Mu'min — Who is a Muslim & Who is a Mu'min?

Question

There are many references in the Qur'an to Muslims and to Mu'mins, or
believers. What is the difference between the two?

Answer

The two terms are used frequently in the Qur'an, often interchangeable, but
at other times with clearly different senses. We can say in short that a
Muslim is a person who declares that he believes in the message of Islam
which means that he believes that there is no deity save Allah and that
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is Allah's messenger. A Mu'min or a
believer, on the other hand, is someone who truly believes in Islam and
tries to implement it in his life. There is, then, a subtle difference which
gives the term "Mu'min" or believer, clear connotations of firm belief and
positive action to see that the belief is put into practice. We can also say
that Muslim is one who declares that he submits himself to Allah, while a
believer is one who fulfills the requirements of such a submission in word
and deed. There is a reference in the Qur'an to the two conditions of being
a Muslim and being a believer in close Juxtaposition but with a clear
distinction. When we reflect on the
 two verses concerned, we will understand the difference between the two
words. The verses may be rendered in translation as follows:

"The Bedouins say: We are true believers. Say: You have not attained faith.
Rather say: We accept Islam. For true faith has not yet found its way into
your hearts. If you obey Allah and His messenger, He will not deny you the
reward of your labors. Allah is much forgiving, merciful.. The true
believers are those who have faith in Allah and His messenger, and
thereafter have no doubt; and who strive hard in Allah's cause with their
possessions and their lives. Those are indeed the ones who are true to their
word. " (49;14-15).

It is said that these two verses speak of a group of Bedouins from a tribe
of Asad who immediately upon accepting Islam claimed to be true believers
and began to hold that as a favor they had done to the Prophet. They said to
him: "Messenger of Allah, we have accepted Islam. Other Arabs have fought
against you while we have not." Allah wanted them to realize their true
condition. They had simply submitted themselves in the literal sense of the
word "submission", but they had not experienced in their heart the true
nature of faith. That is a condition which is attained by a person whose
faith colors all his life; actions, practices, and habits. Nevertheless,
Allah's grace dictates that every single good action that they do will be
credited to them and they are given its reward in full. This is an aspect of
Allah's grace which ensures that even the first step into Islam is
sufficient to give people the full credit for their good actions. None of
what they do is wasted as is the case
 with disbelievers. Allah is always more inclined to forgiveness and
compassion. He accepts the first step from His servant and rewards him for
his obedience to give him a chance and time to appreciate the true nature of
faith.

The two verses also define the meaning of faith. A believer is one whose
faith is complete, total, unshakable, entertains no doubts, and is ready to
strive hard, sacrificing his wealth and his life for Allah's cause. When the
true meaning of faith finds its way into a person's heart, he is bound to
work hard for implementing that faith in real life. He is keen that people
should enjoy that happiness. Hence, he works hard for the implementation of
the divine code of living represented by Islam, Allah's message to mankind.
His struggle is a mark of his faith.

Islam in Perspective

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