What is Islam?

The Historical:

Islam is a "religion" carrying on the traditions of various Prophets and Messengers throughout time. It is a universal dispensation of God (Allah)'s words meant to uplift and enlighten humanity. It has been said that Islam started even before the Prophet Adam (The Primordial First Human), and that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) represents the universal human soul that was present when Adam was "between water and clay". Though all revealed traditions throughout time pointed towards the Unity of God (Allah) using the language and understanding of those particular people.

"All the prophets brought the words of Allah, and all the words they brought are true. Allah sent His messages through each of the prophets, and they brought His commandments step by step."

-Bawa Muhaiyaddeen

The historical Prophet Muhammad (containing the thread and essence of the Nur Muhammad or Light of Prophethood), is the seal of Prophets not for reasons of exclusion. Instead, the Prophet made the final claim, in that no level of secrecy or exclusiveness could remain. The message is simple:

God is One. "La Ilaha Ilallah Muhammadir Rasulallah" (There is no god but God and Muhammad is his Messenger)

"To see division is not Islam. To see other men as different is not Islam. In this world and the next, there must be no prejudice in our hearts, for all will come together on the Day of Reckoning and the Day of Judgment. All of us will come together in heaven. Therefore, we must not see any differences or create any divisions here. Where Allah does not see a difference, we must not see a difference. We must not despise anyone whom Allah loves—and Allah loves everyone. He belongs equally to everyone, just as Islam belongs equally to everyone. Islam is unity, not division."

-Bawa Muhaiyaddeen

Known for his sincerity and compassion, the Prophet of Islam was always a seeker of Truth. In his state of meditation in the cave Hira, the Prophet was visited by the angel Gabriel who brought the first words of the Qur'an, the book that was to confirm and contain all messages of truth throughout time, and make them accessible for all regardless of social status.

"Muhammad, the Messenger of God, did not keep anything other than God. From the time of his appearance until the time he departed, the only wealth the Messenger of God displayed and the only power he showed was the wealth and the power of God's qualities of compassion and grace."

"Brothers in Islam! You who are Ïmän-Isläm! You must not see differences between yourselves and your neighbors. You must not discriminate against any religion. You must not oppress or harm any man, no matter what religion or race he may be. Islam is one and Allah is one; just as we in Islam see Allah as one, we must see all mankind as one."

-Bawa Muhaiyaddeen

Source:
http://www.bmf.org/wisdom/golden-words-648.html

http://www.bmf.org/iswp/true-islam.html