Q397 :There are many references in the Qur’an to
Muslims and to Mu’mins, or believers. What is the difference between
the two?
A397 : 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
netpassion. 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 netplete, 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.
Our Dialogue ( Source : Arab News – Jeddah )