The literal definition of the word Muslim is "one who submits,"
meaning one who submits to Allah, believing in Him and obeying His
commandments.
More specifically, the word Muslim is the participle of the same
Arabic verb of which Islam is the infinitive. The feminine form is
Muslimah , though afemale Muslim is often referred to as simply a
Muslim.
There are many false stereotypes about Muslims in the West, or one
might say in the non-Muslim world in general, and also many
misconceptions among Muslims themselves; but I will not go into those
in this article.
Instead, I'd like to share mythoughts and feelings on hearing the word
Muslim and contemplating its meaning. I am using the word in a
gender-inclusive sense.
Muslim
Faithful. Allah is his Master,and the Quran is the wellspring of his
life. Muhammad ibn Abdullah (pbuh) is his beloved Messenger, and all
the Sahabah * (see glossary at bottom for explanations of many terms)
are his guiding stars. Tawheed is his creed, taqwa his garment, imaan
his cool summer rain, and ihsaan his aspiration.
Muslim
Harmonized. She has chosen to live as Allah created us to live, in
harmony with all around us, including nature, human beings, and the
earth itself. She is plugged into the reality of the universe.
Muslim
Peaceful. His manner is gentle. He is not angry or violent. He would
never raise his hands except to defend himself, his family, or other
innocents.Muslim
At home in Allah's house. He can walk into a masjid anywhere in the
world andfeel at home. He can perform wudu' , prostrate himself to
Allah, take a copy of the Quran off the shelf and read it, stand
shoulder to shoulder in prayer with strangers, and feel a sense of
rightness and belonging.
Noha Abd Rabo of Egypt reacts after her fight against Sarah Stevenson
ofBritain in their women's + 68 kg taekwondo bronze medal match during
the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 23, 2008.
Muslim
An Islamic worldview. Sheshares my world view and cultural
understanding, no matter her nationality or race. She knows that this
life is only a test, a moment of frenzy betweena sleep and a sleep,
like a desert flower blooming and wilting in a single afternoon. She
knows that the aakhirah is the home that calls; her heart is filled
with hope and fear of Judgment.
She steps out of her door each day and does the right thing, because
that is her covenant with Allah, and because she loves to do good. She
sees the signsof Allah in the miracle of a hummingbird or the majesty
of Mt. Kilimanjaro; in the swirls of her fingertips, and in the
knowledge of Allah that lives in her heart.
Muslim
Pursuing excellence. Doctor, teacher, farmer, engineer, human rights
worker, taxi driver, tour guide, seamstress, Olympic athlete. Striving
for excellence in all things as a matter of worship and a way of life.
Truth-telling, fair, sincere in business andin love.