The New International Encyclopædia/Islam
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ISLAM, īz′lam, Ar. pron. ĭs-läm′ (Ar., submission, from salima, to be safe). The name used by Mohammedans as the designation for their religion. It may be traced back to Mohammed. Literally, it means a causing to be sound or safe, or that which makes safe, but is commonly interpreted to mean complete and entire submission of body and soul to God (Allah), His will and His service, as set forth in the articles of faith, the commands and ordinances believed to have been revealed by God to His Prophet Mohammed. The more usual designation of the religion among Western peoples is Mohammedanism (q.v.).