Submission to God

Definition

Submission to God, or 'Islam,' refers to the act of surrendering oneself to the will and guidance of Allah, the singular God in Islam. This concept is foundational to Islamic belief and practice, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and devotion to God’s commands as expressed in the Quran and through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It is through submission that individuals can achieve peace, fulfillment, and alignment with divine purpose.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Submission to God is integral to the Five Pillars of Islam, which outline essential acts of worship and duty that every Muslim must follow.
2. The concept emphasizes not just passive acceptance but an active engagement in living according to God's guidance and laws.
3. Submission is expressed through daily prayers (Salah), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), almsgiving (Zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), which are all acts that reinforce this devotion.
4. The Quran is considered the ultimate guide for Muslims, detailing God's will and instructions that followers are encouraged to submit to faithfully.
5. The state of submission is seen as a path toward achieving inner peace and contentment, reflecting a profound relationship between the believer and Allah.

Review Questions

• How does submission to God manifest through the practices outlined in the Five Pillars of Islam?
  • Submission to God is evident in the Five Pillars of Islam as each pillar represents a key act of worship that embodies a Muslim's commitment to their faith. For instance, the Shahada declares faith and submission, while Salah involves daily prayers that reinforce reliance on God's guidance. The practices of fasting during Ramadan and giving Zakat demonstrate self-discipline and concern for others, further illustrating how submission shapes everyday life for Muslims.
• Discuss how the concept of Tawhid relates to the idea of submission to God within Islamic belief.
  • Tawhid, or the oneness of God, is a fundamental principle that underpins submission to God in Islam. Acknowledging Allah's singularity requires believers to submit entirely to His will, recognizing that there are no partners or equals. This deep sense of monotheism fosters a genuine commitment where Muslims strive to align their actions with God's desires, reinforcing their devotion and obedience as central tenets of their faith.
• Evaluate how understanding submission to God can influence a Muslim's ethical decision-making in contemporary society.
  • Understanding submission to God plays a crucial role in shaping a Muslim's ethical framework in today's complex world. By prioritizing divine guidance over personal interests or societal pressures, individuals who embrace this submission often seek to uphold values such as justice, compassion, and integrity. This commitment can lead them to make choices that reflect their faith principles, addressing modern challenges with a perspective rooted in spirituality and accountability towards Allah.

Related terms

Surrender: The act of yielding one's own desires and will in favor of adhering to God's commands and intentions.

Tawhid: The concept of monotheism in Islam, affirming the oneness and uniqueness of Allah, which underpins the notion of submission.

Shahada: The Islamic declaration of faith that emphasizes belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, marking the first step in submission.