Muslims in the Qur’an
Within Islam, a Muslim (Arabic: المسلمون) is a submissive to Allah. A Muslim follows the guidelines in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam as published by Muhammad. This differs from Christianity, where Jesus Christ is the one to be followed. Today, Muslims are the largest religious group on earth after Christians.
Bowing to Allah’s will
“Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 2:128)
First Muslim
It is difficult to decide who is the first Muslim according to the Qur’an:
Adam
“Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 2:37)Abraham
“And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam."” (Qur’an 2:132) “Say: Lo! As for me, my Lord hath guided me unto a straight path, a right religion, the community of Abraham, the upright, who was no idolater. Say: Lo! my worship and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the Worlds. He hath no partner. This am I commanded, and I am first of those who surrender (unto Him).” (Qur’an 6:161-163 - Pickthall) “Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 2:128) Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah ]. And he was not of the polytheists. (Qur’an 3:67)Egyptians
“Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers.” (Qur’an 26:51)Moses
“….. and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, "Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers …...” (Qur’an 7:143)Muhammad
"And I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah in Islam." (Qur'an 6:14) “Say (O Muhammad): Lo! I am commanded to worship Allah, making religion pure for Him (only). And I am commanded to be the first of those who are muslims (surrender unto Him).” (Qur’an 39:11-12 – Pickthall)Arab language
“We have revealed the Qur’an in the Arabic tongue so that you may grow in understanding.” (Qur’an 12:1). “And We certainly know that they say, "It is only a human being who teaches the Prophet." The tongue of the one they refer to is foreign, and this Qur’an is [in] a clear Arabic language.” (Qur’an 16:103).
Guidelines husbands for their wife
“The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah , if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.” (Qur’an 24:2) “And the two who commit it among you, dishonor them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allah is ever Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” (Qur’an 4:16) “Those who commit unlawful sexual intercourse of your women - bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine the guilty women to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way.” (Qur’an 4:15)
Fellowship with Christians
It is not easy to find a clear guideline in the Qur’an about fellowship with Christians:
