10 Reasons Why Islam Is the Best Religion

Islam, a religion embraced by over two billion people worldwide, has been a guiding light for individuals and communities for centuries. Its teachings encompass not just spiritual matters but also provide a comprehensive framework for living a just, fulfilling, and meaningful life.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 reasons why Islam is considered the best religion for humanity, emphasizing its universal values and timeless principles.

1. Unity of God and Universal Brotherhood

At the core of Islam is the belief in one God (Allah), emphasizing the oneness of humanity. This belief fosters a sense of universal brotherhood, as all humans are considered equal in the eyes of Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“No Arab is superior to a non-Arab, and no non-Arab is superior to an Arab; no white man is superior to a black man, and no black man is superior to a white man, except by piety and good deeds.”

2. A Complete Way of Life

Islam is not just a religion but a comprehensive way of life. It provides guidance in every aspect of human existence, from personal relationships to governance, from financial dealings to spiritual growth.

The Quran and Sunnah (teachings of Prophet Muhammad) offer detailed instructions for living a balanced and purposeful life.

3. Focus on Knowledge and Education

Islam places a high value on knowledge and education. The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad was “Read!” (Quran 96:1), highlighting the importance of learning.

Throughout history, Islamic scholars have made groundbreaking contributions to science, medicine, philosophy, and the arts, influencing civilizations worldwide.

4. Social Justice and Equality

Islam champions social justice and condemns all forms of oppression and exploitation. Zakat (charitable giving), one of the Five Pillars of Islam, ensures wealth is redistributed to support the less fortunate.

This system creates a safety net for the poor, fostering a more equitable society.

5. Strong Emphasis on Family and Community

The family is considered the cornerstone of society in Islam. Respect for parents, care for children, and kindness toward relatives are emphasized.

Beyond family, It promotes community solidarity, encouraging Muslims to care for neighbors, regardless of their faith.

6. A Practical Approach to Peace

Islam advocates for peace and reconciliation, only permitting defensive measures when necessary. The very word “Islam” is derived from “salaam,” meaning peace. The Quran instructs Muslims:
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah.” (Quran 8:61)

7. Timeless Ethical Principles

It provides a moral framework that remains relevant across eras. Truthfulness, honesty, patience, compassion, and justice are some of the ethical values central to Islam.

These principles guide individuals to lead righteous lives and contribute positively to society.

8. Respect for Diversity

Islam acknowledges and respects the diversity of humanity. The Quran states:
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” (Quran 49:13)
This verse encourages mutual respect and understanding among different cultures and communities.

9. Balanced Approach to Spirituality and Material Life

It teaches a balanced approach, emphasizing that while spirituality is vital, worldly responsibilities should not be neglected. Muslims are encouraged to seek both worldly success and spiritual fulfillment:
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.” (Quran 28:77)

10. Hope and Forgiveness

It offers hope and the opportunity for redemption. Allah’s mercy is central to the faith, with numerous verses in the Quran reminding believers that no matter how far they stray, they can always return to the path of righteousness through repentance.

Insights from History and Faith

Islam is more than just a religion; it’s a way of life that has shaped civilizations, inspired progress, and provided spiritual fulfillment for millions across centuries.

Rooted in timeless values and universal truths, Islam offers a compelling framework for individuals and societies.

1. The Foundations of Islam: A Religion of Peace and Submission

The word “Islam” originates from the Arabic root s-l-m, meaning peace and submission. Islam calls its followers to submit to the will of Allah (God) and establish peace within themselves and their communities.

This dual focus on internal spirituality and external harmony makes Islam profoundly holistic.

2. Historical Contributions to Human Civilization

The Islamic Golden Age

From the 8th to the 14th century, the Islamic world was a beacon of knowledge and innovation. During the Islamic Golden Age, Muslim scholars made groundbreaking contributions in diverse fields like mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy.

Mathematics: Al-Khwarizmi, known as the “father of algebra,” laid the foundations for modern mathematics.
Medicine: Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote The Canon of Medicine, a seminal text used in Europe for centuries.
Astronomy: Al-Battani’s work refined the solar year, influencing later European astronomers like Copernicus.

Architectural Marvels

The grandeur of Islamic architecture, from the Alhambra in Spain to the Blue Mosque in Turkey, reflects the religion’s emphasis on beauty, precision, and harmony. These structures are more than monuments—they are symbols of a rich spiritual legacy.

3. Core Principles of Faith

The Oneness of God (Tawhid)

At the heart of Islam is Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of God. This concept unifies all aspects of a Muslim’s life, emphasizing accountability, humility, and reliance on Allah.

Guidance for Life

The Quran, Islam’s holy book, and the Sunnah, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), provide a complete guide to living a righteous life. These texts address everything from personal conduct to societal justice.

4. Equality and Social Justice

Islam’s principles of equality and justice have been revolutionary. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared in his final sermon:
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action.”

The Zakat system, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, institutionalizes wealth redistribution to support the underprivileged, ensuring that no one is left behind.

5. Spiritual Fulfillment and Hope

Islam’s emphasis on worship, such as daily prayers (Salah) and fasting during Ramadan, connects believers with their Creator. These practices nurture discipline, gratitude, and spiritual clarity.
Furthermore, Islam offers hope through the concept of repentance. Allah is described as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Ar-Rahim (The Most Compassionate), emphasizing that His forgiveness is always available for those who sincerely seek it.

6. Respect for Diversity and Coexistence

Islam encourages respect for other faiths and cultures. The Quran states:
“To you be your religion, and to me be my religion.” (Quran 109:6)
This verse underscores the importance of coexistence and mutual respect, values that are increasingly vital in today’s diverse world.

7. A Timeless Message for Modern Challenges

Islam’s teachings are as relevant today as they were over 1,400 years ago. For instance:

Its emphasis on moderation (wasatiyyah) addresses issues like overindulgence and waste in modern lifestyles.
Its prohibition of interest-based financial systems aligns with growing concerns about economic inequality and debt traps.

8. A Legacy of Inspiration and Transformation

The lives of historical figures influenced by Islam showcase its transformative power. Leaders like Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi (Saladin), known for his chivalry and justice, and scholars like Al-Ghazali, who bridged spirituality with intellectualism, embody the profound impact of Islamic teachings.

Statistics About Islam:

Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, embraced by over two billion people across continents. Its global reach and influence make it an important part of the cultural and spiritual fabric of humanity.

1. Global Muslim Population

Islam is the second-largest religion globally, with approximately 2 billion followers as of 2023. This accounts for nearly 25% of the world’s population.

The largest concentration of Muslims is found in:

Asia-Pacific Region: Home to about 62% of Muslims, countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have the highest populations.
Middle East and North Africa: Approximately 20% of Muslims live in this region.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Hosts 16% of the global Muslim population.
Europe and the Americas: While smaller in percentage, Muslim communities are growing significantly, with countries like France, Germany, and the U.S. seeing increasing Muslim populations.

2. Islam’s Growth Rate

Islam is the fastest-growing major religion in the world, outpacing global population growth. According to Pew Research Center, the Muslim population is expected to grow by 70% between 2015 and 2060, compared to a 32% increase for the global population during the same period.

Why Is Islam Growing So Rapidly?

High Fertility Rates: Muslim families tend to have higher birth rates compared to other religious groups.
Youthful Demographics: The median age of Muslims globally is around 24 years, making it one of the youngest religious groups.
Conversions: Islam attracts a significant number of converts, especially in Europe and North America.

3. Muslim-Majority Countries

There are 57 Muslim-majority countries in the world. Some of the largest in terms of population include:

Indonesia: With over 230 million Muslims, it’s the largest Muslim-majority country.
Pakistan: About 240 million Muslims, making it the second-largest.
India: While not a Muslim-majority country, it has a substantial Muslim population of over 200 million, making it the third-largest globally.

4. Languages of the Muslim World

Arabic is the liturgical language of Islam, as the Quran was revealed in Arabic. However, the linguistic diversity of Muslims reflects their global presence:

Top Spoken Languages:
- Arabic
- Urdu
- Persian (Farsi)
- Turkish
- Bengali
- Malay/Indonesian
- Hausa (West Africa)
Many Muslims also speak their native languages while learning Arabic for religious practices.

5. Islam in the West

The Muslim population in Western countries is growing steadily:

United States: There are about 3.5 million Muslims, comprising 1.1% of the total population.
Europe: Muslims make up around 6% of Europe’s population, with notable communities in countries like France (5.7 million Muslims) and Germany (5.5 million Muslims).
Canada: The Muslim population in Canada has tripled over the past two decades, now numbering over 1.5 million.

6. Converts to Islam

Every year, tens of thousands of people embrace Islam, particularly in Western countries.

In the U.S., about 25,000 people convert to Islam annually, with 70% of them being women.
In the U.K., around 5,000 people convert to Islam every year, and similar trends are seen in other parts of Europe.

Reasons for Conversion:

The simplicity and clarity of Islamic teachings.
The inclusive sense of community.
The strong emphasis on equality, spirituality, and morality.

7. Education and Literacy

Muslim-majority countries have diverse educational statistics:

Some nations, like Malaysia, Turkey, and Indonesia, have made significant strides in education and literacy rates.
Islam historically emphasizes the importance of knowledge, as the first word revealed in the Quran was “Read” (Iqra).

8. Pilgrimage and Religious Practices

The Hajj pilgrimage, a cornerstone of Islam, draws millions of Muslims to Mecca annually.

In 2023, over 2.5 million Muslims participated in Hajj.
Umrah, a lesser pilgrimage, attracts millions throughout the year.

9. Economic Influence

The Islamic world has significant economic influence:

Halal Market: The global halal economy, including food, fashion, cosmetics, and finance, is valued at over $2 trillion annually.
Islamic Finance: The Islamic banking and finance sector is growing rapidly, with assets exceeding $3.5 trillion in 2023.

10. Charitable Giving (Zakat)

Muslims are required to give Zakat (2.5% of their savings) annually to support the less fortunate. Globally, this amounts to billions of dollars in charitable contributions each year, addressing poverty, education, and healthcare needs.

Final Thoughts

Islam’s teachings provide a roadmap for creating a harmonious and compassionate world. Its principles resonate with the universal human values of justice, kindness, and equality.

For those seeking a religion that addresses both spiritual needs and practical aspects of life, It offers unparalleled guidance.

Embracing Islam’s values can enrich individuals and societies, making it a beacon of light for humanity.

Our resource: Islam