What is a Muslim?

I have been in constant reflection, seeking different perspectives and answers. There has been so much noise in the media and criticism towards the religion of Islam. I have struggled to make sense of all this, trying to determine where things have gone wrong. I know that there are bad actors in all realms of life, but unfortunately, the actions of a select few get taken out of context. I have been reading more about my faith, and my beliefs have been strengthened, but that also doesn’t help because I feel alone at times. How does one articulate something they experience beyond the senses? How does one explain faith that cannot always be explained through words? How does one share the guidance from the Quran only through an open heart and mind? How does a seeker explain that the pursuit of truth is neverending? Therefore, I will deviate from my usual posts, but this will remain an exploration.

In a world where everyone is trying to explain what a Muslim is, where at times even “Muslims” do not know, maybe let’s talk about what a Muslim is not:

A Muslim does not carry hate in their heart.

A Muslim does not shout their subservience on top of a mountain.

A Muslim does not judge for their flaws, for he knows he, too, is flawed.

A Muslim does not carry the burden alone because he follows in the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH).

A Muslim is not one who only focuses on his outward acts.

A Muslim does not act any other way than as if He can see Allah or, at the minimum, knows Allah sees him.

A Muslim does not focus on anything else other than on purifying his actions, his character and his behaviours.

A Muslim does not live for this world, for he knows that time in this world is preparation for the eternal abode.

A Muslim does not settle because his pursuit is never-ending, and only Allah knows which actions please Him and which do not.

A Muslim does not horde his wealth, for he knows everything he has is a blessing from Allah and is to be shared with his brothers and sisters in this world.

A Muslim does not fall to his carnal desires, for he knows that worldly pursuits are fleeting.

But what is a Muslim? I know it is incredibly difficult to be a Muslim, given all the distractions we have during this time of existence, and how our ego possesses us. When I think about it, I am overwhelmed by the thought of it. But something came to my awareness recently that this burden is not mine to carry because we were given a Prophet (PBUH) who took on that burden when the heavens, the earth and the mountains could not, as encapsulated in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:71-72):

“He will bless your deeds for you, and forgive your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, has truly achieved a great triumph.

Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they ˹all˺ declined to bear it, being fearful of it. But humanity assumed it, ˹for˺ they are truly wrongful ˹to themselves˺ and ignorant ˹of the consequences˺”

Therefore, my purpose is to become and be, to know myself, purify my inner self, thoughts and heart, and demonstrate that through my actions, words, and behaviours. The question then isn’t What is a Muslim? It is instead, who am I?