Meaning of Islam - Submission or Self-Submission?

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Islam and Salaam are Arabic words coming from the root word s-l-m, which means ‘to be safe and secure’. Islam is usually translated in English as ‘submission’ and Salaam is translated as ‘peace’. Therefore, the understanding that, whoever acts in submission to the will of Allah ﷻ is going to attain peace. However, the English term ‘submission’ is not adequate translation especially when needing to understand in the context of how Islam is defined in the Quran. The wider meaning of Islam should be ‘self-submission’. The reason for translating it by including the word ‘self’ is that submission of your will to Allah’s will can never be under any form of duress, it can only be done if it comes from within your own self i.e. wholeheartedly. This is supported by the fact in the Quran where Allah ﷻ has made it very clear: (Al Quran 2:256) Let there be no compulsion in matters of faith. Therefore, the correct English translation for Islam should be ‘self-submission’ especially when being understood in the context of the Quran. Muhammad Asad adopted this translation of Islam throughout his Quran commentary Message of the Quran. The following is one of the verses from his translation: (Al Quran 3:19) Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender to Him (Islam).

References:
[1] Al Quran 2:256 – Asad Translation.
[2] Al Quran 3:19 - Asad Translation.

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