Muslim is a noun that refers to an individual who adheres to the Islamic faith. The term "Muslim" stems from the Arabic word "Muslimun," which translates to "one who submits." In religious context, a Muslim is someone who has willingly submitted themselves to the teachings and beliefs of Islam, as outlined in the Islamic holy book, the Quran, and with the example set by the Prophet Muhammad.
A Muslim believes in the oneness of Allah, the Islamic deity, and acknowledges Muhammad as the final and most important prophet sent by Allah to guide humanity. They also follow the Five Pillars of Islam, which are essential religious obligations, including the declaration of faith (shahada), prayer (salat), giving to charity (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj), if physically and financially capable.
Furthermore, being a Muslim entails embracing a moral and ethical code that promotes justice, kindness, charity, humility, and respect for others. Muslims frequently engage in acts of worship, such as praying five times a day, observing religious festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and reading and studying the Quran in order to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings.
The term "Muslim" can also be used as an adjective to describe anything related to the Islamic faith, be it cultural practices, institutions, or religious teachings. It is worth emphasizing that being a Muslim is not limited to a particular race or ethnicity, as Islam is a universal religion with followers from various backgrounds around the world.
