Teachings of Islam
Present Muslims Are Only by Name, Not by the Actual Teachings of Islam
Introduction
Islam is not only a religion but a complete way of life. It guides its followers in matters of faith, worship, morality, family, society, politics, and economy. The Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provide timeless guidance for every generation. However, when we look at the present condition of Muslims worldwide, one painful reality emerges: many Muslims today carry the name “Muslim” but do not live according to the actual teachings of Islam.
This gap between identity and practice is one of the greatest challenges facing the Ummah (Muslim community). While mosques are filled during Eid prayers and Islamic names are common, the essence of Islam—submission to Allah, honesty, justice, mercy, and brotherhood—is often missing from our daily lives.
👉This blog explores the reasons behind this decline, the consequences of being Muslim “by name only,” and the urgent need to revive the true teachings of Islam.
What Does It Mean to Be a Muslim?
The Arabic root for the word “Muslim” is s-l-m, which means “to submit” or “to surrender.” A Muslim is someone who sincerely submits to the will of Allah, both inwardly and outwardly.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Qur’an 3:19)
“But no, by your Lord, they will not truly believe until they make you (O Prophet ﷺ) judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit fully.” (Qur’an 4:65)
👉Therefore, being a Muslim is about obedience, faith, and action more than just identity, rituals, or cultural heritage
Signs of Being Muslim Only by Name
👉Therefore, being a Muslim is about obedience, faith, and action more than just identity, rituals, or cultural heritage.
👉Unfortunately, when we look around the Muslim world today, many behaviors contradict the teachings of Islam. Some signs include:
1.Neglect of Prayer (Salah)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The covenant that stands between us and them is the prayer; whoever abandons it has disbelieved.” (Tirmidhi)
👉Yet, many Muslims do not pray regularly, despite it being the second pillar of Islam.
2.Ignorance of the Qur’an
👉Millions recite the Qur’an during Ramadan but do not understand its meaning or apply its guidance in daily life.
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The Qur’an was revealed as a manual for life, not just for ceremonial recitation.
3.Dishonesty and Corruption
Sadly, corruption has become common in many Muslim-majority countries, despite the Prophet ﷺ saying: “The truthful merchant will be with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs on the Day of Judgment.” (Tirmidhi)
👉Lies, cheating, bribery, and injustice are all severely condemned in Islam.
4.Division and Sectarianism
There are sects, schools of thought, and even ethnic rivalries within the Muslim Ummah.
👉Allah commanded: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)
5.Neglect of Modesty and Morality
Many Muslims adopt Western lifestyles, dress codes, and values while ignoring Islamic teachings on modesty, marriage, and family life.
6.Abandoning Justice
👉Whether dealing with Muslims or non-Muslims, Islam requires fairness.
👉However, there is widespread oppression, favoritism, and injustice in politics, workplaces, and even families.
Table of Contents
Why Have Muslims Drifted Away from True Islam?
Several historical and social reasons have led to Muslims being Muslims in name only:
1.Colonial Legacy
During colonial rule, Islamic institutions were weakened. Western education and systems replaced Islamic governance. Many Muslims adopted secular lifestyles, leaving religion behind.
2. Materialism and Worldly Desires
The Prophet ﷺ warned: “By Allah, it is not poverty I fear for you. What I fear is that the world will be opened up for you, just as it was opened for those before you, and you will compete in it as they competed, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
3.Weak Islamic Education
Many Muslim children learn to recite the Qur’an but are not taught its meaning, application, or history.
Islamic studies are often sidelined in schools, leaving Muslims ignorant about their faith.
Influence of Media and Globalization
Many Muslims blindly imitate entertainment, movies, and social media that promote lifestyles against Islamic teachings.
Hypocrisy in Leadership
When Muslim leaders neglect Islamic principles and rule unjustly, the people follow their example.
Consequences of Being Muslim by Name Only
1.Loss of Unity
Sectarianism and selfishness weaken the Ummah. Instead of helping one another, Muslims often fight among themselves.
2.Weakness and Humiliation
The Prophet ﷺ said: “When you deal in interest, hold onto the tails of cattle, are pleased with agriculture, and abandon jihad, Allah will send humiliation upon you and will not remove it until you return to your religion.” (Abu Dawood).
3. Spiritual Emptiness
Despite the conveniences of life, Muslims who do not attend worship experience unrest, anxiety, and a lack of fulfillment.
4.Rise of Islamophobia
When Muslims fail to embody Islamic values, non-Muslims see only the hypocrisy, fueling stereotypes and prejudice.
Returning to the True Teachings of Islam
1. Reviving Salah and Qur’an
Making daily prayers a priority.
Studying the Qur’an with understanding, not just recitation..
2.Promoting Knowledge
👉Investing in both Islamic and worldly education.
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Teaching children more than just the rituals of Islam.
3.Practicing Justice and Honesty
👉rejecting dishonesty, bribery, and corruption in business and government.
👉Applying fairness in personal dealings.
4.Strengthening Brotherhood
avoiding divisions based on nationality, tribe, or sect. Building unity on the basis of Qur’an and Sunnah.
5.Living with Modesty and Morality
👉Following Islamic guidelines on modesty in dress and behavior.
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Upholding family values and respect for parents.
6.Making Da’wah (Invitation to Islam)
👉Representing Islam through good character, kindness, and knowledge.
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Correcting misconceptions by living Islam authentically.
Examples from Early Muslims
👉Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA): Known for his truthfulness and sacrifice for Islam.
👉 Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA): His justice and leadership became an example for other rulers around the world.
👉Usman ibn Affan (RA): His charitable giving and devotion to the preservation of the Qur’an.
👉Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA): His wisdom, courage, and knowledge.
Conclusion
Sadly, many Muslims today only identify with Islam by name and do not live by its principles. The Ummah has been weakened as a result, and we have become further from Allah’s favor and blessings.
But there is hope. By returning to the Qur’an and Sunnah, reviving Islamic knowledge, practicing justice, and strengthening brotherhood, Muslims can once again embody the true spirit of Islam.
Islam is not in need of us—we are in need of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“I have left among you two things, you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them:
the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Muwatta Malik)
Author-Er.Changez Khan
Website –https://worldwidefacts.blog/
“MashaAllah, this is the reality of Islam. You have written it very beautifully, truly excellent writing.”
Mashallah well done….
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