Believers (Mu'min, Muslim) in Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Significance

Believers in Islam: Mu’min and Muslim

Etymology and Arabic Translations

• Mu’min (مؤمن‎): Derived from the Arabic root ‘āmana’ (آمَنَ), which means “to believe” or “to have faith.”
• Muslim (مسلم‎): Derived from the Arabic root ’s-l-m’ (س-ل-م), meaning “to submit” or “to surrender.”

In Turkish, the terms are:

• Mu’min: Mümin
• Muslim: Müslüman

Definitions and Distinctions

1. Mu’min (مؤمن):

   • A Mu’min is a person who has īmān (إيمان‎), which indicates a deep, sincere belief in several core tenets:
     1. Belief in God (Allah)
     2. Belief in the angels
     3. Belief in the inspired books
     4. Belief in the prophets
     5. Belief in the Day of Resurrection
     6. Belief in the predestination of good and evil

2. Muslim (مسلم):

   • A Muslim is one who submits to the will of God and practices the five pillars of Islam:
     1. Shahada: Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Apostle.
     2. Salat: Performing the five daily prayers.
     3. Zakat: Giving alms or charity.
     4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
     5. Hajj: Making the pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca, if financially and physically able.

Qur’anic Descriptions and Rewards

• Sura Al-Baqarah (2:76): “They who have believed and done the things that be right, they shall be the inmates of Paradise,—therein to abide forever.”
• Sura An-Nisa (4:60): “Those who have believed, and done the things that are right, we will bring them into gardens ’neath which the rivers flow—therein to abide eternally; therein shall they have wives of stainless purity: and we will bring them into shadowing shades.”
• Sura Al-A’raf (7:40-50): Extensive descriptions of the rewards and dialogues between the inhabitants of Paradise and Hell.

For further insights, specific verses from Sura Al-Mu’minun (23:1-11) detail the attributes of true believers who shall inherit Paradise to abide therein forever.

Obligations and Characteristics of a Believer

According to the Qur’an, the key characteristics of a believer include:

1. Humbling oneself in prayer.
2. Avoiding vain words.
3. Giving alms (zakāt).
4. Restricting their appetites except with their spouses or those whom their right hands possess.
5. Keeping trusts and covenants.
6. Strictly maintaining their prayers.

Recommended Books for Further Study

1. “Believing Women in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Qur’an” by Asma Barlas
2. “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
3. “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Takeaways

• The terms Mu’min and Muslim have distinct yet complementary roles in Islamic theology.
• A Mu’min emphasizes belief and faith, while a Muslim emphasizes submission and practice.
• The Qur’an elaborately describes the rewards for believers who uphold these principles, offering a detailed vision of the afterlife and spiritual fulfillment.

Conclusion

Understanding the terms Mu’min and Muslim is crucial for comprehending the multi-faceted nature of belief and practice in Islam. These terms encapsulate the essence of Islamic faith, guiding Muslims towards a life of devotion, ethical conduct, and ultimate spiritual reward.