This is what Islam is.
What is a Muslim ?
First thing anyone would reply: someone who prays a lot (5 times a day at least). Then the next replies would be: someone who fasts, or someone who gives of his money to the poor (Zakat), etc...or someone who dresses in a special way particular to Islam (whether man or woman), this indicating affiliation with God, and with religion; not with materialism or hate: since it has always been, since the beginning of time, religion vs materialism.
These replies indicate one thing: love, and nothing else. Praying a lot, fasting (no food or drink all day long), giving of one's money, and possibly in secret; these are all hard things to do. Muslims do them to please God. That's why these things indicate love, love of God. And, by the way, when you love God, you are going to love everyone and everything, because God created everyone and everything. Regarding fasting, God says, as is very well known, As sawmu li (Fasting is for Me). Muslims do for God, out of love for Him.
"follow the way of those who turn to Me in love" (The Holy Qur'an, S 31, V 15)
"and those who fear the displeasure of their Lord, for the displeasure of their Lord is the opposite of peace and tranquility" (The Holy Qur'an, S 70, V 27-28)
"Say (O Muhammad): if you love God, follow me, God will love you and forgive you your faults" (The Holy Qur'an, S 3, V 31).
Islam is the religion of love.
Whichever way its mount may take, love is my religion and my belief (Ibn Arabi). Love: Al Hubbu. is my religion: Diini. And my belief: Wa Imaani.
This is the first thing associated with Islam. These are the first replies to the questions "what is a Muslim" ? The hardships and the selflessness of love. Never (usually) does someone reply: assassination of those who disbelieve in their creed, hate of non Muslims, political movement.
What is a Muslim ?
First thing anyone would reply: someone who prays a lot (5 times a day at least). Then the next replies would be: someone who fasts, or someone who gives of his money to the poor (Zakat), etc...or someone who dresses in a special way particular to Islam (whether man or woman), this indicating affiliation with God, and with religion; not with materialism or hate: since it has always been, since the beginning of time, religion vs materialism.
These replies indicate one thing: love, and nothing else. Praying a lot, fasting (no food or drink all day long), giving of one's money, and possibly in secret; these are all hard things to do. Muslims do them to please God. That's why these things indicate love, love of God. And, by the way, when you love God, you are going to love everyone and everything, because God created everyone and everything. Regarding fasting, God says, as is very well known, As sawmu li (Fasting is for Me). Muslims do for God, out of love for Him.
"follow the way of those who turn to Me in love" (The Holy Qur'an, S 31, V 15)
"and those who fear the displeasure of their Lord, for the displeasure of their Lord is the opposite of peace and tranquility" (The Holy Qur'an, S 70, V 27-28)
"Say (O Muhammad): if you love God, follow me, God will love you and forgive you your faults" (The Holy Qur'an, S 3, V 31).
Islam is the religion of love.
Whichever way its mount may take, love is my religion and my belief (Ibn Arabi). Love: Al Hubbu. is my religion: Diini. And my belief: Wa Imaani.
This is the first thing associated with Islam. These are the first replies to the questions "what is a Muslim" ? The hardships and the selflessness of love. Never (usually) does someone reply: assassination of those who disbelieve in their creed, hate of non Muslims, political movement.