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What (if anything) makes a Muslim a Muslim?
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An abstract
The Islamic religion is fast growing around the globe with many people turning to be Muslims. However, the principles of this religion have ended making some of the Muslims not be considered as Muslims. The paper focuses on the underlying principles which need to be observed by any Muslim to be considered actually, a Muslim. The principles include the performance of the Islamic obligations called Fard and observing the days of Ramadan. Any individual who wants to be considered to be a real Muslim must comply with these rules which also include observing the five pillars of the religion. When one understands and practices Shahada, Salah, Sawm, Zakat, and Hajj, the individual is considered to be living through the Islamic principles. It is only through the observation and practice of these principles that makes a Muslim be a Muslim. Failure to observe them just makes one be a member of the religion but not a real Muslim.
Keywords: Muslim, Fard, Shahada, Salah, Sawm, Zakat, Hajj
Introduction
One can become a Muslim under the Islamic religion. However, it is not just becoming a Muslim that makes one be considered a Muslim but rather following the principles outlined in the religion. One can be a Muslim, but if he or she does not comply with all the Islamic principles, he or she may not be considered as one. This, therefore, poses a question of what makes a Muslim be a Muslim.
For a Muslim to be considered a Muslim, he or she must live according to the outlined Islamic principles.

It is achieved through offering prayer to Allah every day. One has to understand that prayer is essential in creating a clear connection between him or her and the one who created the world. Wood (2016) admits that a Muslim who doesn’t offer prayers is not a Muslim. One has to perform also the Islamic obligations called Fard. The responsibilities include praying daily and fasting during the Ramadan. The Islamic belief also requires one to observe Sunnah. One who keeps these principles is the one who is considered a Muslim. An individual can be a Muslim yes, but if the principles are not followed, he or she is not a real Muslim.
A Muslim has to understand and practice the Islamic five pillars. The pillars include Salah which involves praying five times a day, Sawm which is the month of Ramadan allowing him or her to fast and pray and Zakat which consists in giving at least 2.5 percent of one’s savings to the needy. The last two include Shahada which is the testimony of faith and Hajj which involves going to Mecca at least once in a lifetime (as cited in Wood, 2016). The five pillars underlie a significant role in a Muslim’s life, and therefore one has to follow them to be considered one.
Living with the principles that underlie the Islamic religion is the significant part of any Muslim. Being a member of the religion should not be taken as a guarantee of being a Muslim but rather following the necessary ways that are mandated by the belief. It is only through this that a Muslim can indeed become a Muslim.
Reference
Wood, A. (2016). Being a Muslim. London: Batsford. Retrieved from: http://www.islamicbulletin.org/intro.htm