The word "'islām" derives from the Arabic root, sīn-lām-mīm, which carries the basic meaning of safety and peace. The verbal noun "islām" is formed from the verb aslama, meaning to accept, surrender, or submit; thus, Islam effectively means submission to and acceptance of God. Followers of Islam are expected to submit to God by worshiping him, following his commands, and avoiding polytheism. The word islam is also based upon the Arabic word for peace (salam) and could be applicible to the religion of Islam if it is taken to mean that "true peace resides in submission to God".
The word islām takes on a number of different meanings in the Qur'an. In some verses (ayat), the quality of Islam as an internal conviction is stressed, for example: "Whomsoever God desires to guide, He expands his breast to Islam." Other verses establish the connection between islām and dīn (usually translated as "religion"), and assert that only the surrender of one's self to God can render unto him the worship which is his due: "Today, I have perfected your religion (dīn) for you; I have completed My blessing upon you; I have approved Islam for your religion."The final category of verses describe Islam as an action (of returning to God), more than simply a verbal affirmation |
Etymology and Meaning