Though there may not be a wealth of difference between the two terms, Muslim and Islam, there is a difference between Muslim and Islam that we have to learn if we are to use these two words in their proper context. There is, of course, some difference between Muslim and Islam when it comes to their linguistic applications. In addition to showing some linguistic differences, Muslim and Islam show some other differences too between them. Islam (Arabic: s-l-m) means total surrender to God. Muslim’ is also derived from the root s-l-m, meaning a person who engages himself in the submission to God, another meaning is that a follower of Islam.
What does Islam mean?
The word Islam is derived from the Arabic verbal noun s-l-m. The meaning of the word is ‘to accept’, ‘to surrender’ or ‘to submit’. The traditional method of total surrender to God is taken from the meaning of the word ‘Islam’.
Islam was founded in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century AD. Islam is followed particularly in North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. Like the Bible for the Christianity, Quran is for Islam. In Islam, like in all other religions, there are branches. The two main branches are Sunni and Shia (Shiite).
What does Muslim mean?
The word ‘Muslim’ is also derived from the root s-l-m. In fact, experts have explained it to be a participle form that means a person who engages himself in the submission to God. It would also mean total surrender to God. Thus , the meaning of the word Muslim is ‘a person who submits himself to the will of God’. It has got another meaning too, namely, ‘a follower of Islam.’
What is the difference between Muslim and Islam?
Thus, at the outset the word Islam means a religion whereas the word Muslim means a person who follows Islam. This is the linguistic difference between the usages of the two words. The word Islam is also at times used to denote a community of belief. Islamic thought means religious tenets that pertain to Islam.
The word Muslim is used to denote or distinguish a person that practices the religion of Islam. Look at the usage, ‘Do you know the Muslim that lives in your neighborhood?’ The usage ‘Muslim religion’ is wrong. The usage should be ‘Islam religion’ for that matter.
Summary:
Islam vs Muslim
The difference between Muslim and Islam can be summarized as follows:
• Both the words are used to denote the religion that has appealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
• It is interesting to note that both the words have sprung from the same Arabic verbal root, s-l-m.
• Islam describes the act of submitting oneself to the will of God whereas Muslim refers to the person who submits himself to the will of God. In short, it can be said that while Islam denotes the religion as such, Muslim denotes the person that practices the religion.
• Islam refers to the conceptual thought whereas Muslim refers to the individual.
Further Reading:
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- Difference Between Sikh and Muslim