The Word “Muslim” – What it Means to Me

The word alone triggers such different reactions in different people.
The literal definition of theword 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 a female Muslim is often referred to as simply a
Muslim.
There are many false stereotypes about Muslimsin 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 my thoughts 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 ofmany 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
Generous. If I knock on hisdoor, he will invite me in to his home and
offer me honey tea and baklawa. Hewill ask about my family, and be a
believer with me,remembering Allah so thathis house remains a place of
life. When the salat (prayer) time arrives he'll spread the musallas
and pray with me.
Muslim
Kind. His eyes are soft and smiling. He shakes my hand firmly, with a
brotherly openness. If I need help, offers it. He is charitable, ready
to give his last coin to someone hungry or ill, knowing thatit will
return to him seven hundred fold, and that all deeds are recorded and
nothing is lost.
Muslim
My brothers and sisters. Arab, African, Indian, Thai, Filipino,
Chinese, European,American, Latino, and anyone around the world who
says, " Laa ilaaha il-Allahu, Muhammadan Rasul-ullah " (There is no
god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)… they are my
family, my Ummah,my nation. If they are free, I breathe easier. If
they arefed, I sleep better. If they are mentally and spiritually
conscious, I am liberated.
Muslim
Feeling each other's pain. If she is suffering or oppressed, I feel it
like the pain in my own limbs. If she is sad, lonely or confused, I do
whatever I can to guide and help. I can never ignore her agony, any
more than I could ignore a sliver in my own eye.
Muslim
Friends, compatriots. When I see him, I feel comfortable and at ease,
whether I know him or not. I greet him with " As-salamu alaykum " and
I smile. I can engage him in conversation, even if I know nothing
about him. Iknow his language no matter what it is. If he tellsme
something good I say ma-sha-Allah . If he mentions some blessing
orfavor in his life, I say Alhamdulillah . If he mentions something he
hopes to do, I say Insha'Allah . We understand one another./