By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

Introduction

 Islam, which means complete and peaceful submission to the Will of Allâh (God) and obedience to His Law, is the perfect religion and the complete way of life for the whole mankind. One of the very significant Âyât  (Qur’anic verses) that Allâh finally revealed to Prophet Muhammad 1, clearly states that Islam is perfect. Allâh, the (only) God in heaven and on earth (43:84) and our Creator (2:21), says in the Glorious Qur’an:

“...This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion...” (5:3)

Islam provides us complete guidance for every aspect of our life. It solves all sorts of problems facing humanity now and in the future, be it physical, material or economic, socio-cultural, political, legal, religious and spiritual, and the like. Everything it enjoins us to do is for our own benefit. An example of this is the performance of Salât (Islamic prayers) ¾   particularly the five compulsory daily prayers. Allâh commands us to perform Salât (2:110, 4:103 and 20:14) for our own benefits and not because He needs it as He is free of any need. He does not depend on anyone. Allâh alone possesses all power. He is the All-Knowing, the Powerful (42:50), the Almighty, the Wise (59:24). When He desires a thing He only says ‘Be’ and it is (36:82). In other words, nothing is impossible to Him. He is the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds (1:2). All creatures depend on Him (11:6). To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills (42:49). He enlarges and restricts provisions to whom He wills (49:12). True prayer is due to Him Alone (13:14). We have to worship Allâh Alone (6:102, 103 and 11:1-2) because He commands us to worship Him. Allâh says:

“That is Allâh your Rabb! There is no God but He, the Creator of all things: so worship Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision; He is Subtle, Well-Aware.” (6:102-103)

 “O mankind!  Worship your Guardian Rabb, Who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous.”  (2:21)

 “Whatever you worship apart from Him is nothing but name which you have named.  You and your fathers, for which Allâh has sent down no authority: the command is for none but Allâh.  He has commanded that you worship none but Him.  That is the right religion, but most men do not know.”  (12:40)

 “Verily, I am Allâh: There is no god but I: so serve Me (only), and establish regular prayer for My remembrance.”   (20:14)

________

1.  Arabic symbol/script for "Sallallahu 'alayhe wasallam," which means "May the peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him."

2. Arabic symbol/script for "Radhi Allahu anhu", meaning: "May Allah be pleased with him."