Muslim vs Islam
Although there may not be a significant difference between the terms Muslim and Islam, it is crucial to understand the difference between them to use the words in their proper context. There are some differences between Muslim and Islam concerning their linguistic applications. Besides the linguistic differences, Muslim and Islam also demonstrate other differences. Islam (Arabic: s-l-m) refers to total surrender to God. The term ‘Muslim’ also originates from the root s-l-m, which means a person who submits themselves to God or a follower of Islam.
What does Islam mean?
The word Islam stems from the Arabic verbal noun s-l-m, meaning ‘to accept,’ ‘to surrender,’ or ‘to submit.’ The traditional method of total surrender to God comes from the meaning of the word ‘Islam.’
Islam was established in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century AD and is predominantly practiced in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. The Quran serves as the religious text for Islam, similar to the Bible for Christianity. Islam, like other religions, has branches, with the two main ones being Sunni and Shia (Shiite).
What does Muslim mean?
The term ‘Muslim’ also comes from the root s-l-m. Experts have described it as a participle form meaning a person who engages in submission to God or total surrender to God. Thus, the word Muslim means ‘a person who submits themselves to the will of God’ or ‘a follower of Islam.’
What is the difference between Muslim and Islam?
The word Islam refers to a religion, while the word Muslim signifies a person who follows Islam. This distinction is the linguistic difference between the two terms. The term Islam is sometimes used to denote a community of belief, and Islamic thought refers to religious beliefs associated with Islam.
The word Muslim is employed to identify or distinguish a person practicing the religion of Islam. For example, consider the phrase, ‘Do you know the Muslim that lives in your neighborhood?’ The expression ‘Muslim religion’ is incorrect; instead, use ‘Islam religion.’
Key Takeaways
- The difference between Muslim and Islam can be summarized as follows:
- Both terms denote the religion attributed to the Prophet Mohammed.
- Both words originate from the same Arabic verbal root, s-l-m.
- Islam describes the act of submitting oneself to God’s will, while Muslim refers to the person who submits themselves to God’s will. In short, Islam denotes the religion itself, while Muslim denotes the individual practicing the religion.
- Islam refers to the conceptual thought, while Muslim refers to the individual.
