3. This is perhaps the most common misconception amongst
all people, including Muslims.
There are many misunderstandings about religion in
general, their beliefs and practices, but especially with
regard to "islam". The first key thing to appreciate is the
word "islam" and what it represents. It is an Arabic word
and it existed before The Quran was written and was used
to describe an attribute, an action, a state of being: self-
surrender or to make peace. It comes from the verb
"aslama" meaning 'to give over'. A "muslim" is simply one
who is in "islam" (i.e. one who surrenders or makes
peace).

4. It should be noted that this word had no
religious connotation and was not a title of
something, even though it has come to be
used as a title these days. According to The
Quran itself, everything in the
universe, willingly or unwillingly has
ultimately surrendered to God, thus the
basic concept of islam is as old as the
universe itself:

5. Do they seek other than the
system of God, when all things in
the heavens and the
earth, willingly or unwillingly
have surrendered / given over to
Him, and to Him they will be
returned. [Quran, 3:83]

6. This is an important point to reflect upon, because many people
do not realise that "islam" first and foremost is a state of
being, not a title of a religion. For example, there is a difference
between saying "the pillow is soft" and "the pillow is Soft". The
latter could mean anything, due to the capitalised "S" in
"Soft", and we would have to find out what "Soft" refers to before
we understood the statement, whereas the word "soft" is self-
explanatory, it is describing an attribute the pillow has.
Similarly, there is a difference between saying "the person is in
islam" and "the person is in Islam". The latter refers to the title of
a group, whilst the former describes an attribute the person has.
This attribute is present in everything around us, in the very
fabric of the universe itself... it may even be present within you.

7. Now that we understand islam as an attribute, it
becomes clear that an attribute is not exclusive to any
group. For example, no product has the monopoly on
being soft, many items can be soft. This is where the
system described in The Quran differs significantly
from religions. Many people do not realise that it is an
inclusive system which promotes beliefs and actions
that are not exclusive to any group, and repeatedly
points this out. It is simply a continuation and
completion of the same message that has been given
since the dawn of mankind.

8. Surely those who believe, and those who are
Jews, and the Nazarenes*, and the
Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last
day and does good, they shall have their reward
from their Lord, and there is no fear upon
them, nor shall they grieve. [Quran, 2:62]
*commonly translated as "Christians" but more
likely refers to the followers of Jesus of
Nazareth, hence Nazarenes.

9. Say: "We believe in God and what has
been revealed to us, and what was
revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and
Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and what
was given to Moses and Jesus and to the
prophets from their Lord; we do not make
any distinction between any of them, and
to Him do we submit. [Quran, 3:84]

10. The core theme throughout The Quran
is monotheism: belief in the oneness and
uniqueness of God, the source from which all of
creation originates and the source we will all return
to. This concept is closely related to a recognition of
unity and oneness amongst all things with regard to
purpose and direction, and when we become in
harmony with our true state of being, like how
every component in the universe serves the
whole, i.e. God, we can be said to be in the state of
islam: we self-surrender or make peace.

11. The system in The Quran promotes unity, and a
system of governance that is just and beneficial for
all of society, even if one is of no particular faith. It
details an environment that allows humans to live
and grow to their full potential. Shortly after The
Quran came into existence, it is well documented
that the Arabs excelled in all areas of science for
example and spread their knowledge and
governance to many countries, producing the most
advanced and productive societies of the time, e.g.
Cordoba of Al-Andalus.

12. So, how can we acheive this?
The Quran contains the same truth that was revealed in previous
scriptures (e.g. the same message that was given to
Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others) and considers itself as the
final divine revelation to mankind. It urges people of other
monotheistic faiths to return to their original teachings, and
discard all the additions added by man-made
laws, tradition, culture, various sects and scholars etc. Its
objective and its method of explanation is that of educating the
minds and changing human attitude towards life. Its aim is to
strip away the inessentials, reveal our true form and bring about
a revolution inside the man himself, for after all, the external
material civilization is the expression of the internal spiritual

13. Interestingly, it refers to itself many times as a
reminder, implying it is teaching us universal
truths already present within us and around us.
We will show them Our signs in the horizons,
and within themselves, until it becomes clear to
them that this is the truth. Is it not enough that
your Lord is witness over all things? [Quran,
41:53]

14. Quite simply, it is a book all about us, discussing: our
creation, purpose, history, spirituality, psyche, life's big
questions, justice, governance etc. It is a guide on how
to realise our potential, individually and collectively, if
one chooses to seek this path. It should be read like any
other book: do not read to contradict and refute, nor to
believe and take it for granted but simply to weigh and
consider.
We have sent down to you a book in which is your
remembrance/mentioning. Will you not, then, use
reason? [Quran, 21:10]

15. Thus, unlike religions which commonly have an
exclusive nature or promote beliefs without the
use of reason, The Quran repeatedly emphasises
unity and promotes the use of our hearts as well
as our minds. If you have read the many
misconceptions about islam discussed on this
site, then you will know there is a big difference
between what you think islam is or what you
think The Quran says and what islam actually is
and what The Quran actually says.

16. Luckily, The Quran has been translated into
many languages, and is often available to read in
your local library. Even though a translation can
never fully represent the original, it may be a
good starting point. The following website
contains links to many translations, and other
resources (e.g. search Quran by word, browse by
topic, listen to mp3 audio) and you can even
order a free copy if you
wish: www.StudyQuran.org

17. Or alternatively, buy it from most book
stores. There are also many online articles
and videos about islam, muslims and The
Quran, but rather than relying on second-
hand information, it is best to study it from
the source, to the best of your ability. This
would be the sincere and sensible
approach.