Every religion has some fundamentals that lay down the framework of that particular religion. The followers then ensure that the fundamentals are maintained and observed on a regular basis to ensure that the religion stays true to its original form and that the people have a single path to follow. Islamic religious principles are values and rule that guide mankind for fulfilling their duty and existence as the creation of Allah. Allah says:
قُلْ سيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ بَدَأَ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ اللَّهُ يُنْشِئُ النَّشْأَةَ الْآخِرَةَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَديرٌ
Say,” Travel over the land and then observe how He has originated the creation.” Then Allah shall bring about the genesis of the Hereafter. Indeed Allah has power over all things.” (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:20)
Islam establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of inheritance, code of behaviour, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship God, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the law of economics, and the laws of buying and selling. Islam is a complete code of life.
There are some key principles of living life according to Islam:
- Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life
- Islam teaches us to practice in our daily life
- Islam provides fair and objective solutions
- Islam leads to a balanced way of living
- Islam brings civilization and happiness
- Islam holds a woman in high esteem
- Islam brings trust in Almighty Allah
- Goodness Brings Goodness
- Eat good halal pure food
- Add Beauty to Your Life
- Trust on Almighty Allah
- Seek the pleasure of Allah
- Be grateful to all mankind
- Avoid comparisons for others
- Happiness Takes Time and Effort
- Have no expectations other than Allah
- Serve others and cultivate good relations
- Visit Your Friends and Relatives Regularly
- Staying faithful in every circumstance of life
- Help people around and make their life easier
The Fundamental of Islam
The very fundamental of Islam is summarized in the 6 pillars of Islam. Those are the basic acts in Islam that Muslims should do to practice the true teachings of Islam. To remind us the pillars of Islam consisted as follows:
- Faith (Shahada). It is a declaration from a person of their faith and trust that there is no other God than Allah SWT. Allah is the only one, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Him.
- Prayer (Salah). It is a form of worship that consists of five daily prayers Muslims should perform each day, and it is mandatory for them.
- Charity (Zakat). It is a practice of giving to the need or charitable give according to accumulated wealth.
- Fasting (Shawm). It is a ritual of abstaining from eating food and drink from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadhan. It is an obligatory acct for every Muslim especially to those who reached puberty unless they are not able to perform it from the medical condition.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj). It is a practice of pilgrimage for all across the world to travel to the holy city of Mecca. It occurs during the Islamic month of Dhulhijjah, and whoever is able both physically or financially must perform the pilgrimage at least once in their life.
Allah Almighty says in The Holy Quran:
- “And consult them in the matter.” (Quran, 3:159)
- “On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear.”(Quran 2:286)
- “And if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and His Messenger.” (Qur’an 3:31)
- “And do not pursue that of which you do not know. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart about all those (one) will be questioned.” (Al-Isra: 36)
- “O you who believed, enter into Islam completely (and perfectly) and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (Al-Baqarah: 208)
- “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up (when I was) small.” (Al-Isra: 24)
- “Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” (Quran 4:82)
- “For We had certainly sent unto them a Book based on knowledge, which We explained in detail – a Guide and a Mercy to all who believe.” (Qur’an 7: 52)
- “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly – We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in (the matter of) taking life. Indeed, he has been supported (by the law).” (Al-Isra: 33)
- “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Surah At-Talaq, verses 2-3)
- “You who believe, be steadfast, more steadfast than others; be ready; always be mindful of God so that you may prosper.” (Quran, 3:200)
- “But We shall be sure to guide to Our ways those who strive hard for Our cause: Allah is with those who do good.” (Quran, 29:69)
- “…Nothing have We omitted from the Book and they [all] shall be gathered to their Rabb in the end.” (Qur’an 6: 38)
Basic Principles in Islam:
- Faith and belief in Allah SWT: Allah is the Creator of all the creatures in the world and the entire universe. Islam teaches us that every single thing belongs to Him. He made from nothing into something. We as Muslims recognize Allah as the ultimate entity and reality, He is the Lord of all creation, and that to Him alone we will be back.
- Only worship Allah SWT: Since Allah SWT is the only God and the only protector and saviours of mankind, Muslim’s life is nothing but a commitment to Allah. His teaching is our guide to get closer to Him by following His path. Allah sent Prophets and His Messenger is to guide mankind, to avoid them from calamity.
- Be good to others and respect any form of life: Islam is a religion of peace, they respect any form of life since that is also the creation from Allah. Muslims must live according to the social rules without ignoring the rules of Islam. We must blend into any society, live in harmony and be responsible for what we are doing. Including family, relatives or friends.
- Knowledge is the base of all acts in Islam: Knowledge is a source of guidance and protection. Knowledge will protect mankind from difficulties, harm, and even Islam consider seeking knowledge as an obligation and give whoever seeks knowledge a reward.
- Honesty is valuable in Islam: Muslims must act honestly, justice and fairness in every aspect of our life. In Islam being honest will keep another person right, to keep the truth is our obligation as Muslims. It is our commitment to being Muslims that also bring justice and fairness through honesty in this world.
وَأَوْفُوا الْكَيْلَ إِذَا كِلْتُمْ وَزِنُوا بِالْقِسْطَاسِ الْمُسْتَقِيمِ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا
“And give full measure when you measure and weigh with an even balance. That is the best (way) and best in the result.” (Surah Al-Isra: 17:35)
To be a true Muslim and complete in belief, a Muslim has to believe in and practice the core fundamentals of Islam. The personification of these fundamentals can be seen in the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), therefore, every Muslim must find guidance from His Sunnah.