“And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector – the Best to protect and the Best to help!” (Surah Al Hajj, 22:78)

The word “Muslim” means to submit to the will of Allah and the one who does so is regarded as a follower of Islam – the only religion in the sight of Allah Almighty. Muslim is a person who believes that “Allah Almighty” is the only one Supreme Creator of everything existing between the Heavens and the Earth, and Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last and final messenger of Allah. Muslims have a monotheistic worldview. One can be a Muslim by stating Kalima Shahadah and the creed that there is no Deity but Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah.

A Muslim is one who truly believes in the supreme power of Allah and organizes his whole life according to Islam and leads it according to the will of Allah Almighty. The extent of being a Muslim is the degree to which one is submitting to the will of Allah in his beliefs and actions.

Muslims are the adherents and followers of religion Islam. Islam teaches the oneness of Allah. Muslims willingly submit themselves to the will of Allah and follow the instructions of Allah Almighty revealed to Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the Glorious Quran. There are five basic pillars of Islam and these five pillars compose the framework of obedience for Muslims. They include Shahada (testimony of Faith), Prayer (Salah), Fast (Sawm), Pilgrimage (Hajj) and Almsgiving (Zakat).

Allah Almighty revealed His message to His messengers through Four Divine Books. The last message of Allah Almighty for the entire mankind was revealed in the form of Holy Quran to Holy Prophet (PBUH) by Archangel Gabriel within a time span of 23 years. A Muslim strongly believes Holy Quran as a complete guidance and way of life. He leads his life by following the beloved Sunnah of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and in accordance with the glorious teachings of Holy Quran.

Beliefs are important in Islam. Right beliefs about the Oneness of Almighty Allah, His Angels, His Prophets, His Books, Life after Death, belief in Good and Bad Decree, Day of Judgement are of key importance for a Muslim.

Islam is a complete religion and a Muslim is sure of getting rewarded or penalized for his/ her every action, both in this world and in the Hereafter. Islam teaches the entire way of living and thus a practicing Muslim can become a good role model for the non-believers to let them embrace real Truth i.e., Islam. Islam teaches to be good even to those who are not good towards a Muslim and thus a true Muslim can lit a lamp for the non-Muslims to understand the actual glory of Islam.

Following are a few characteristics of a good Muslim:

  • He/she firmly believes in Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a Seal of Prophethood
  • He/she settles the differences without any resentment.
  • He/she knows that life is too short to waste in idle activities.
  • He/she is the one who perseveres despite setbacks.
  • He/she never gets disappointed with the harsh realities and bitterness of life. A good Muslim is one who is tolerant and has patience.
  • He/she is the one who accepts mistakes without any hesitation.
  • He/she is the one who makes Jihad (struggle) to change the things.
  • He/she is the one who is willing to give up pleasures for long term gains.

A good Muslim always meets his brother with a smiling face and has a cheerful and friendly attitude towards everyone. Allah loves those who forgive others. A good and true Muslim is always humble, honest and cheerful towards others and Allah loves those who loves His creation.

Let’s all strive hard towards becoming a better and strong Muslim. Ameen!