Islam vs. Muslim: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Islam is a monotheistic religion, while a Muslim is a follower of Islam.
Key Differences
Islam is defined as a major world religion, centered on the belief in one God and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim, on the other hand, is an individual who practices the Islamic faith and adheres to its teachings.
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Nov 14, 2023
Islam originated in the 7th century in Arabia, with the Quran as its holy text. Muslims are those who follow the teachings of the Quran and strive to live according to its principles.
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Nov 14, 2023
The practices of Islam include the Five Pillars, which are fundamental acts of worship and devotion. Muslims, in practicing their faith, observe these pillars, which include prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage.
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Islam has significantly influenced cultures and societies around the world. Muslims, diverse in their cultural backgrounds, contribute to and enrich these global Islamic traditions.
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Key beliefs in Islam include monotheism, prophethood, and life after death. Muslims embrace these beliefs and incorporate them into their daily lives.
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Comparison Chart
Texts
The Quran is the central religious text
Followers believe in the Quran
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Practices
Five Pillars, including prayer, fasting
Practitioners of Islamic rituals
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Diversity
A religion with diverse interpretations
Diverse cultural backgrounds
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Islam and Muslim Definitions
Islam
A faith based on the Quran as its holy book.
The teachings of Islam are derived from the Quran.
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Muslim
A practitioner of the Five Pillars of Islam. Example
Every Muslim is encouraged to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.
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Nov 14, 2023
Islam
A monotheistic religion founded by Prophet Muhammad.
Islam is one of the world's major religions.
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Muslim
A member of the global Islamic community. Example
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid festivals.
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Islam
A belief system focused on monotheism and prophethood.
Monotheism is a key tenet of Islam.
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Muslim
An adherent of the Islamic faith. Example
A Muslim prays five times a day as part of their faith.
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Islam
A religion with a significant cultural and historical impact.
Islam has influenced many aspects of culture and society.
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Muslim
Someone who follows the teachings of the Quran. Example
As a Muslim, he reads the Quran regularly.
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Islam
A religion with the Five Pillars as its foundation.
The Five Pillars are central to practicing Islam.
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Nov 14, 2023
Muslim
An individual who embodies the teachings of Islam in daily life. Example
She, as a Muslim, values charity and compassion.
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Nov 14, 2023
Islam
A monotheistic religion characterized by the doctrine of absolute submission to God and by reverence for Muhammad as the chief and last prophet of God.
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Oct 19, 2023
Islam
The religion of the Mohammedans; Mohammedanism; Islamism. Their formula of faith is: There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.
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Oct 19, 2023
Islam
The religion of Muslims collectively which governs their civilization and way of life; the predominant religion of northern Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and Indonesia
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Oct 19, 2023
Islam
The monotheistic religion of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran;
The term Muhammadanism is offensive to Muslims who believe that Allah, not Muhammad, founded their religion
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does being a Muslim mean?
Following the teachings and practices of Islam.
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Are all Muslims Arab?
No, Muslims come from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
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Do Muslims read religious texts other than the Quran?
They may also study Hadiths, sayings of the Prophet.
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What is the core belief of Islam?
Belief in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
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How do Muslims view other religions?
Islam teaches respect for all Abrahamic faiths.
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What language is the Quran in?
Originally in Arabic, the language of Islam's revelation.
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What is a common misconception about Islam?
That it promotes violence; Islam teaches peace.
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Are dietary rules important in Islam?
Yes, Muslims follow halal dietary guidelines.
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Is fasting important in Islam?
Yes, particularly during Ramadan, the month of fasting.
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How do Muslims view modernity and progress?
Many seek a balance between faith and modern life.
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What is the Islamic stance on peace and war?
Islam teaches peace, war is a last resort.
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What role do women have in Islam?
Women have rights and roles, varying culturally within Islam.
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What's the significance of Mecca for Muslims?
It's the holiest city in Islam, birthplace of Muhammad.
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Do all Muslims practice in the same way?
Practices vary due to cultural and individual differences.
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What's the Islamic view on charity?
Charity is a key component of Islam, known as Zakat.
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Can non-Muslims visit mosques?
Generally, yes, but with respect for Islamic customs.
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What is Eid in Islam?
A religious festival, celebrated twice a year, marking significant events.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
