Why We Say 'Submission' Instead of 'Islam'

The only religion approved by God is Submission (3:19). But what does that really mean? The Arabic word 'Islam' literally means 'submission' — and 'Muslim' means 'submitter.' These are not proper names; they are descriptions of a state of being. Anyone who submits to God alone is a submitter.

Ancient prophets used their own languages

Abraham was not an Arab. Neither were Moses, Jesus, or their followers. Yet God tells us Abraham was a monotheist submitter (3:67) and that he is the one who named us 'submitters' (22:78). The disciples of Jesus declared their submission to God — in their language, not in Arabic. The faith transcends language and cultural labels.

Descriptions, not exclusive labels

Satan's strategy has been to transform these universal descriptions into exclusive cultural labels — to make people think 'Islam' is a specific religion belonging to one group, rather than the timeless principle of submitting to God alone. When we use the English word 'Submission,' we restore the original meaning and welcome believers from all backgrounds.

God judges righteousness, not labels

Those who believe in God and the Last Day and lead a righteous life — whether they call themselves Jews, Christians, or anything else — have their reward with their Lord (2:62). The religion devoted to God alone does not belong to any human group. It belongs to God (39:3).

The logical agreement

Say: 'O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement: that we shall not worship except God; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside God' (3:64). This is the invitation — simple, universal, open to all who are willing to worship God alone.