What does the word muslim mean?

Submitted by Ayaz (United Kingdom), Feb 19, 2008 at 19:37

The words Islam and Muslim come from the same 3 letter root word (s,l and m) in arabic. Islam by definition means surrender and submission only to the one true creator. A muslim by definition means one who surrenders and submits to the laws of God. As almighty God is the creator of the heavens and the earth and the creation in it, nothing in the creation works at its own free will...that is it follows a law and nothing can break or change that law unless the almighty wills.

Therefore we could say that gravity follows a law and we could call that law a muslim law since by definition it is obeying the created law of the almighty and never changes. In a similar manner when a child is born it is naturally 'muslim' as it has been born without its own control, that is by its surrender and submission to the law of God. When the earth spins about its own axis it is not controlled by man but by its surrender and submisssion to an external controler can by definition be a muslim. We can apply this to every naturally occuring situation which is beyond our control from the microscopic to the macro and come to a conclusion that to be muslim is to be natural by definition.

Barack Obama (like every single human being) was naturally born as a Muslim but chose by external influence to adopt something outside the natural way of life (Islam)

You can say that all the previous prophets and messengers were muslims by definition ie surrendered and submitted to God - from Adam, Noah, Lut, Abraham, Ishmail, Isaac, John, Jesus and Muhammed( may peace be upon them all)

Muslims do not worship Muhammed (PBUH). Muslims are not Muhammadans. So how do Christians call themselves Christians? or Jews, Hindus, Bhuddists, Sihks and so on. If you analyse these words they are all attributed to something created.

Equally to be Muslim has responsibity set by the Almighty if we are to achieve success both in this world and the hereafter. Islam is the Law of God and to be muslim has responsibilities and you cannot compare Muslims to Islam, if a muslim does not fulfill those responsibilities. A little like a covenant. So to be muslim is to strive for good and forbid the wrong. The prophet Muhammed(PBUH) said 'none of you can be a true believer until you love for your brother what you love for yourself'

Allah (your God and my God) sent the last and the seal of the prophets Muhammed(PBUH) as a mercy to mankind - his mission was for the whole world. He was sent to perfect morals and character. Jesus(PBUH) prophesised him as the most praised one who will explain things in all detail and that he will confirm me.(see Gospel of Barnabas). Muhammed in arabic means - the most praise worthy. The Qur'an which relates things in great detail has a chapter in the Qur'an called 'Maryam' which confirms Jesus(PBUH) his birth, his mission and his ressurection.

Allah says in the Qur'an - 'Let there be no compulsion in religion, truth stands clear from error'

Ps : Allah means by literal definition - 'The only absolute that which is worshipped'

there is a greater need for dialogue with muslims who have sound knowledge to clear misconceptions on Islam. Peace To All.

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