Islam is basically founded on the human nature and hence a universal religion meant for the entire humanity. It is the religion of peace and security.
No human being will achieve equanimity or the happiness without embracing Islam. It is also important to know that merely embracing of Islam is not enough, but the followers should implement its tenets into their daily life to achieve peace and security.
Islam is distinguished with other religions or ideologies based on the following characteristics. It is essential for everyone to understand these features:
(1) Allah, the Omniscient, has revealed Islam for humanity, thus ordaining what is convenient and suitable in a man’s life based on his day to day requirements. Allah said,
 أَلاَ يَعْلَمُ مَنْ خَلَقَ وَهُوَ اللَّطِيفُ الْخَبِيرُ 
“Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves) All-Aware (of everything).” [Al-Mulk 67:14].
(2) Islam speaks about man beginning with his creation until he dies narrating the very purpose of human’s life. Allah said:
 يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمْ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالاً كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً
“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women.” [An-Nisaa 7:1].
Allah further said,
 مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَى
“Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again.” [Ta-ha 20:55].
Allah in His Book, the Qur’an, said,
 وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَاْلإِنسَ إِلاَّ لِيَعْبُدُونِي
“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” [Adh-Dhariyat 51:56].
(3) Islam is a natural religion since it is based on reality of life and not myth. Islam and the nature go hand in hand and nothing contradicts between the two. Allah said,
 فِطْرَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا
“Allah s Fitrah (i.e. Allah s Islâmic Monotheism or nature), with which He has created mankind.” [Ar-Rum 30:30].
(4) Islam incorporates the logic, sense and rational of life, which altogether reflected in its commands. It also denounces the ignorance and the blind imitation of faith and hence it blames those whose attitude toward life is inadvertent and based on illogical thinking. Allah said,
 قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُوا اْلأَلْبَابِ
“Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allâh s Signs and Verses)”. [Az-Zumar 39:9].
Allah in other verses said,
 إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَاْلأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لآيَاتٍ لأُولِي الأَلْبَابِ الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذَا بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.” [Aal ‘Emran 3:190-191].
(5) Islam is the religion that comprises of a definite belief and specific Divine Laws.
Based on the comprehensive code of life Islam offers a perfect belief, which is the part of its Divine Laws (Shari’ah). It is not a religion based merely on thoughts or some theoretical concept of a human mind. It is a complete way of life. Its tenets include the correct set of true faith with an emphasis on wise dealings, noble characters and a disciplined behavior.
Islam is the religion meant for every individual and all societies including Arab or non-Arab, white or black, rich or poor irrespective of their caste and creed. As mentioned earlier, Islam is the complete way of life as it is the religion of Allah. Its teachings encompass guidance for both in this world and the Hereafter.
(6) Islam is the religion, which takes into account every aspect of the human sentiments.
Its teachings lead the human beings on to the path of truth encouraging them to achieve unlimited virtues.
(7) Islam is the religion of justice.
In all circumstances, it offers its followers to act in a just and fair manner while dealing with one’s foes or friends and relatives whether close or distant.
In the following verses of Qur’an, Allah said,
 إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ
“Verily, Allah enjoins justice.” [An-Nahl 16:90].
Allah said,
 وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَى
“And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned.” [Al-An’am 06:152].
Allah said,
 وَلاَ يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَى أَلاَّ تَعْدِلُوا اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَى
“And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety.” [Al-Maedah 05:8].
(8) Islam is the religion of honest fraternity.
Muslims are considered brothers in faith to each other in the religion of Allah. The variety that exists among them such as nations living in different parts of the world, gender, caste or color does not discriminate among the members of this fraternity.
In Islam, there is no concept of apartheid or the racial discrimination. Also, there is no ethnic priority or the gender preference. The serious and prime criterion that Islam views is the nobility of character. The superiority of human over another is only based on the degree of his/her piety, righteous deeds and the fear of Allah (or Taqwa in Arabic language).
(9) Islam is the religion of Knowledge.
Islam has made it mandatory for every Muslim to attain knowledge. Islam puts emphasis whether man or woman to acquire knowledge, as it enlightens him/her to differentiate between the right and the wrong and to recognize the true faith. It elevates a person to a higher position in life. Allah said,
 يَرْفَعْ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ
“Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.” [Al-Mujadilah 58:11].
(10) Allah has assured true believers of granting ultimate happiness, glory, esteem and prestige. Allah has also pledged those believers of eventual victory be they individuals or groups.
Allah said,
 وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُم فِي اْلأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمْ الَّذِي ارْتَضَى لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا يَعْبُدُونَنِي لاَ يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا
“Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.” [An-Noor 24:55].
Allah further said,
 مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
“Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islâmic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).” [An-Nahl 16:97].
(11) Islam is the religion that provides solution to every problem.
The Divine Laws (Shari’ah) of Islam provide answer to every issue in life. The Shari’ah constitute certain procedures and the basic rules, which never conflict with the natural laws and the reality of life.
(12) The Divine Islamic Laws are inclusive in that there is integrity in general to the entire humanity if they fall into any controversy or dispute in particular. The Islamic laws serve as the best reference to solve challenges to bring well-being in life be they in fields such as jurisprudence, inheritance, social or any others. In such difficult situations in man’s life Islam not only protects interest but also ensures his rights.
(13) Islam is a universal religion, which is applicable in all places, times and practiced by every nation and in all situations. Islam is the only religion, which cares for man’s entire worldly affairs. Therefore, it was proved with evidence that Islamic laws since they were comprehensively revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) some 1400 years, are applicable even in today’s modern world.
It is also true that as the world is making scientific progress other new evidences will come to man’s knowledge further proving the effectiveness, appropriateness and the nobility of the Islamic laws.
(14) Islam is the religion of love, fellowship, compassion and mercy.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
« مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ مَثَلُ الْجَسَدِ إِذَا اشْتَكَى مِنْهُ عُضْوٌ تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى »
“The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs is afflicted, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” [Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad].
In another instance, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
« الرَّاحِمُونَ يَرْحَمُهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي اْلأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ »
“The merciful ones will be granted mercy from the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those on earth – the One above the heavens will then have mercy on you.” [At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and Ahmad. At-Tirmidhi graded this Hadith as sound and authentic].
(15) Islam is the religion, which encourages prudence, firmness, earnestness, and assiduous research.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
« الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلاَ تَعْجَزْ وَإِنْ أَصَابَكَ شَيْءٌ فَلاَ تَقُلْ لَوْ أَنِّي فَعَلْتُ كَانَ كَذَا وَكَذَا وَلَكِنْ قُلْ قَدَرُ اللَّهِ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ فَإِنَّ لَوْ تَفْتَحُ عَمَلَ الشَّيْطَانِ »
“A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one in all good things. Adhere to that which is most beneficial for you. Keep beseeching Allah for help and do not refrain from it. If you are afflicted in any way, do not say: ‘If I had taken this or that step, it would have resulted into such and such,’ but say only, ‘Allah so determined and did as He willed.’ The word ‘if’ opens the gates of satanic conduct.” [Muslim].
(16) Islam is free from all possible controversies or contradictions.
Allah said,
 وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلاَفًا كَثِيرًا
“Do they not then consider the Qur ân carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions.” [An-Nisaa 04:82].
(17) Islam protects its followers from falling into anarchy, confusion or from loss and faltering ways. Hence, Islam ensures the material and spiritual comforts of those who embrace it.
(18) Islamic teachings are plain, clear, comprehensive and easy to understand and practice.
(19) Islam is an open religion, whose doors are wide open for every human being intends to embrace it. It has no secret plans or any hidden agenda.
(20) Islam strengthens the power of mental reasoning and enriches the man’s spirituality. It teaches to uphold good character and conduct while encouraging to attain scientific education. The followers of Islam adhere to truth, perform righteous deeds, prove more purified and intelligent, and stand distinguished from among other nations.
(21) Islam commands its followers to be the model of good character and practicing Muslims showing morality and to shun the evil deeds.
Allah said,
 خُذْ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنْ الْجَاهِلِينَ
“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. don t punish them).” [Al-A’raf 07:199].
Allah said,
 ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ
“Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! He, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.” [Fussilat 41:34].
(22) Islam offers and preserves the mental enrichment. Therefore, Allah has forbidden the use of intoxicants, narcotics or drugs to protect the human mind f