The Quran uses the word ‘Islam’ in Arabic to describe the religious ways of all the Prophets and their followers (seen [2:131-132](https://quran.com/2:131-132)), then it became a name associated particularly with the final manifestation of guidance in the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose followers are called Muslims. Its linguistic meaning of ‘submitting’ or ‘devoting one’s self exclusively’ to the One God is always present when this name is used.

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That being said, this verse (especially in the context of Surat Al ‘Imran in which it appears) makes clear that the only acceptable way in the past was to submit to God as commanded by the Prophets, and that after the coming of the Final Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, the only acceptable way is to believe in him and follow his teachings. This is why the call is made to the Jews and Christians to move on from the distorted version of religion which they were upon, and join the community of followers of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

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Therefore, though some translators may prefer to write ‘Islam’ here as a transcription, and others may prefer to translate it (e.g. as ‘submission’), these two choices point to the same reality: the only true submission is that which accords with the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.



Can ‘Islam’ here be understood in a general sense of religious submission?

The only true ‘submission’, praised by the Quran, is that which accords with the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.