What defines being a Muslim?

Definition and Etymology

A Muslim is typically defined as an adherent of the religion of Islam. The term “Muslim” derives from an Arabic root (S-L-M) related to “submission” or “surrender,” specifically referring to submission to the will of God (Allah). Islam itself means “submission,” and a Muslim is one who submits to Allah’s guidance as expressed primarily in the Qur’an and in the traditions (hadith) that record the sayings and actions of the prophet Muhammad.

Islam is monotheistic, asserting that there is no deity except Allah, and Muhammad is viewed as His final prophet in a line of messengers that includes figures also revered in Scripture such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Adherence to Islam includes recognizing the Qur’an as God’s revealed word, observing a prescribed set of religious duties (the Five Pillars), and upholding a distinct theological perspective about God, prophets, and the afterlife.

Core Beliefs

Muslims commonly articulate their confessional statement (shahadah) as: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” This statement encapsulates several key beliefs:

1. The Oneness of God (Tawhid)

Islam is strictly monotheistic. Allah is considered absolute in unity, without partners or equals. While Muslims respect Jesus as an important prophet, they do not affirm the biblical teaching of the triune nature of God (Matthew 28:19) or the full divinity of Jesus (John 1:1–3).

2. The Prophethood of Muhammad

Muslims regard Muhammad (7th century AD) as the last and final prophet, believing him to have revealed the Qur’an under direct guidance from Allah. Other prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, are acknowledged, but Muhammad is held uniquely as the “Seal of the Prophets.”

3. The Authority of the Qur’an

The Qur’an, written in Arabic, holds the central place of authority in Islam. While Muslims accept certain biblical figures, they do not hold that the Christian Scriptures (the Old and New Testaments) function today with the same finality as the Qur’an. This view differs from believers who hold the Bible to be authoritative and fully inspired (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

4. Judgment and the Afterlife

Muslims believe in a future Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Din) when all individuals will give an account to God for their actions, determining eternal reward or punishment.

The Five Pillars of Islam

To clarify what defines a Muslim in practice, Islamic orthopraxy is often summarized in the Five Pillars:

1. Shahadah (Confession of Faith)

Reciting the declaration of faith—affirming the unity of God and the prophethood of Muhammad—is foundational for Islamic identity.

2. Salat (Prayer)

Muslims perform ritual prayers five times daily, prescribed at specific intervals throughout the day.

3. Zakat (Almsgiving)

Muslims are obligated to give a portion of their wealth to support the needy and to purify their own wealth in doing so.

4. Sawm (Fasting)

During the month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food and drink to develop self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Muslims who are physically and financially capable undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Comparison with Scriptural Perspectives

1. View of God’s Nature

While Islam and Christianity share a monotheistic outlook, Christians hold to a triune identity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as revealed in Scripture. In John 14:26, it is written, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things…” This points to a personal Holy Spirit and a relational unity within God. In contrast, Muslims deny the Trinity, affirming a singular understanding of Allah.

2. Jesus Christ in Islam vs. the Bible

Islam offers profound respect for Jesus (Isa), acknowledging His virgin birth and calling Him Messiah, but does not affirm His divinity or crucifixion in the way the New Testament describes. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The Christian assertion is that belief in Jesus’ deity and His resurrection forms the cornerstone of salvation (Romans 10:9). Muslims disagree, considering Jesus a revered prophet while insisting that final revelation is through Muhammad.

3. Means of Salvation

In Islam, salvation is approached by faith in Allah, obedience to His law, and the hope that one’s deeds will merit favor on the Day of Judgment. Christian Scripture, however, proclaims salvation as a free gift of God’s grace through faith in Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 2:8–9). Believers in Christ see the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus as the decisive remedy for human sin.

Historical Perspective and Distinctions

From a strictly historical standpoint, Islam emerged in the early 7th century AD. Its formation as a religious and cultural force rapidly spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula, influencing vast regions. Islamic traditions describe revelations given to Muhammad from around 610 AD until his death in 632 AD. By comparison, the Christian faith traces its roots to events in the 1st century AD—specifically to the person, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—supported by a multiplicity of manuscript traditions, historical references, and archaeological findings aligned with biblical texts.

Christian Scriptures, preserved in Greek manuscripts and translations, maintain a consistent witness to Jesus’ identity and resurrection. While the Qur’an references biblical figures, its composition postdates the New Testament by several centuries, offering a revisionist account of many events.

Cultural and Global Context

Peaceful practice of Islam is widespread. Muslims maintain diverse traditions, jurisprudential schools, and cultural expressions worldwide, from West Africa to Southeast Asia. While unified by the Five Pillars and the core creed, variations exist in interpretation, legal traditions (Sunni, Shi’a, and other sects), and local customs.

In many regions, Muslims emphasize social justice, community worship, and charitable works. Shared moral codes, such as honesty, marital fidelity, and caring for orphans, can appear similar to the ethical teachings found in Scripture (e.g., James 1:27).

Points of Commonality and Disagreement

1. Common Moral Emphases

Both Islam and biblical Christianity encourage virtues such as honesty, generosity, prayer, and devotion. Figures like Abraham and Moses are respected in both faiths, acknowledging at least some shared historical narrative.

2. Differing Claims About Jesus’ Role

Islam denies the biblical insistence on Jesus’ unique Sonship (John 3:16) and crucifixion as the atoning sacrifice for sin—essential tenets for Christians. In Scripture, the resurrection is the cornerstone of hope for eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:14).

3. Authority of Holy Scripture vs. Qur’an

Christians hold that the Holy Bible is divinely inspired, historically reliable, and doctrinally authoritative. Muslims claim similar authority for the Qur’an, which they believe to be the direct word of Allah to Muhammad, but do not grant the same doctrinal finality to the Christian canon.

Practical Definition of a Muslim

Summarizing from an external religious observational standpoint, being a Muslim typically involves:

• Affirming the oneness of Allah and Muhammad as His final messenger.

• Following the religious practices prescribed in the Qur’an and hadith.

• Participating in the Five Pillars of Islam.

• Maintaining belief in angels, prophets, scriptures (including the Torah and Gospel in a different interpretive form), and the Day of Judgment.

• Seeking to live a life of submission to Allah’s revealed will, expecting divine reward in the hereafter.

Further Observations

When considering “What defines being a Muslim?” from a biblical perspective, central points of divergence remain the nature of God, the identity of Jesus, and the means of salvation. While Islam outlines disciplined faith practices, Christianity emphasizes new life grounded in Christ’s resurrection (Romans 6:4). Despite the shared moral aspirations, the theological gap is significant, especially where Scripture describes Jesus’ deity and redemptive work—matters profoundly at odds with Muslim doctrine.

Yet it remains vital for any honest exploration of another faith to approach individuals with respect, acknowledging their commitment to worship and ethical living. Questions about identity and salvation ultimately invite deeper personal reflection on truth, divine revelation, and the person of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

In the broadest sense, being a Muslim involves identifying with Islam’s classic confession that Allah is the only God, Muhammad is His prophet, and faithfully practicing the religion as set out in the Qur’an and hadith. From a biblical standpoint, the differences in core beliefs—especially regarding Jesus’ nature and redemptive role—distinguish Christian faith from Islam in profound ways.

For readers seeking greater clarity, exploring Scriptural accounts (e.g., John’s Gospel or Paul’s letters) alongside historical apologetics can illuminate the reasons why Christians hold to the fullness of Jesus’ deity and final atoning work. While Islam and Christianity share certain figures and surface-level ethical commonalities, their foundational claims about God, revelation, and salvation reflect separate, defining convictions that shape “being a Muslim” as distinct from the saving grace found in Christ.