Muḥammadanism: Definition, Etymology, and Importance in Islam

Introduction to Muḥammadanism

Muḥammadanism, commonly referred to by its followers as al-Islām (الاسلام), signifies the complete surrender of human will to the divine command of God, known as Allah in Arabic. The term “Islām” is derived from the Arabic root S-L-M, meaning peace and submission.

Etymology and Nomenclature

• Arabic Term: الإسلام (al-Islām)
• Turkish Term: İslam

Its followers are termed Muslimūn (sing. Muslim) or Muʾminūn (sing. Muʾmin), the latter meaning “believers”. In Persian, these terms are rendered as Musalmān (sing.) and Musalmānān (pl.).

Core Teachings and Beliefs

• Faith (Imān) includes:

  1. Faith in the Unity of God.
  2. Belief in Angels.
  3. Acceptance of the Inspired Books (Qur’an, Torah, Psalms, Gospels).
  4. Belief in the Prophets.
  5. Belief in the Day of Judgment.
  6. Acceptance of God’s Decrees.

• Practice (ʿAmal) involves:

  1. Declaration of Faith (Shahāda).
  2. Performing the five daily prayers (Ṣalāt).
  3. Observing the fast during the month of Ramaḍān (Sawm).
  4. Giving alms to the needy (Zakāt).
  5. Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).

Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence

Islamic law is rooted in four primary sources:

1. The Qurʾān: The holy book of Islam considered the infallible word of Allah.
2. Ḥadīs̤: Traditions recounting the words and actions of Prophet Muḥammad.
3. Ijmāʿ: Consensus among Muslim scholars.
4. Qiyās: Analogical reasoning based on these sources.

Theological Texts and Scholarly Works

Islamic theology, known as ʿAqāʾid, deals with extensive discourse on the Articles of Faith. These theological principles and laws are elaborated through:

1. The Qurʾān and its commentaries (Tafsīr).
2. Collections and interpretations of Traditions (Ḥadīth).
3. Uṣūl al-Fiqh: Principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
4. Fiqh: Scholarly literature detailing civil and religious laws.

Development and Spread

Islam is not presented by its followers as a novel religion but as a culmination of previous revelations given to prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Despite the deep roots in earlier Judaic practices, Islam synthesizes these elements into its own unique doctrine.

Major Islamic Sects

1. Sunnī Islam: The largest branch with four schools—Ḥanafī, Shāfiʿī, Malakī, and Ḥanbalī.
2. Shīʿa Islam: Primarily in Iran, with numerous sub-sects.
3. Wahhābīs: Reform movement focusing on puritanical adherence to initial Islamic teachings.

Key Historical and Modern Contributions

Numerous historical and modern scholars have contributed to the study of Muḥammadanism, providing an array of interpretations and insights into Islamic jurisprudence, dogma, and culture.

Further Reading and References

1. “The Qur’an” - Translated by E. H. Palmer
2. “The Hidayah” - Translated by C. Hamilton
3. “Islam under the Arabs” - R. D. Osborn
4. “Seerah Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet” - Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
5. “Understanding Islam: The First Ten Steps” - Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

Takeaways

Muḥammadanism, or Islam, represents a complex and deeply rooted system of faith and law that has significantly influenced global civilization through its Mosaic principles, practices, and legalistic traditions.

Conclusion

Islam remains a significant global force, impacting cultures and laws through its unique confluence of faith and reason. Its adaptive yet structured theological framework offers rich avenues for scholarly research and understanding.

This covers the essentials of Muḥammadanism (Islam), exploring its core components, theological tenets, and societal influence.