Definition
To submit to Allah with Tawheed, comply with His obedience, and be free from shirk and its people. Its five pillars: shahādah, ṣalāh, zakāh, ṣawm, and ḥajj for the one able.
Pronunciation: is-LĀM
Etymology & Root
From the root س-ل-م (s-l-m), meaning 'to submit, surrender, to be at peace.' Islām is the willing surrender of one's will to Allah's command.
Usage in the Qur'an
'Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islām.' (Āl ‘Imrān 3:19)
Usage in the Sunnah
'Islām is built upon five: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying zakāh, fasting Ramaḍān, and pilgrimage to the House.' (Bukhārī 8, Muslim 16)
Scholarly Notes
When islām and imān are mentioned together (as in the Hadith of Jibrīl), islām refers to outward acts and imān to inward belief. When mentioned separately, each includes the other.
Practical Application
Establish the five pillars firmly. They are not symbolic — they are the structural framework of a Muslim's life with Allah.
Further Reading
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Related Terms
More from Aqeedah Terms
Distorting the texts of revelation.
Worshipping Allah as if you see Him.
Allah alone is the Creator and Sustainer.
Directing all worship to Allah alone.
The way of the Prophet ﷺ — words, actions, approvals.
The Day of Judgement.