Muslims: meaning, definitions and examples
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Muslims
[ ˈmʌzlɪmz ]
religious group
Muslims are followers of Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion. They believe in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran. Adherents practice the Five Pillars of Islam, which include faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage.
Synonyms
Islamic followers, believers, members of Islam
Examples of usage
- Many Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan.
- Muslims gather for prayers at a mosque.
- The Muslim community celebrated Eid al-Fitr together.
Etymology
The term 'Muslim' derives from the Arabic word 'Muslim', which means 'one who submits' to the will of God. This submission is a central tenet of Islam, where one adheres to the teachings of Allah as delivered by the Prophet Muhammad in the early 7th century CE. The roots of the word can be traced back to the Arabic verb 'aslama', which means 'to surrender' or 'to submit'. The use of the term has evolved through the centuries, but it has consistently referred to individuals who accept the core beliefs of Islam, including the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. The understanding of what it means to be a Muslim has also been shaped by the historical and cultural contexts in which various Muslim communities have developed across the globe.