Islaam: The Only True Religion for the Whole Mankind

By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya (Especially for Non-Muslim Readers)

Islâm, which means peaceful and complete submission to the Will of Allâh I and obedience to His Law, is the divine religion for all mankind.   It is Allâh’s chosen religion for the entire humanity.  If you are not aware of the universality and true teachings of Islâm, then this article is for you. I invite you to accept Islâm based on concrete proofs from the Qur'ân and the Sunnah (Traditions and Practices, which include the Ahadîth or Sayings of Prophet Muhammad r). 

You should believe that Islâm is the only religion for all mankind, because Allâh I is the One and Only God of all mankind;  Prophet Muhammad is the Universal Messenger of Allâh I to all mankind; and that, the Qur'ân is Allâh’s Book of Guidance to all mankind.   We read in the Qur’ân:

“Say: `I seek refuge with the Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer) of mankind,  the King (or Ruler) of mankind, the God (or Judge) of mankind ¾   from the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper) (the same) who whispers in the hearts of mankind,  of the jinn and of mankind.’”   (Qur’an 114:1-6)

“We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but as a (Messenger) to all mankind, giving glad tidings, and warning them (against) sin, but most men know not.”    (34:28)

Allâh! There is no god but He the Living the Self-Subsisting Eternal.  It is He Who sent down to you (step by step) in truth the Book (the Qur’ân) confirming what went before it.  And He sent down Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this as a guide to mankind and He sent down the Criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allâh will suffer the severest penalty and Allâh is Exalted in Might  Rabb of Retribution.  (3:2-4)

The Qur'ân is Allâh’s guide to all mankind.  The following are some selections from the Qur'ân, which show how Allâh addresses all mankind.  Contemplate upon them and see how universal Islâm is:

“O mankind!  Worship your Rabb, Who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous;  Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allâh when you know (the truth).”  (2:21-22)

"O mankind!  Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan for he is to you an avowed enemy.  For he commands you what is evil and shameful, and that you should say of Allâh that of which you have no knowledge."  (2:168-169)

“O mankind! Reverence your Rabb Who created you from a single person and from him created his mate and from them created many men and women. Be conscious of your duty to Allâh through Whom you demand your mutual (rights) and (be dutiful to) the wombs (that bore you).  Verily, Allâh ever watches over you.”    (4:1)

“O mankind!  The Messenger has come to you in truth from Allâh: believe in him: it is best for you.  But if you reject faith, to Allâh belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and Allâh is All Knowing, All-Wise.”  (4:170)

“O mankind!  Verily there has come to you a convincing proof from your Rabb: for We have sent unto you a light (that is) manifest.”  (4:174)

“Here is a Message for mankind: Let them take warning therefrom, and let them know that He is (no other than) One Allâh: Let men of understanding take heed.”   (14:52)

“O mankind!  Fear your Rabb for the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgment) will be a thing terrible!”     (22:1)

O mankind!   If you have a doubt about the Resurrection; (consider) that We created you out of dust then out of sperm then out of a leech-like clot then out a morsel of flesh partly formed and partly unformed in order that We may manifest (Our Power) to you.... This is so because Allâh is the Reality: it is He Who gives life to the dead and it is He Who has power over all things.     (22:5-6)

O mankind! Remember the Grace of Allâh upon you! Is there a Creator other than Allâh to give you Sustenance from heaven or earth? There is no god but He: how then are you deluded away from the Truth?  (35:3)

O mankind!  Verily, the Promise of Allâh is true.  So let not the chief deceiver (Satan) deceives you about Allâh.”   (35:5)

 “O mankind! It is you that have need of Allâh: but Allâh is the One Free of all wants, Worthy of all praise.”   (35:15)

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other).  Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allâh is (he who is) the most righteous of you. Verily, Allâh has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”   (49:13)

I invite you also to reflect upon the following authentic Ahadîth[5]. Notice, how Prophet Muhammad r  makes it clear that he is the Messenger of Allâh I to all mankind; and subsequently, shows concern for all mankind:

Jabir Bin Abdullah  t narrated that Allâh’s Messengerr said, "I have been given five things, which were not given to any amongst the Prophets before me. These are: (1.) Allâh made me victorious by awe (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey.  (2.) The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum. Therefore my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due.  (3.) The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me (and was not made so for anyone else). (4.) Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation exclusively but I have been sent to all mankind.  (5) I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection).   (Bukhari 1/429)

Abu Hurairaht narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said: “I have been given superiority over the other prophets in six respects: I have been given words, which are concise but comprehensive in meaning. I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies).  Spoils have been made lawful to me.  The earth has been made for me, clean and a place of worship.  I have been sent to all mankind.   And the line of prophets is closed with me.”  (Muslim, 1062)

Anas Bin Malik t narrated: “While we were sitting with the Prophet r in the mosque, a man came riding on a camel. He made his camel kneel down in the mosque, tied its foreleg and then said: "Who amongst you is Muhammad?" At that time the Prophet r was sitting amongst us (his companions) leaning on his arm. We replied, "This white man reclining on his arm." The man then addressed him, "O Son of 'Abdul Muttalib.”  The Prophet r said, "I am here to answer your questions.” The man said to the Prophet, "I want to ask you something and will be hard in questioning. So do not get angry." The Prophet r said, "Ask whatever you want." The man said, "I ask you by your Rabb, and the Rabb of those who were before you, has Allâh sent you as a Messenger to all the mankind?" The Prophet r replied, "By Allâh, yes.” The man further said, "I ask you by Allâh. Has Allâh ordered you to offer five prayers in a day and night (24 hours)? He replied, "By Allâh, Yes.” The man further said, "I ask you by Allâh! Has Allâh ordered you to observe fasts during this month of the year (i.e. Ramadan)?" He replied, "By Allâh, Yes.” The man further said, "I ask you by Allâh. Has Allâh ordered you to take Zakat (obligatory charity) from our rich people and distribute it amongst our poor people?" The Prophet r replied, "By Allâh, yes." Thereupon that man said, "I have believed in all that with which you have been sent, and I have been sent by my people as a messenger, and I am Dimam bin Tha'laba from the brothers of Bani Sa'd bin Bakr."   (Bukhari 1/63)

Jabir Bin Abdullah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “Allâh will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.”   (Bukhari  9/473)

Abu Huraira t narrated: Allâh’s Messengers r said, “The worst of all mankind is the double-faced one, who comes to some people with one countenance and to others, with another countenance."  (Bukhari, 9/290)

Abu Said Al Khudri t narrated that a Bedouin came to the Prophet r and said, “O Allâh's Messenger r! Who is the best of mankind!”  The Prophet r said, "A man who strives for Allâh’s Cause with his life and property, and also a man who lives (all alone) in a mountain path among the mountain paths to worship his Rabb and save the people from his evil.”   (Bukhari  8/501)

Allâh I, the universal God of all, is the Rabb of Grace, Abounding (57:29). He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and gives them an increase of His Bounty (42:26).  He is Most Gracious, Most Merciful.  He grants the need of every creature (55:29).  His bounties are not closed to any one (17:20). He is full of grace to all mankind: yet most of them are ungrateful to Him:

 “But verily your Rabb is full of grace to mankind: yet most of them are ungrateful.”  (27:73)

One chapter of the Qur'ân, Chapter 55: Ar Rahman (The Most Gracious) enumerates some of the countless favors that Allâh I has given to all mankind.  The following are some of the verses of the whole chapter, which you should reflect on so you may be among the grateful creatures of Allâh I:

(Allâh) Most Gracious!  It is He Who has taught the Qur'ân.  He has created man: He has taught him speech (and intelligence).  The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed; and the herbs and the trees-both (alike) bow in adoration. And the Firmament has He raised high and He has set up the balance (of Justice) in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.  It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures. Therein are fruits, date palms producing sheeted fruit-stalks and also corn with its leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-scented plants. .Then which of the favors of your Rabb will you deny? He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery. And He created Jinn from fire free of smoke. Then which of the favors of your Rabb will you deny?  (He is the) Rabb of the two Easts and Rabb of the two Wests. Then which of the favors of your Rabb will you deny?  (55:1-18)

It is for your benefit that you should always be grateful to Allâh I. Allâh the Almighty says:

“And remember!  Your Rabb caused to be declared (publicly): `If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.’”   (14:7)

“...And if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Rabb is free of all needs, Supreme in Honor!”   (27:40)

“...Show (your) gratitude to Allâh.  Any who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, verily Allâh is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.”  (31:12)

We, mankind, must be grateful to Allâh I for, indeed,  He is the One Who provides us the good things for our sustenance.   He is the One Who gives us life, Who causes us to die and will give us life again.  For your enlightenment, read the following verses and think for yourself, is there any one, other than the True God and Creator of the whole mankind has ever told us the following absolute words?

“O you who believe!  Eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah, if  He is the One you worship.”  (2:172)

 “It is He (Allah) Who gave you life, will cause you to die, and will again give you life.  Truly man is a most ungrateful creature!”   (22:66) 

We should think of all the blessings that Allâh I has given us.  We should be grateful to Him because He does not love those who are ungrateful and wicked (2:276).   We should not follow the Evil One who is ungrateful to Allâh I (17:27).  We have to demonstrate our gratitude to Allâh I by worshipping Him Alone.  We have to remember that the very reason why He has created us is for us to worship Him (51:56-58) all throughout our lives (15:98-99).  It is for our own benefit that we must worship Allâh alone as He is our Creator.  He I has commanded us to worship Him alone in order to be righteous.  He I says:

“O mankind!  Worship your Guardian Rabb, Who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous;  Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allâh when you know (the truth).”   (2:21-22)

For your divine guidance, accept Islâm as your religion and way of life.  Verily, it is the only religion for all mankind. Allâh the Almighty makes it clear that Islâm is the only religion acceptable to Him.  Our Creator I tells us:

"Truly the Religion before Allâh is Islâm (submission to His Will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge  had come to them.  But if any denies the Signs of Allâh, Allâh is swift in calling to account.”   (3:19)

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islâm (submission to Allâh), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).”   (3:85) 

* pbuh - Peace be upon him; It is a Muslim practise to convey prayers of peace whenever the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and other prophets is taken.