Title: The Difference between Mu'min & Muslim Question: What is the difference between a Mo'min and a Muslim ? In what ways are they similar, and what are the differences between them? Is there a basis in the Qur'an for differentiating between these two terms? Thank you. Answer: The two terms, sometimes used interchangeably as synonymous [where no distinction is implied] are also used in separate connotations specific to each. The word " Muslim ", the noun for the active agent (subject) of the Arabic verb " Aslama ", literally means "one who accepts/submits". While the word " Mo'min " the noun for the active agent (subject) of the Arabic verb " Aamana " means "one who believes". When the two words are used in comparison, as is the case, for instance, in Surah Al-Hujraat 49: 14, the former is used to imply the apparent submission or acceptance of Islam of a person, while the latter is used for his real [internal] faith. For a better understanding, consider the case of a hypocrite. A hypocrite is a person who apparently is a believer. He is a person who declares the oneness of God, accepts Mohammed (pbuh) as a messenger of God, offers his prayers and pays Zaka'h . Yet, in real terms, he is devoid of Imaan [true faith]. Thus, in real terms, such a person will be a " Muslim " from a legal or a worldly perspective but not a " Mo'min " in real terms or from the perspective of the hereafter. However, it should be remembered that we - humans - cannot decide about the Imaan of an individual. This is only the authority and the position of the All-Knowing God, Who, based on His absolute knowledge can distinguish between the " Imaan " and the " Islam " of an individual. We - because of our lack of knowledge of a person's true " Imaan " - will have to rely solely on what is apparent. Thus, from a worldly perspective, we cannot make any distinction between " Mo'min " and " Muslim ". 16 th December 1999