We are then apt to recognize that the whole religious structure...

We are then apt to recognize that the whole religious structure, in its complete unity, aims at submission and surrender to the Lord of the worlds, and freedom from any type of submission or surrender to human tyrants and illusionary legends. Thus we recognize the correlation between the name 'Islam', and the manifestations of the faith itself.

The Qur'an, as revealed by Allah through His (s.a.w.), has transformed this word, this name, from its mere linguistic form to the foundation of a faith and way of life. There is a complete and exact accord between the term 'Islam' and its hidden ideological and legislative truths. This religion, this faith, is called 'Islam' because it is a submission or surrender to the Lord of the worlds, and is also a way towards the freedom and salvation of mankind.

"Those who follow the Apostle-Prophet the 'Ummi' (one who neither reads nor writes), whom they find ordained for them in the Torah and the Gospel, (who) enjoins them good and forbids them evil, and makes lawful for them all good things and prohibits fur them the foul; and removes from them their burden and the fetters (spiritual and social) which were upon them; so (as for) those who believe in him, honour him, help him and follow the light which has been sent down with him, these it is that are the successful." Sura A'raf (7:157) Islam : The Message of the Prophets The concept of submission to Allah has thus been described as the core of the religion and the gist of faith.

Here, 'Islam' as a special title given to the eternal Divine Religion - the Message of (s.a.w.) - and as a general title for the calls of all the prophets, will be discussed. Since all the prophets called for monotheism and invited mankind to worship Allah alone and liberate themselves from servitude to others, Islam is thus a general title for their calls. In attempting to analyze this subject, one should refer to Qur'anic verses which deal with the concept of 'Islam'.

Among these numerous verses which discuss religion, servitude and submission to the Lord of the worlds, preached by the prophets and messengers from Noah (a.s.) to Muhammad (s.a.w.), one should also note when and how the term 'Islam' has been used. In this way, the clear meaning of 'Islam' and its relation with the calls of all the prophets becomes readily apparent. The Qur'an uses this word repeatedly and in diverse forms to define true faith and complete submission to Allah's commands.