Meanings of the word ‘Islam’ according to Dictionaries

The root of the word Islam is s-l-m (seen-laam-meem), which leads to the following meanings:

1.

• to be in sound condition, well, without a blemish
• to be safe and sound, unharmed, unimpaired, intact, safe, secure, in peace
• to be unobjectionable, blameless, faultless, certain, established, clearly proven (fact)
• to be free (from defects, fault, imperfection, blemish or vice) [particularly, with the preposition 'min']
• to escape (from a danger)

The word has a much wider meaning than mere peace and also involves prosperity, good health, wholeness and completeness in every way

In 2:71  the characteristics of a heifer are mentioned as 'musallamatun la shiyata' which means 'sound without any blemish'

2. (particularly with the prepositions 'la/li' or 'ila')

• to submit or resign (oneself) to [e.g. in 2:112, 4:128, 2:131, 2:133, 2:136, 3:20, 3:83, 3:84, 4:125, 6:71, 22:34, 29:46, 31:22, 39:54, 40:66]
• to yield to the opinion, judgement, command or control (of someone)
• to surrender or give (oneself) up

As-Salaam (i.e. Safety, security, immunity, wholeness, soundness, well-being and freedom from imperfections, defects or faults) is the result of Al-Islam. As given in the Quran, As-Salaam is for those who follow Al-Huda [20:47]. In other words, Safety, security, immunity, wholeness, soundness, well-being and freedom from imperfections, defects or faults results from Submission to Allah’s Commands.

Meanings of the word ‘Al-Islam’ as defined and explained in the Quran

1. Al-Muslimeen vs. Al-Mujrimeen

In 68:35 the word Al-Muslimeen has been used in contrast to Al-Mujrimeen. Mujrim, according to dictionary, is the one who commits an act of disobedience or violates the Law or wrongfully exploits a situation or steal the fruit of others' labour . The Quran defines Al-Mujrimeen in the following verses:

7:40 Those who deny or delude Our Messages, and scorn them (or turn away from them haughtily), the gates of Heaven will not be opened for them. And they will not enter the Garden until the camel goes through the eye of a needle. This is how We recompense Al-Mujrimeen....

10:13 We annihilated many nations before you for their Zulm. Their Messengers had come to them with clear evidence of the Truth, but they refused to believe them. Thus do We reward Al-Mujrimeen

10:17 Who does a greater wrong than the one who himself forges a lie, then ascribes it to Allah, or falsifies His Revelations, or denies them? Al-Mujrimoon certainly do not prosper.

32:22 And who does a greater wrong than he who is reminded of his Lord’s Messages, then turns away from them? Verily, We shall requite all those who are Al-Mujrimeen

So according to 7:40, 10:13, 10:17 and 32:22, Al-Mujrimeen are those who deny or delude or falsify Allah's Revelations, refuse to believe in them or turn away from them, and do not act according to Allah's Revelations. Al-Muslimeen are those who are quite the opposite of Al-Mujrimeen.

2. Al-Muslimoon vs. Al-Qasitoon

In 72:14, the word Al-Muslimoon has been used in contrast to Al-Qasitoon. Al-Qasitoon are those who deviate or decline from the right course (At-Tareeqah); who act unjustly, injuriously, wrongfully or tyrannically. But Al-Muslimoon are those who take an unwavering stand on At-Tareeqah.

72:13-16 “And as soon as we heard Al-Huda, we believed in it. And whoever chooses to be graced with belief in his Lord, need not fear a diminished return, nor unfairness.”  “And some of us are Al-Muslimoon and some of us are Al-Qasitoon. And whoever submits – such are they who have resolved to get enlightened.”  “And those who are  A-Qasitoon– they are but fire-wood for the Hell."  Now, if they take an unwavering stand on At-Tareeqa, We will shower them with abundant bounties. (‘Tareeqah’ = Layer upon layer arranged in great harmony = Discipline = Way = Course. ‘At-Tareeqah’ = The Highest Discipline = Divine Revelation. 'Ma' = Water, heavenly blessings = Bounties).

3. In 27:31, the word Muslimeen has been used in contrast to those who exalt or magnify themselves and behave proudly, insolently or exorbitantly. In other words, Islam or submission is opposite to exaltation.

4. In 22:34, Submission (aslamoo) has been explained as a credential of Al-Mukhbiteen i.e. those who are humble, submissive and obedient to Allah [11:23, 22:54]

5. In the light of 6:14, Al-Islam is the absence of Shirk also.

6. In the light of  3:19, 3:80, 9:74 and 15:2, Al-Islam is the absence Kufr also.

25.08.2004