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Islam is a way of life for Muslims. It defines general principles for Muslims to abide by in the personal and social levels. These principles exist across the boundaries of time and space. This means that Muslims should follow them through all times and places. These principles reflect the greatness of Islam in that they agree with the common nature or instinct “Fitra” of the normal human-being always and everywhere. One example of that relates to the clothes: Islam has strict rules regarding covering parts of the body in a way that agrees with the “Fitra” that raises human beings from the level of animals to the human level. Another example, relates to marriage: Islam prohibits the marriage between first-degree relatives (man to his sister, for example) because that creates an emotional conflict and doesn’t agree with Fitra.

On the other hand, these principles allow for the differences between nations due to their cultures or traditions. A careful observation of the Muslim nation over its long history shows the wide spectrum of its people in their dress, food, language, and tradition. But they all agree on the common principles.

One thing to add here is that the set of basic principles, that relates to the personal and social life of a Muslim are very minimal. These principles are only meant to filter out all bad habits and traditions that Allah does not accept from his servants, and to encourage all the good deeds. Prophet Mohammed –peace be upon him- who was sent as guidance to all nations said, “I was exclusively sent to perfect good deeds”.

Islam, “A Way Of Life”