What is a Religion?
There are many definitions for the term "religion" in common usage Religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe. Religion is a unique force in society. It motivates individuals to differentiate between good and evil. Religion has the capability to generate unselfish love in some people, and vicious, raw hatred in others.
The word religion is sometimes used interchangeably with faith or belief system, but it is more than private belief and has a public aspect. Most religions have organized behaviors, congregations for prayer, priestly hierarchies, holy places and scriptures.
"Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, and a philosophy of life."
There are many, long established, major world religions, each with over three million followers.
Some of the popular religions of the world as here:
Islam
Buddhism
Christianity
Confucianism
Hinduism
Baha'i Faith
Jainism
Judaism
Shinto
Sikhism
Taoism
What is Islam?
Islam comes from an Arabic root word meaning "peace" which is often interpreted as meaning "peace." However "submission" would be a better translation. Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty Allah in heart, soul and deed.
Islam is a major world religion founded in Arabia. Based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), one who practices Islam is called a Muslim. A practicing Muslim follows the teachings from the Qu’ran. It is the written revelation from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Muslim population is estimated at more than 1 billion covering many different areas of the world. It is most common in Africa, the Middle East, and sections of Asia and Europe. There are 6 million Muslims in the United States alone.
Most religious historians view Islam as having been founded in 622 CE by Muhammad PBUH the Prophet (peace be upon him).
However, many if not most of the followers of Islam believe that:
- Islam existed before Muhammad (PBUH) was born,
- The origins of Islam date back to the creation of the world, and
- Muhammad (PBUH) was the last and by far the greatest of a series of Prophets.
