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What is a Muslim?

Updated on September 12, 2015

What is a Muslim?

A Muslim is anyone who follows the religion of Muhammad (pbuh). Similarly, a Jew is anyone who follows the religion of Musa (Moses [as]). Likewise, a Christian is anyone who follows the religion of Isa (Jesus [as]). Thus, anyone you follows the religion of Muhammad (pbuh) is considered a Muslim. Notwithstanding, according to Sunni theological belief, all the Prophets of God shared the same religion,[1] however, mankind split into different religions and sects thus today we have various faiths; and each creed believes itself to be the ultimate path towards God.

…The Prophets are brothers; their mothers are different but their religion is one…

— SAHIH MUSLIM HADITH NUMBER: [6132] 145

Is there an Alternative Definition of a Muslim?

An alternative definition of a Muslim is a person who accepts Islam as his or her way of life and is ‘one who submits to God’.[2]

What does submitting to God mean?

I think submission to God is achieved through Taqwa.

What is Taqwa?

Taqwa is God-consciousness that all Muslims aspire to achieve or maintain.[3] A more detailed explaination of God-consciousness and Taqwa can be found here.

What was the religion of Muhammad (pbuh)?

The religion of Muhammad (pbuh) was Islam, Iman and Ihsan. In essence, everything in the religion, including rituals, beliefs and character stems from Islam, Iman and/or Ihsan. The evidence I have cited in support of this view can be found in Sahih Muslim, [93] 1 – [8] whereby Jibra'il (Archangel Gabriel) visited Muhammad (pbuh) publically in the presence of Muhammad’s (pbuh) companions. Together both Jibra'il (Archangel Gabriel) and Muhammad (pbuh) were able to concisely summarise the entire religion in a short and brief open discussion.

The religion of Muhammad (pbuh) is a simple religion to grasp if the crux of the doctrine is believed to be merely the three components that is: Islam, Iman & Ihsan. As stated, every other aspect of the faith stems from and can be categorized within Islam, Iman and/or Ihsan.

What is Islam?

Islam is the five Pillars:[4]

  1. Shahadah,
  2. Salah,
  3. Zakat,
  4. Fasting in the month of Ramadan; and
  5. Hajj

...The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Islam means to bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad (pbuh) is the Messenger of Allah; to establish the Salat, to pay the Zakat, to fast (the month of) Ramadan and to perform pilgrimage to the House (the Kabah), if you have the means...

— SAHIH MUSLIM HADITH NUMBER: [93] 1 – (8)

What is Iman?

Iman is to believe in the six articles of faith:[5]

  1. Allah
  2. His Angels,
  3. His Books,
  4. His Messengers,
  5. Judgement Day; and
  6. Al-Qadar

...'It is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Al-Qadar (the divine will and decree), both the good and bad of it...

— SAHIH MUSLIM HADITH NUMBER: [93] 1 – (8)

What is Ihsan?

Ihsan is to worship Allah as though you can see Him, for although you cannot see Him, He indeed sees you.[6]

... It is to worship Allah as though you can see Him, for although you cannot see Him, He indeed sees you.’ …

— SAHIH MUSLIM HADITH NUMBER: [93] 1 – (8)

Summary

A Muslim is one who follows the religion of Muhammad (pbuh); alternatively a Muslim is 'one who submits to God'. The religion of Muhammad (pbuh) was Islam, Iman and Ihsan; and every other aspect of the religion stems from Islam, Iman and/or Ihsan.

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REFERENCES:

  1. [1] AL-HAJJAJ, Imam Abul Hussain Muslim Ibn (2007). In: ZAI, Hafiz Abu Tahir Zubair Ali, KHALIYL, Abu and AL-KHATTAB, Nasiruddin (eds.). English Translation Of Sahih Muslim. First ed., Riyadh, Maktaba Dar-us-Salam, p.212, Vol.6.
  2. [2] ASHATH, Imam Hafiz Abu Dawud Sulaiman bin (2008). Sunan Abu Dawud. In: ZAI, Hafiz Abu Tahir Zubair, et al. (eds.). English Translation of Sunan Abu Dawud. First ed., Riyadh, Maktaba Dar-us-Salam, p558, Vol.5
  3. [3] Ibid., p588, Vol.5
  4. [4] (Sahih Muslim p.95, Vol.1) op cite., note 1,
  5. [5] Ibid.,
  6. [6] Ibid.,

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