Musulman

Musulman is the French term for a follower of Islam. In French the masculine form is musulman and the feminine form is musulmane. The English equivalent is "Muslim." The word derives from the Arabic "Muslim," meaning "one who submits" (to God).

Etymology and usage: In English, "Muslim" is the standard term; "Moslem" is an older transliteration that is now rarely used. In French-speaking contexts, musulman and musulmane are common when referring to adherents of Islam.

Beliefs and practices: Muslims embrace Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic faith. Core beliefs include belief in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and in prophets, culminating with Muhammad. The five pillars—profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca—structure practice, though observance varies. Major branches include Sunni and Shia communities, among others.

Demographics and distribution: Muslims form a global community with about 1.8 to 2.2 billion adherents, roughly a quarter of the world’s population. They live across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, with large diasporas in the Americas.

See also: Islam; Muslim.