What is True Islam?

Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following:

True Islam will be seen in a Muslim when the reality of the kalimah comes alive in his life. The reality of the kalimah means that after bringing firm belief in Allah Ta‘ala (and all the tenets of faith), one strives to the best of his ability to fulfil every command of Allah Ta‘ala in his life in the manner that is pleasing to Allah Ta‘ala. To acquire this level of true Islam, it is necessary that at all times one’s heart is focused towards trying to please Allah Ta‘ala. Similarly, at every moment, one should have the concern within his heart that in regard to my actions and lifestyle – “Is Allah Ta‘ala pleased with me or not?”

(Malfoozaat Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 49)