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A Muslim (Arabic / Urdu: مسلم), is an adherent of the religion Islam. The feminine form is Muslimah (Arabic / Urdu: مسلمة) . Literally, the word means "one who submits to God (Allah)." A Muslim offers prayers five times a day, as part of his compulsory religious duty (Fardh). These prayers are known as Fajr, Dhuhr, Asar, Maghrib and Isha'a. There is a special Friday prayer which is known as Jumu'ah.


Islam[]

Most Muslims accept anyone who has publicly pronounced the Shahadah (declaration of faith) as a Muslim. The Shahadah states:


Ash-hadu an laa ilaha illa-lah

Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu-warasulu


Translation:

"I bear witness there is no deity worth of worship except Allah

and I bear witness, Muhammad is His final messenger."


Muslim and mu'min[]

A verse in the Qur'an makes a distinction between a mu'min (a believer), and a Muslim:

"The Arabs of the desert say, "We believe." Say thou: Ye believe not; but rather say, "We profess Islam;" (aslamna) for the faith (al-imanu) hath not yet found its way into your hearts. But if ye obey [God] and His Apostle, he will not allow you to lose any of your actions: for [God] is Indulgent, Merciful ('The Qu'ran 49:14, Rodwell).

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