Surrender

The word Islam means “surrender, submission, or subjugation.” It is no surprise, then, that Muslim’s completely surrender themselves to their god, Allah. They are especially dedicated to Allah through five prayers that coincide with the five pillars. During these prayers, the Muslim’s submission to Allah is made clear by their posture, which involves a bent back as if to say they are not free, but a slave. Each Muslim believes he is on earth to worship and serve the one who created him.

Muslims serve Allah in hopes of receiving a gift from him in return. They recite prayers and obey his commands in order to receive earthly or heavenly rewards. The most precious gift they can receive is eternal salvation, which Allah has already given them. Therefore, they behave self righteously to achieve many good deeds and Allah’s grace.

In Islam, prayer to Allah is not voluntary, but rather an obligation. Many different regulations have been enforced in order to ensure Allah is the center of everything. For example, it is mandatory that everyone washes their hands, feet, arms, mouth, and face before prayer. This law is enforced to create a sense of purity in the mosques, and anyone who does not oblige to the rule has nullified their prayer.

One main prayer in Islam is “guide us in the straight path, the path of those whom thou hast blessed, not of those against whom thou are wrathful, nor of those who are astray.” This particular prayer expresses a Muslim’s dependency on Allah. Each Muslim frequently calls out to their god in prayer, and desires to serve him and fight for him wholeheartedly.

This website is especially helpful in understanding a Muslim's relationship to Allah:

http://www.light-of-life.com/eng/gospel/g4105efm.htm