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Since Islam is the last religion to be revealed by Allah, it possesses some elements that make it unique. One of these is its relevance for human beings regardless of place and time.

This means that Islam - submission to God - is a comprehensive institution that includes all the necessary guidelines for all aspects of life. Therefore, the best way to understand Islam is to look at it not just as a religion but as a complete way of life.

In other words, it is a system that regulates all aspects of life, dealing with all issues - social, economic, educational, judicial, health, and even military. Thus, it is suitable for all human beings and for all times since it is the final religion.

The Islamic laws aim to achieve five goals for human beings in life:

protecting the religion, protecting one's self, protecting one's possessions, protecting one's mind, and protecting one's offspring.

Therefore, God (Allah) decided on two main domains of law:

1. If the domain always requires change and progress, Allah legislated comprehensive and flexible rules and gave people the chance to create and develop the necessary laws to satisfy the specific needs of a certain period of time.
For example, in the rule of consultation (Shurah), Allah decided that it should be the general rule for any government. However, its forms and styles are left open for people to choose and decide according to their needs.

2. If the domain does not require any change or progress, Allah legislated fixed and detailed laws that govern all issues related to a specific area. Therefore, there is no way for man to change or develop those laws which are made for the welfare of all mankind.

For example, the area of worshipping God contains fixed details which should not be changed at all. These regard prayer, fasting, making pilgrimage, etc. Another example is in family matters, such as the laws of marriage, divorce, and inheritance, which have been legislated in a fixed and detailed manner.

To show how Islam cares for the environment, one can cite the number of laws that protect the environment.

About fourteen hundred years ago. Prophet Muhammad said: "The World is green and beautiful and Allah has appointed you as His stewards over it. He sees how you acquit yourselves." Muhammad showed how important plants and trees are by saying: "Whoever plants a tree and looks after it with care until it matures and becomes productive will be rewarded in the Hereafter." Even in the territory of enemies, Islam's care for plants, animals, and trees is profound. Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, instructed troops that he was sending into battle not to cut down trees or kill animals except for food.

There are just a few examples of how Islam remains relevant in the modern world.

May Allah Bless You
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Date Last Modified: 1/3/2005
2000-2005