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What Defines Islam?
Origin
The Islamic worldview believes that Allah simply spoke the word “be” and the
universe was created (Britannica). The Qur’an contains parts that also line up with scientific
beliefs, such as Allah creating the Heavens and Earth in a “big bang”. The Qur’an specifically
states in 21:30, "The heavens and the earth were joined together as one unit, before We clove
them asunder…” The God of Qur’an created the universe in six days as stated in the text.
However, many Muslims preserve the six days as six different eras/eons (Learn Religions).
The Qur’an also tells that Allah created all life from water including humanity. Which
scientifically humans are mostly water as well. Islam also believes in Adam and Eve’s
creation as the first humans hand crafted by Allah. Which is evident in the Christian Bible as
well.
Identity
As for identity, Islam believes that Allah created humanity with free will and a special
personality for each person. Britannica states, “Whereas everything in the universe has a
limited nature and every creature recognizes its limitation and insufficiency, human beings
are viewed as having been given freedom and therefore are prone to rebelliousness and pride,
with the tendency to arrogate to themselves the attributes of self-sufficiency. Pride, thus, is
viewed as the cardinal sin of human beings…” Being human means we can choose our path
whether that is sin of godliness. We are created for a glorious purpose whether we choose to
follow it or not.
Meaning
When it comes to the meaning or purpose behind humanity, Islam is much like
Christianity. Britannica states in their article on Islam, “The Qur ān thus reiterates that all
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nature has been made subservient to humans, who are seen as God’s vice-regent on earth;
