Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, One of the prevalent myths is that Muhammad was the founder of Islam (Submission). Although Islam, total submission to God alone, is the only religion recognized by God since the time of Adam (Quran 3:19, 85), Abraham is reported in the Quran as the first user of the word "Islam" (Submission) and the one who called us "Muslims" (Submitters) (Quran 22:78). Islam is called "Millat Ibrahim" (The Religion of Abraham) throughout the Quran (Quran 2:130, 135; 3:95; 4:125; 6:161; 12:37-38; 16:123; 21:73; 22:78). Moreover, the Quran informs us that Muhammad was a follower of Abraham (Quran 16:123). Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam* [Quran 22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion―the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Submitters" originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter. *22:78 Although all messengers preached one and the same message, "Worship God alone," Abraham was the first messenger to coin the terms "Submission" (Islam) and "Submitter" (Muslim) (2:128). What did Abraham contribute to Submission (Islam)? We learn from 16:123 that all religious duties in Submission were revealed through Abraham (see Appendices 9 & 26). Abraham: Delivered All Religious Duties of Islam [Quran 21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat).* To us, they were devoted worshipers. *21:73 When the Quran was revealed, all religious duties were already established through Abraham (2:128, 16:123, 22:78). Submission is God's religion, it is not exclusive to the Arabs or the prophet Muhammad. Peace. References Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix9.html God's religion - Monotheism, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/monotheism/monotheismnaturalinstinct.html