Return to the Pure Path❤️
Introduction
One of the most enduring misconceptions today is the belief that Islam is a new religion — something that began with the advent of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the 7th century CE. In reality, this view neglects the long and rich tradition of divine revelation that stretches back to the very beginning of human history. Islam, as understood in the Qur’an and Sunnah, is not a new religion but the original and only true religion revealed by Allah ﷻ to all of His prophets — from Adam to Muhammad ﷺ.
This article aims to present a deeply rooted and scholarly explanation of Islam as the eternal faith — the message of Tawheed (pure monotheism) — that was consistently conveyed by every prophet sent to humanity. It further explores how this understanding corrects misconceptions and nurtures unity, peace, and spiritual clarity.
1. The Meaning of Islam: More than a Name
The term Islam (الإسلام) stems from the triliteral Arabic root س-ل-م, signifying submission, surrender, and peace. Islam, therefore, is not simply the title of a religion, but the universal spiritual condition of submitting to the will of the Creator, Allah ﷻ. This core essence — surrendering in humility and love to the One True God — transcends cultures, nations, and times.
Unlike other religions named after historical figures or tribes (e.g., Christianity from Christ, Judaism from Judah), Islam is not linked to a person but to an action and state of being submission. This reflects the religion's universality and timelessness.
2. Islam in the Qur’an: One Religion, Many Prophets
The Qur’an explicitly affirms that the only religion accepted by Allah is Islam:
"Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam."
(Qur’an 3:19)
"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter."
(Qur’an 3:85)
These verses clarify that Islam is not a religion specific to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Rather, it is the eternal message of truth given to all prophets throughout history: to worship Allah alone, without partners.
3. All Prophets Were Muslims: Evidence from the Qur’an
Islam teaches that all prophets were Muslims — those who submitted to Allah. The shari‘ah (law) may have varied among nations, but the creed of Tawheed remained unchanged.
a. Adam (Adam) عليه السلام
As the first human and prophet, Adam عليه السلام was taught directly by Allah and lived in submission. Thus, he was the first to carry the message of Islam on earth.
b. Nuh (Noah) عليه السلام
"Indeed, We sent Noah to his people, and he said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.'"
(Qur’an 23:23)
c. Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام
Abraham is the quintessential example of monotheism and is described in the Qur’an as:
"When his Lord said to him, 'Submit (Aslim),' he said, 'I have submitted (Aslamtu) to the Lord of the worlds.'"
(Qur’an 2:131)
"Our Lord, make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You."
(Qur’an 2:128)
d. Ya‘qub (Jacob) عليه السلام
"And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob, saying, 'O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the religion; so do not die except in a state of Islam.'"
(Qur’an 2:132)
e. Musa (Moses) عليه السلام
"And Moses said, 'O my people, if you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him, if you are Muslims.'"
(Qur’an 10:84)
f. ‘Issa (Jesus) عليه السلام
Jesus called his disciples to Islam:
"Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah?" The disciples said, 'We are the supporters of Allah. We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims.'"
(Qur’an 3:52)
4. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: Seal, Not Founder
Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ did not found a new religion. He was sent to confirm the original message of all prophets, purify it from distortions, and deliver it to all humanity. Allah says:
"He has ordained for you the same religion which He enjoined upon Noah, and that which We have revealed to you, and that which We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus..."
(Qur’an 42:13)
"Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets."
(Qur’an 33:40)
5. The Role of Previous Scriptures
Muslims believe in all the revealed books in their original form — the Tawrah (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), and Injil (Gospel). However, these scriptures have been altered and are no longer preserved as they were sent. The Qur’an confirms and protects the truth found in previous scriptures while correcting distortions:
"We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it..."
(Qur’an 5:48)
6. Islam and the Fitrah: A Natural Religion
Every human being is born upon the fitrah — the natural inclination to know and worship Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Every child is born upon the fitrah. Then his parents make him a Jew, or a Christian, or a Magian..."
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
And Allah says:
"So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people."
(Qur’an 30:30)
Thus, Islam is not imposed on the soul — it resonates with it. It is not foreign — it is familiar. It is not new — it is ancient and eternal.
7. A Unified Message, A Global Mission
Islam came not for a tribe or a nation but for all of humanity:
"Say [O Muhammad], 'O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah...'"
(Qur’an 7:158)
"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds."
(Qur’an 21:107)
Islam brings the final and preserved message for all people, in all times, as a continuation of the legacy of all the prophets.
8. Practical Implication: Interfaith Respect, Not Syncretism
Muslims believe in all prophets, revere their missions, and love them — but do not ascribe divinity to any of them. Islam rejects the divinization of prophets and calls people back to their original, unaltered teachings. This creates a bridge of respect, not compromise, in interfaith dialogue and da‘wah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one."
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Lastly:
Islam is not a new or regional religion. It is the primordial truth — the path walked by Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and ‘Issa, and finally perfected through Muhammad ﷺ. From the first soul to the last, Islam is the universal message that connects all of humanity to their Creator with clarity, purpose, and peace.
To truly know Islam is to rediscover the message of every prophet, the call of every heart seeking truth, and the purpose for which every soul was created.
"O Allah, guide us to the path of Your prophets — the path of submission, peace, and truth. Let us see the truth as truth and follow it and let us see falsehood as falsehood and avoid it. Make us from those who live and die upon Islam. Ameen."
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