The essence of Islam is the very essence of humanity. Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life. It leads to a balanced way of living. Islam brings civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can provide realistic, fair and objective solutions to the prevention of individual, familial, social and international problems which are threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.
People think that an Islamic life is "restrictive". Islam however, was revealed as a balanced way of living. Allah (swt) created all the humans with what is called 'A Fitrah' (a natural state/desire).Islam recognizes that within this Fitrah there are motivations that influence a man's role on earth e.g. a desire for good food and drink, to have a home, a desire for love, to protect and be protected and to be successful and strong. Without some form of control and limit, all of these legitimate motives could prove very dangerous.
Islam avoids extremes so as to maintain balance and orderliness in society. Islam is the perfect control for the Fitrah. It provides a divine method that elevates man above animals and the rest of creations. Allah, being perfect in His Wisdom and Knowledge, perfected a complete way of life for us. He has set His limitations and rules, all of which are beneficial to mankind, and therefore, do not need changing:
"These are the limits (set) by Allah, so do not approach them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:1871)
"These are the limits set by Allah, so do not transgress them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:229)
Islam has a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of inheritance, code of behavior, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship Allah, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the laws of economics, and the laws of buying and selling. Islam is a complete code of life. Islam is not practiced in