Islam and Muslims

Question – What is the difference between Islam and Muslims?

Islam is a religion or faith. Muslims are the people who follow the religion or faith of Islam.

As an analogy consider this – Christianity is the faith. Christians are the people who follow the religion of Christianity. Judaism is the faith. Jews are the people who follow the religion of Judaism.

Here are some of the scriptural references to the word Islam and Muslim.

“Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Your (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Your (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Your are the Acceptor of Repentance and the Dispenser of Grace.” [Holy Quran 2:128]

“O you  who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.” [Holy Quran 2:208]

“Today have I perfected your religious law for you, and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My blessings, and willed that self-surrender (Islam) unto Me shall be your religion.” [Holy Quran 5:3]

“The religion before God is Submission to His Will (Islam)” [Holy Quran 3:19]

“And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and Mine Messenger. they said, ‘We have faith, and do bear witness that we bow to God as Muslims‘” [Holy Quran 5:111]

“Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from your Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims.” [Holy Quran 16:102]