“Islam” itself is an Arabic word that translates to “submission” or “surrender” in English. One of the fundamental concepts in Islam is the idea of submission to the will of God (Allah in Arabic). Therefore, when Islam is described as a “life of submission,” it refers to the core principle of surrendering one’s will to the divine will of God.

Here are key aspects of Islam as a life of submission:

1. Submission to God’s Will (Allah’s Will): Islam teaches that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and believers are called to submit their entire lives to God’s guidance and commands. This includes following the teachings outlined in the Quran (the holy book of Islam) and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. Five Pillars of Islam: These are the core acts of worship and the foundation of a Muslim’s submission to God:
   • Shahada (Declaration of Faith): Affirming the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
   • Salaah (Prayer): Performing the ritual prayers five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
   • Zakaah (Charity): Giving to those in need, typically a percentage of one’s wealth annually.
   • Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan.
   • Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if financially and physically able.
3. Islamic Ethics and Morality: Submission to God in Islam is not limited to ritualistic acts of worship but extends to ethical and moral behavior. Muslims are encouraged to uphold justice, compassion, honesty, humility, and kindness in their daily lives.
4. Personal and Social Submission: Islam emphasises the individual’s responsibility to submit to God in all aspects of life, including personal conduct, family relationships, business dealings, and interactions with society. The concept of “halaal” (permissible) and “haram” (forbidden) guides Muslims in making ethical choices in various situations.
5. Adherence to Shariah: Shariah, often misunderstood in the West, is the Islamic legal system derived from the Quran and the Hadith. It provides guidelines for personal conduct, family law, commerce, and societal justice. For believers, adhering to Shariah is a form of submitting to God’s guidance.
6. Continuous Spiritual Striving (Jihad): Jihad, often misunderstood as “holy war,” refers to the struggle or striving in the path of God. This can include personal development, overcoming one’s shortcomings, and working towards a just and righteous society.

In summary, Islam as a life of submission means willingly surrendering one’s will to the divine will of God, as outlined in the teachings of the Quran and the example of Prophet Muhammad. This submission is not just a set of rituals but encompasses all aspects of life, guiding ethical behavior, personal development, and societal interactions.