdom. The more knowledgeable we become, the better we understand the words and commandments of Allah. I firmly believe that we will ultimately receive answers if we continuously strive for them.

Islam is fit for Human Nature

It is first necessary to define human nature and then proceed to establish its relationship with Islam. Human nature refers to the collection of inherent qualities and habits that are common to all people; that is, the innate qualities and habits humans possess are their nature. For example, we work, eat, drink, sleep, and have other physical and intimate needs and desires. We experience emotions, socialize, fight, and seek power, authority, and fame. These are just a few examples of human nature.

Human beings consist of a spirit and a physical structure: the soul and the body. Therefore, we have both spiritual and physical needs. We are neither angels nor beasts. According to Islam, it is a great mistake to consider humans mere ‘brutes’ and to exclude the spiritual aspect of our being. Similarly, it would be a mistake to view ourselves as equal to or greater than angels while completely disregarding the biological and animalistic aspects of our existence. We are not like angels. We are superior to animals and have not evolved from them.

We have the freedom to choose and the power to discern good from bad, right from wrong, and impiety from piety. Angels and animals do not possess the freedom of choice, nor do they have anything to select. For example, if a lion desires a vegetarian dish, its wish cannot come true. Similarly, if a deer craves a steak, its wish cannot come true either. Neither a lion nor a deer can wish for vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

In the same manner, Allah did not grant angels the freedom of choice. They are inherently good and cannot commit sins. Consequently, they are neither rewarded nor punished for their behavior..

In contrast, Allah granted humans the freedom of choice, and they have many options available, allowing them to use this privilege. For example, they can eat whatever they wish, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, healthy or unhealthy, expensive or inexpensive. Ultimately, they alone will bear the consequences of their choices.

For any system, ideology, or religion to be suitable for human nature, it must thoroughly consider every inherent quality and habit of humans while providing adequate guidance to help people achieve their life goals. Suppose it repels or completely suppresses any inherent quality or habit, or neglects any without offering guidance. That system, ideology, or religion is unsuitable for humans, remaining incomplete and lacking in substance.

It is unlikely that a follower of one religion will seek aspects of another religion to fill a void in their own faith. If this occurs, how can one know to which religion this follower belongs? Where does their loyalty lie? Which religion or system do they consider their own? Meanwhile, they are compelled to adopt aspects of other religions because their own religion lacks a necessary element. Naturally, humans tend to embrace and follow what is, or seems to be, the most complete, beneficial, and convenient. Thus, an incomplete system is doomed to fail in the presence of an absolute system of life.

Islam does not repel, completely suppress, or ignore any part of human nature; instead, it teaches its followers how to control and shape their nature appropriately. Whenever there is even a slight chance of humans misusing natural qualities and habits, Islam redirects human nature towards a legitimate purpose. The principles and teachings of Islam do not conflict with human nature. They coexist with humans, gradually altering their course of action so that they can easily adapt and learn to walk confidently on the righteous path. Islam supports its followers until they achieve the ultimate success of the Hereafter.

A religion or any secular system of life that attempts to stop any natural behavior of humans meets with devastating blows and eventually finds itself without any following. For example, completely stopping the natural flow of a river to save a city from floodwaters is nearly impossible. Still, even if this is achieved temporarily, it may create bigger problems later. Instead, changing its course, though it requires hard work, ultimately solves the problem. If the course of floodwaters is diverted from a city to dry land, it will bring many benefits. The city will be saved from flooding, and the water will simultaneously irrigate dry land, making it arable.

If we seal the cap of a kettle on a burning stove, the built-up pressure will cause the kettle to burst. Similarly, if an ideology or religion suppresses, ignores, or sacrifices people's natural desires and needs, even in the name of a greater good, people cannot function properly, and the outcome will be devastating. As noted earlier, human beings are not like angels; therefore, no action should be taken to turn them into angels. Let them be human, and prescribe a system that keeps them ‘human’ while also preventing them from descending to the level of animals or, even worse. This is exactly what Islam does.

Islam is not against people’s natural urge to acquire wealth, but it demands that they earn it through legitimate means that it establishes and regulates. Islam is not against spending money; it encourages its followers to spend it for righteous purposes, such as helping the needy. According to Islam, using your wealth and resources for the betterment of the less fortunate or to solve community problems will not diminish your wealth; instead, Allah, Who gave you wealth in the first place, certainly can replenish and increase it. Islam does not forcibly take people's wealth against their will, even for the greater good of others. It promises great rewards to those who willingly spend their money on humanitarian purposes with the intention of pleasing Allah.

Islam does not oppose eating delicious foods; rather, it teaches that a half-empty stomach is healthier than one stuffed with food. Staying relatively hungry allows one to be thankful to the Lord for His bounties and to remain mindful of those who are starving around the world. Islam does not oppose wearing lavish clothes; instead, it rewards simplicity. Embracing simplicity encourages the inner soul and conscience to be less attracted to the material world and more focused on our higher purpose.

Islam advises you to eat whatever you like, as long as it is halal, and to drink as much as you wish while avoiding haram drinks. Sleep as much as necessary, but remember to perform your daily prayers before and after you sleep. Stay awake as long as needed, but be mindful of your health. Love your family and friends wholeheartedly, but do not forget your Lord and your obligations to Him. Worship your Lord as much as you desire in order to draw closer to Him, but not at the expense of your family, which requires your time and attention. Overall, maintain balance, practice moderation, and avoid extremism of any kind. Use your time and energy wisely to help others, and take on as much burden as you can manage; changing the world is not solely your responsibility, but it is your ongoing duty to correct yourself first. Be flexible and gentle with yourself and with others. Teach, but do not impose.

Islam requires its followers to do only what is humanly possible and provides guidance for every situation, tailored to each person’s capacity. In essence, it is a way of life in strict accordance with human nature. Therefore, on Judgment Day, Allah will question and hold everyone accountable based on their capability, knowledge, and performance so that justice prevails.

The Islamic system of life encourages people to uphold their human dignity, become devoted followers, avoid descending to the status of animals, and aspire to angelic qualities. To achieve this goal, Islam establishes principles that align with human nature and are easy to follow.

Meaning of ‘Islam’

Typically, the Name of an object reflects its qualities. Choosing a name is an important and creative process, and often the success or failure of a product or business depends on it. When naming, people strive to select a name that truly reflects the object’s quality and/or its intended use. The more comprehensive the name of a product, service, system, ideology, or anything else, the faster it gains public recognition. Sometimes, individuals or companies hire professionals to assist in name selection. The more expertise utilized, the better the chances for a suitable name.

Islam is the name given to the most complete way of life on Earth for human beings. No man chose this name; the Lord, the Almighty Allah, chose it Himself. Since the Creator, the All-Knower, chose it Himself, it must hold significant meaning. It should fully explain Islam as a system of life, referring to its qualities, and the name must accurately reflect what it claims to be. If we can comprehend the various meanings of the word Islam, we can easily grasp the meaning and purpose of the Islamic system, ideology, definition of worship, inner philosophy, and the complete way of life it represents. Only then can we recognize that only the Lord Himself could reveal such a fitting name.

It is pronounced, Islam, not Izlam. The ‘s’ in Islam does not sound like the ‘s’ in ‘is’, but like the 's' in ‘school ’ and ‘bus’. In Arabic, the root word for Islam is salam سلم , which means peace. To gain a comprehensive understanding, it is interesting to note the various meanings of the root word salam when used differently (سَلَّمَ — سَلِمَ — سَلَم — سَلَمَّ — سُلَّم) before explaining the meaning of the word Islam.

Generally, salam is defined as peace, and its derivatives can mean the following: to escape (danger); to be safe, secure; to be sound, intact, unimpaired, or unharmed; to be free (from fault), faultless, or flawless; to hand over; to turn over; to turn in; to submit; to save, rescue, or deliver; to protect, preserve, safeguard, or keep (from harm, injury); to accept or approve of; to give consent or agree; and to acknowledge, allow, or concede. We see direct parallels if we select any of the numerous meanings of salam and relate it to what is inherent in Islam.

Islam aligns with its innermost meaning: peace. Since salam means peace, one might question whether Islam, as a religion, truly promotes peace. We will examine this question in the next section, 'Different Categories of Peace'.

Islam is also defined as peace, treaty, truce, concord, protection, quarter, safety, security, immunity, mercy, and grace. It also encompasses obedience, reverence, worship, homage, and more. In a religious context, Islam technically means to establish the din exclusively for Allah, i.e., to resign to the will of Allah, submit one’s will to the will of Allah, complete submission from the deepest part of one’s heart, and pay homage to Allah.

Moreover, Islam is the way of life prescribed by Allah, beginning with the teachings of the first man and prophet, ‘Adam , and culminating with Allah’s final and most beloved prophet, Muhammad of Arabia, the son (ibn) of Abdullah .

Most often, people refer to Islam as peace and nothing but peace. Some individuals do not fully grasp the connection between Islam and peace. They inquire whether Islam is the peace that stands in contrast to war or if it signifies other forms of peace.

By embracing Islam, a person enters a realm of complete protection. Islam functions like a divine umbrella. When clutched securely, it offers a shelter of mercy and fosters all types of peace: the peace of the heart, mind, soul, and body; peace within the family, society, and globally; peace from harm; and peace in the Hereafter. Under the umbrella of Islam, all forms of peace are within reach. While one can find various types of peace in other places, I assert that all essential forms of peace can only be found together under the shelter provided by Islam.

What I have discussed so far certainly reflects that Islam, through its various definitions, is the appropriate name for the complete way of life that no man could have conceived. Further explanations will support this point and clarify the matter.

Different Category of Peace

Peace of Heart

Believers in Islam establish a strong connection with the Creator; consequently, they experience inner peace that cannot be attained through any other means. A believer continually acquires peace of heart by engaging in acts of worship, consistently remembering Allah, and abstaining from sins.

Peace of Mind

A believer finds peace of mind when he is fully content and recognizes that he is doing everything in his power to be successful in this world, leaving the rest to the will of Allah. When he receives something, he is thankful to the Lord; when at a loss, he recognizes that the Lord has the power to give and take away. A true believer with strong faith is at peace within himself because Islam commands him to use his faculties wisely and to execute actions with his full capabilities, leaving the outcome to the will of Allah. Upon receiving positive results from his actions, he is grateful to the Lord; when faced with negative outcomes, he remains patient and accepts them as part of the Lord’s will.

Peace of the soul

Peace of the soul is the most important kind of peace. It is a profound peace that resides deep within the inner self, at the core of one's being. In contrast to the peace of body, heart, and mind that can be attained through simpler means, peace of the soul, undeniably more precious, is not easily acquired. Achieving peace of the soul requires understanding the sacred and knowing one's identity: What is the purpose of one’s life? What is one’s final destination? The Islamic responses to these questions provide true peace to the soul.

While money and material possessions provide a degree of comfort, lying alone in bed and gazing at the ceiling or the sky full of twinkling stars prompts deeper reflection. In these moments, one is led to ponder profound questions. The human soul remains in pursuit of answers, yet these conclusions often feel lacking and unfulfilling.

Islam, on the other hand, guides humanity from the beginning of their journey through this transitory life to the final destination in the Hereafter. It provides comprehensive answers to their curiosity, allowing them to find peace as they work towards ultimate success. Peace of the heart and mind is essential for people to be active and full of life, but peace of the soul is certainly more precious, as it brings ultimate satisfaction.

Peace within a Family

Family unit is the most important part of human life. A family is the place where each member finds refuge, support, and inspiration to live and work. If family life is disturbed, its members feel unprotected, each other’s support diminishes, a deep emptiness sets in, and overall life gradually begins to disintegrate. Love, peace, and tranquility are the most important ingredients for having a happy and prosperous family life. Sometimes, even wealth, success, and fame fail to bring joy, and the true essence of living together is not realized. Even though some may not admit it, life becomes miserable without a family; the fact is that life becomes a miserable human failure without one. This becomes obvious when loneliness brings unbearable suffering.

In Islam, each member of a family is bound to one another to achieve the pleasure of the Lord and to perform his or her fair share of the duties prescribed by Islam. By fulfilling these important tasks, each family member can maintain and enjoy peace, happiness, and prosperity. To promote peace within the family, Islam clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of a husband to his wife and vice versa, of parents to their children and vice versa, and so forth. Any violation of Islamic rules, regulations, and obligations by any member leads to tragedy for the family, and every violator will be held accountable on Judgment Day.

In a family unit, it is not merely a choice; rather, it is incumbent upon a husband to support and fulfill every justifiable and basic need of his wife. They must be loyal and faithful to each other, safeguarding their chastity to uphold one another’s rights and trust. One of the primary duties of parents is to provide their children with a solid Islamic education and to train them to become good practicing Muslims. Similarly, children have equal, if not greater, duties to their parents, which, if neglected, incur the irreversible wrath of the Lord unless forgiven by the parents. For example, even a simple smile from children upon seeing their parents brings countless blessings from the Lord. When each member fulfills his or her duties, the family is strengthened and solidified, and peace, happiness, and prosperity prevail. When each family, the building blocks of society, is peaceful, the entire society flourishes in harmony.

Peace in Society

In addition to peace within the family, a society achieves complete and everlasting peace through Islamic brotherhood, equality, justice, a system of punishments, a social welfare system, acts of direct and indirect worship, and the concept of accountability on Judgment Day. If Muslims fail to implement Islamic principles in their society to establish the divine rule of law, one should not blame Islam for crime, disturbance, chaos, lack of peace and prosperity, and unhappiness.

The individual who claims to be Muslim but fails to apply Islamic principles to his or her life or to society at large is at fault, not Islam. It is a fact that societies implementing such Islamic principles in their systems enjoy the benefits. Those who abuse and exploit Islam to achieve personal agendas are the real losers, not Islam or the way of life it prescribes. History bears witness that not long ago, faithful Muslims experienced an era of peace and prosperity when they sincerely practiced their faith. Even today, wherever faithful Muslims practice Islam, they enjoy its fruits.

Peace in the World

By achieving peace within a Muslim family and society through the practice of Islamic principles, global peace can easily be achieved. It is sufficient to say that Islam contains principles which, if fully and universally applied, lead to national and international peace and prosperity. A true understanding of Islamic principles and the sincerity of all individuals, both Muslim and non-Muslim, are essential prerequisites for achieving world peace.

After all, we are the creation of one single Lord; He is the One Who prescribed and extended to us the complete system of life (Islam) that perfectly fits our nature and purpose. Why should we not benefit from it for the greater good of ourselves while simultaneously achieving worldwide peace?

• ¹  Holy Quran, Al-Mulk, 67: 2
• ²  Holy Quran, Al-Mu'minun (The Believers) 23: 99-100
• ⁴  Holy Quran, Al-Mu'minun (The Believers) 23: 100
• ⁵  Holy Quran, The Bee, 16: 8
• ⁶  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 164
• ⁷  Holy Quran, Surah An-Nisa (The Women), 4: 82