You have given me authority and taught me the interpretation of things.

You have given me authority and taught me the interpretation of things. O Creator of the heavens and earth! You are my guardian in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim, submitting to Your will, and join me with the righteous (12:101). Thus, God declares in the Quran, “Truly the religion before Allah is Islam” (3:19). Who are the Muslims?

Muslims are the followers of the religion of Islam (those people who submit to the will of God as explained in the Quran and the traditions[^5] of , the Messenger of Islam). Today, the Muslim population is about 1.2 billion, and it is spread over a vast range of races, nationalities, and cultures. Approximately 18% of the Muslims live in the Arab world, but the majority live in Asia and Africa.

The largest Muslim population is in Indonesia, and a significant number of Muslim minorities exist in Russia, China, and Europe, North America and South America. The Muslim population in the United States is estimated to be around six million. How does one Become a Muslim?

The basic requirement to become a Muslim is to declare, ” Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah .” In English this means “I testify that there is no God, but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” Anyone who proclaims this phrase joins the ranks of the Muslim nation ( ummah ). The statement marks the beginning of one's physical and spiritual journey in practicing the aspects of Islam.

A Muslim strives to become one who the Quran terms as the faithful ( mumin ). Although this journey in becoming faithful may be long, its rewards are numerous for those who embark on it with sincere will and intention. Practicing Islam requires learning Islamic ideas, teachings, and practices, then adhering to them. Moreover, Islamic practice requires some sacrifice. However, the necessity of sacrifice should not be a deterrent.

states, “Whenever someone gives up something for the sake of God, God will replace it with something better.” Sincerity of belief also develops over time. When began spreading the message of Islam, some people came to him and informed him that they were believers in Islam. In reply, God revealed the following verse, “Say [Muhammad]: 'You believe not,' but say, 'We have submitted to Islam,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts” (49:14).