Islam---Comprehensive meanings from Quran

By Mr.Awais Durrani 

ISLAM

ROOT= SEEN- LAM-MEEM

An important root from which the terms Islam & Muslims are derived. Therefore it is necessary that its meanings are understood in detail & depth. All the basic meanings are taken from Raghib,Lane,Moheet & Taj ; these are eight in number:-( !) Salema means he got purified from all the defects & shortcomings & also the deficiencies are complemented. Verse 2/71 refers to the cow "perfect & without any defect”, so its basic meanings are to get well & perfect, complete in all respects so that no defect remains. 2) To remain safe from all dangers, accidents, mishaps, Ibn-i-Faris says that its basic meanings are more inclined towards perfection in health, safety & security. As-sal'am is also one of the attributes of Allah in- 59/23 which means free from all defects & shortcomings & whose security has no danger from anything while Taj ul Uroos differs & offers another meaning "someone from whom security & safety is sought & S'alimun means one who desires safety or one who can get into some trouble ,danger or insecurity but remains safe.As-sal'am is therefore one of the attributes of Allah as He has kept the entire creation safe from all catastrophes due to perfection in His laws & system. 3) As-sullamu means a ladder used to reach some high place & is safe & dependable; so the third meanings are "the ways & the means by which some one can reach the heights with full confidence. 4) As-silmu (2/208) means one who lives with peace & order & also maintains peace & order. Tasalamat-il-khailo means horses who march in step ;no horse creates any trouble or mischief --all are in one step - this explains the Islamic system. 5) As-silmu wa As-salamu means obedience.to bow, to surrender-so the fifth basic meanings are "to bow to & obey the laws of Allah in totality. 6) Is-taslama sakamat-tareeq one who walked in the middle of the path & did not go this side or that -Qaloo salama means who leads or takes up the middle path ,does not look either side & avoids obscene things or lewdness ;so the sixth meanings of this root are "to adopt a balanced way & avoid obscenities ,filthiness, indecency .immodesty & chastity." 7) Is-taslam-az-zaru means the crop has ripened ;so the seventh meanings are " a system under which efforts bear fruits" 8) As-salimatu a woman whose hands ,feet & limbs are soft ,beautiful & in perfect shape -so the eighth meanings are beauty & elegance Let us sum up ,Al-Islam means a system or code of life which;- a) Removes all the shortcomings/defects of a person & enables him to develop all his potentialities. b) And he remains safe from all external & internal dangers & degradation of life. c) And marches on towards higher stages of evolution. d) Who not only himself, leads a peaceful life but also promotes/helps maintaining order & peace around him & in the whole world; one who lives in harmony among other fellow beings & does not commit any act by which someone else gets enraged or upset. This is possible only when;-A) a person bows in totality before the laws of Allah in letter & spirit. B) Leads a balanced life, not going to either extreme. C) In this way his efforts will be fruitful & not go waste. D) The end result would be that it would bring out beauty, balance& excellence not only in his personality but in the entire social system .This is the only way of life which ensures reaching the destiny (20/47) & anyone who follows a different path would not be able to bring about the expected results & would ultimately suffer a loss. A person with above qualities possesses a noble heart .A nation of such people is termed as Ummatun Muslimatun (2/128) .The aim & object of each Muslim is to express/desire peace & prosperity for the other.While meeting the others ,he greets him by saying " Assalamo alaikum" (7/46) & in return the other also reciprocates the same feelings & thus the entire society echoes with such feelings.Only Islam is an acceptable code of life (3/82 & 13/15) .This is the code which was revealed to various Anbia from time to time & its final & complete form to Muhammad (S) & this is the code for the entire mankind. A Muslim is he, who accepts the Quran as the one & only ,complete & final code revealed by Allah for the entire mankind.