Difference between Muslim (submitter) and Mumin (faithful)
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I have read over a few times the free-minds.org article on Muslim v. Mumin, and I do wonder if it is indeed correct. The article states that Mumin is one step above Muslim, whereas I would like to argue the exact opposite. A Mumin is someone who is faithful, believes in God with certainty, who uphold Salaat as a method of contact to God, and are commanded to do various other things. However, to me this unwavering belief falls short of actually submitting ones life to God. Being a Mumin means running one's own life, while fully believing in God. Being a Muslim takes it a step further by submitting our lives to God, in a sense letting go of free will and following the straight path. When we become true submitters, we transcend the choice between what is good and what is evil... in essence we have chosen to give up free will in exchange for a permanent union with God. A Mumin contacts God during the three (or five or two or whatever) Salaat, whereas a Muslim, as someone who has submitted his life to God, transcends this requirement because he is indeed in continuous contact with God through his submissive state. He thus also transcends the need for holy scripture. It is a Mumin who needs the Qur'an because he believes in God and wants to make the right choices, but has not yet reached the state of fully submitting his life to God - he is told to make the choice of Salaat, of Zakat, of fasting. The Muslim on the other hand has reached a permanent connection with God and is being led along the Straight Path, and hence conscious decisions to do Salaat or Zakat or fasting become unnecessary... a Muslim will be guided by his heart to do God's work without even having to think about it.
And finally, a Mumin does his duty out of fear of the God he believes in, whereas a Muslim does what he does because of his love of the one God.
Comments?
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Peace claurianta and all. Fantastic post. ! This is similiar to some sufis understanding of the physical 5 times salat being a vehicle to greater awareness,which one can discard when one has reached a certain level,and then become 'infused' with the love of God. I believe your post is very perceptive;when one realises the true purpose of salat and the quran then one can find enlightenment anywhere without necessarily referring to the quran or following certain procedures exactly. I also believe the way to live and conduct your life is by seeking truth for yourself(from within and from the external universe.) and continually trying to 'do the right thing'.
Peace all.