Muslim is a person who follows Islam. Sometime the Muslim is one whose religion is Islam. The follower of Islam is called Muslim. Literally, Muslim or sometime written as Moslem denotes to “the one who submit (to Allah)”.

Mostly, the followers of Islam generally called Muslim whether females and males, however, in some traditions, societies and context, the female who is a followers of Islam also called Muslimah. The basis of the word Muslim and Islam are the same. Both the words, Muslim and Islam are driven through “SLM” which mean submission.

Therefore, in Islamic context, the religion of submission is called Islam and the one who submit is called Muslim. According to Islam, the religion of all the Prophets of Allah till final Messenger of Allah SWT, Prophet Muhammad SAWW were Muslims along with their followers, and their religion was Islam.

To become a Muslim, it is require accepting Islamic Aqeeda and following the fundamental obligations like duties set by Islam. The Islamic creed and duties can be found in Quran and the Sunnah. Quran is a final revelation of Allah in a shape of book revealed of his final Prophet Muhammad SAWW, and the Sunnah is the practical life of the beloved Prophet SAWW. Muslims are bound to follow these two thing to be called as Muslim.

Converting to Islam require shahada which is,

La Ilaha illallah o Muhammad ur Rasool Allah
Meaning “there is not god but Allah, and Muhammad is a Prophet of Allah”

By saying these words from conviction and officially, one becomes a Muslim. But to become a true Muslim to please Allah SWT, saying these words are not sufficient but to follow the duties mention in Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet and to keep oneself away from forbidden things and action driven from Qura and the Sunnah.

Thus, this is generally called Muslim. If you have any question, just not hesitate to ask.

Last Updated: 21/7/2015