Introduction to the Characteristics of Islam

There are various Characteristics of Islam only a few of them are mentioned here. These characteristics of Islam are the most common and the most important ones. A student of competitive examination, like CSS Pakistan, can learn them to cover his CSS Islamiat Syllabus. This topic of Characteristics of Islam is an extension of the topic, the Concept of Islam. The characteristics of Islam are given below.

Universality

Islam is a universal religion. It does not recognize any borders, caste, creed, or planets. The message of Islam is universal. If a person is on the moon, on the earth, in the past, or the future, the message of Islam applies to him. In Surah Fateha Allah says,

“All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds”.

Therefore, Allah is the Lord of All the worlds and universes. In the same way, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is mercy to all the worlds. Allah says in Surah Anbiya, ayat 107,

“We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.”

Unity of Message

In other religions such as Hinduism and Christianity, different books have different messages, and different groups have different messages. However, the message of Islam is the same for all people. Islam has one God and one message. It is an important characteristic of Islam.

Guarantee of Protection/Authenticity

The message of Allah is the same since it was first revealed 14 centuries ago. No change has been made to it. The reason is that the Holy Quran is protected by Allah Almighty Himself. Allah Almighty has guaranteed the protection of the Holy Quran and its message. Allah says in the Holy Quran,

“Verily, We have revealed this Quran and verily, We will protect it.”

Preservation through the Ages

It is another characteristic of Islam. Preservation through the ages means that not only the message but also the wording of the Quran has been preserved. For example, the dua the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recited 14 centuries ago, today Muslims recited the same dua in the same words. Hence, this is one of the miracles, the characteristics of Islam.

Moderation

Islam is not an extremist religion. In Islam, things should be done moderately. For instance, a Muslim should not be only indulged in worship, but he should also give enough time to his family for their welfare. In Bhudhism when a person becomes a monk he devotes his life to worship, and he avoids worldly pleasure. However, Islam discourages such a life and it encourages a moderate life. Therefore, moderation is an important characteristic of Islam.

Rationality

Islam encourages the use of Aqal in understanding the world. In the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) repeatedly urges the Muslims to observe the surroundings and seek knowledge and understand things. Hence, Islam discourages blind following and encourages rationality. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Yunus,

“Observe what is in the heavens and the earth.”

Unity

In Islam, there isn’t any contradiction between theory and practice. If something is considered Haram then it is Haram in theory and practice. E.g. in Christianity drinking wine is prohibited but there are some kinds of wine that the church allows. Therefore, there isn’t any unity between theory and practice in Christianity. However, it is not the case in Islam.

Completeness

Islam is a complete code of life. It teaches about every aspect of life. That aspect can be personal life, family life, administration, laws of war and peace, worship, and so on. Therefore, Islam is complete. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran,

“Undoubtedly, We have explained for people, in this very Quran every kind of similitude!”