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| Photo: Islamic Flag with the Shahada Testimony "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah" |
By: Shamsi Ali Al-Nuyorki
It is undeniable that Islam is the most misunderstood religion by many people. Ironically, this happens amidst its continuous and unstoppable growth, as well as in an era of advanced science and information.
There are many factors causing this misunderstanding. One of them is the deliberate intent of parties who dislike, or even fear, the growth of Islam. With all the facilities they possess, including the media, they build a bad, dangerous, and hostile narrative about Islam.
Several Main Characteristics of Islam
Talking about Islam is like drawing water from the ocean: it is so deep, vast, and will never be fully discussed by anyone, at any time. Therefore, this piece is merely an invitation to encourage readers to seek and dig deeper into this religion. No one, no matter how expert, will be able to completely understand all aspects of this religion.
In this note, I am only sharing a few main characteristics of Islam that may serve as an entry point to dig deeper.
1. Islam is a Divine Religion (Rabbani)
The word "Rabbani" has various meanings. However, there are two points I would like to highlight:
- First, Islam is a religion revealed by Allah as a guide for human life. Islam is not a human creation or innovation. Prophet Muhammad only received the revelation and conveyed it. He did not position himself as a religious innovator.
- Second, because it is not a human creation, Islam is permanent and authentic. The foundations of Islam—whether creed (aqidah), worship (ibadah), or morality—are fixed and do not change with the passage of time or changing circumstances.
2. Islam as a Perfect and Comprehensive Life Guide
Islam is a life guide that covers all aspects of human existence. Islam rejects the division of life into separate compartments. There is no specific part "for God" and another part left "up to humans."
Besides being complete, Islam is also a single, interconnected body of teachings. Creed impacts worship and social transactions (muamalah). Worship is not separated from social life. Islam regulates behavior in the mosque, while simultaneously regulating behavior in the marketplace.
3. Islam is a Highly Rational Religion
Although human rationality is limited in understanding all the details of its teachings, Islam is inherently highly rational. This ranges from its clear and firm theological teachings about God, worship guided by revelation rather than human innovation, to social transactions that have clear guidelines.
It is only natural that the second most frequent word in the Qur'an after "Allah" and His attributes are words related to "intellect and thinking." Therefore, knowledge and understanding (al-fiqh) become the path to honor (Allah raises the status of those with knowledge) and the path to goodness (whoever Allah wishes goodness for, He grants them religious understanding).
Karen Armstrong, a scholar of comparative religion, once said: "The most rational religion is Islam." She then added: "Even though many Muslims are still less than rational."
4. Islam is a Practical and Easy Religion
Islam is not just an inner feeling or emotion. Islam is a belief deeply rooted in the heart that impacts a person's worldview and behavior. Therefore, Islam is practical in its guidance, even down to every detail of life. A Muslim is guided by Islam for 24 hours, from waking up until going back to sleep.
The practical nature of Islam is also manifested in its ease and flexibility. Islam is not a difficult or rigid religion. All Islamic deeds are easy and possess flexibility (muru'ah) or adjustments without violating fundamental principles. Even when facing difficulties, Islam seeks the easiest way out without compromising its principles.
5. Islam Maintains Balance and Moderation
Islam emphasizes every aspect of life without sacrificing others. Islam is present to fulfill all aspects of life completely and in a balanced manner. An emphasis on the afterlife, for example, is not an excuse to abandon worldly life.
The word "balanced" implies the moderate character of Islam. Losing balance opens the door to extremism on one hand and negligence on the other. Commitment to Islam does not reduce the value of social goodness to anyone, including those of different faiths. Thus, Islam comes with high teachings of tolerance.
6. Islam is Rich in Spiritual Values
Islam is often perceived as a religion full of laws and lacking spirituality. As a result, Islam is accused of being "less compassionate" or lacking love. Islam is accused of being a religion full of violence.
In fact, Islam is deeply identical with spiritual values. Everything in Islam is connected to spiritual values (ruhiyah). Is it not true that prayer, whose essence is remembrance and inner practice, is performed five times a day and night as an obligation? Not to mention the voluntary prayers: Dhuha, up to Tahajjud and Witir, all of which are essentially spiritual practices.
Even actions categorized as "worldly" are not detached from spiritual values. Eating and drinking seek blessings, sleeping by mentioning His name: "bismika Allahumma ahya wa amut" (in Your name, O Allah, I live and die), and even marriage, are all linked to blessings that are essentially spiritual.
7. Islam Has a Universal Character
The universality of Islam includes at least three main things:
- First, its teachings are universal. Its theological concept is not limited by narrow things like race, social class, and so on. Allah is the Lord of all worlds (Rabb al-'alamin, Rabb an-nas).
- Second, its values and morality are universal. What is good or bad in the East is certainly good or bad in the West. Maintaining family integrity is good everywhere. Therefore, relationships outside of marriage are rejected by Islam, both in the East and the West.
- Third, because Islam is universal, the Muslim community (ummah) possesses a universal character. All humans from any background become part of this community and have the same opportunity to be the "best" and most honorable in the sight of Allah.
This community is one despite all existing diversity, yet equal in the opportunity to achieve honor. Only one criterion determines who is most honorable in the sight of Allah: righteousness (taqwa). That criterion is solely determined by the "heart" (faith) and "character" (deeds and behavior).
These are some of the basic characteristics of Islam that need to be known. Hopefully, these brief notes serve as a pathway for those who wish to know and realize. Islam is a religion and a way of life for all mankind. Islam is the path to success, in this world and the hereafter.
New York, June 12, 2026
(Summary of the Friday sermon in New York City, June 12, 2026).
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