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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Inquiries about Islam Definition of Islam Wilson : One of the important things in any discussion is to define the subject. As we shall proceed to discuss Islam, I would like to hear a definition of the meaning of the word “Islam” because it is an Arabic word. I have heard more than one definition of this word; so I would like to hear yours.

“Muslim” is another Arabic word which ought to be defined for the benefit of the non-Arabs who may read it very often without understanding its full meaning, or may confuse it with the word Islam. Chirri : The original meaning of “Islam” is the acceptance of a view or a condition which previously was not accepted. In the language of the Holy Qur'an, Islam means the readiness of a person to take orders from God and to follow them. “Muslim” is a word taken from the word Islam.

It applies to the person who is ready to take orders from God and follow them. “Abraham was not a Jew nor a Christian, but he was an upright (man), a Muslim; and he was not one of the Polytheists.” 3:67 The two words, however, acquired specific meanings after the introduction of the message which was conveyed by the . The message which was revealed to Muhammad is called Islam, and to profess the belief in his message is also Islam.

Muslim, also, has come to mean the person who follows the message of Muhammad and believes in its truthfulness. Wilson : What is the relation between the original meaning of Islam and the specific meaning which the word acquired after the advent of Muhammad? Chirri : The new meaning of the word is closely related to the original one because Muhammad stated that his teachings contain the teachings of all the previous prophets and all the Divine commandments.

When a person professes the belief in the truthfulness of Muhammad and pledges to follow his message, he, in fact, will be stating his readiness to obey the orders of God unconditionally. Wilson : There are certain procedures prescribed, for example, by Christianity for a person who likes to join the Christian faith. Baptism is one of the sacraments which, according to most of the Christian denominations, a new convert has to have in order to become a Christian.

Are there any prescribed procedures to be followed by a person who likes to join the faith of Islam? Chirri : No sacraments or procedures are prescribed for a person who likes to join the faith of Islam.