It always creates curiosity, why sometimes we refer believers as Muslims and sometimes Momin. Is there a difference between Muslim and Momin or are the synonyms of each other? Do they both refer to a person who has a belief in Allah Almighty or is there a difference between two?

As a believer, it clicked me, is being Momin better than being a Muslim? Is a Momin closer to Allah Almighty than a Muslim? If so what qualities make Muslim a Momin? Can any Muslim become a Momin? 

All these questions used to rush into my mind and I started to equip myself with the knowledge about Muslim and Momin and found out the difference between Muslim and Momin.

What is the definition of Muslim?

Well, definitely there is a difference between Muslim and Momin and here I am going to share with you those vital differences. A Muslim is a one who believes in Allah and abides by the 5 pillars of Islam that are;

The 5 pillars of Islam

1-Tauheed (oneness of Allah and belief that Prophet PBUH is his last Prophet)

2-Salah (5 times daily obligatory prayer)

3-Fast (obligatory fasts in the month of Ramadan),

4-Pays Zakat (if he meets the criteria to pay Zakat)

5-Performs Hajj (Hajj is fard only once in the lifetime upon them who have a capacity to perform it)

What is the definition of a Momin?

After talking about the pillars of Islam, now we can say that there are 2 differences between Muslim and Momin. For a true Momin, we will have to add two dimensions to the definition of Muslim.

This means that for being a Momin, all characteristics of being Muslim are same yet two other are added to it. These two additional characteristics are Iman in heart and act of Jihad.

What is the difference between Muslim and Momin?

6-Faith in Heart – a trait of Momin

A Momin is one who is a Muslim with two additional characteristics. The first one is true faith: a faith which he has in his heart. This implies that the heart of a Muslim must be truly filled with iman so that he can make his way towards being a Momin.

Anyone can proclaim that he believes in Allah, but it is the heart where the Iman rests. Unless your heart is a tilt towards Allah, you can’t be a Momin.

7-Jahad – a trait of Momin

The second condition for being a Momin is to struggle in the way of Allah.  Thereby a Muslim who uses his efforts either physical or monetary, for the sake of Islam and his heart is full of iman is a Momin.

Surah Hujurat: The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are truthful. – Quran 49:15

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that there is a huge difference between Muslim and Momin as being a Momin requires more effort. Let’s make an effort towards being a Momin!