He [Allah] has named you Muslims both before and in this [Qur'an].

He [Allah] has named you Muslims both before and in this [Qur'an]." (22:78) "Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim (submissive to Allah) and was not one of the polytheists." (3:67) Not only Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) but also all the sincere, truthful people after him called their religion "Islam." Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) says in the chapter of the Qur'an named "Joseph": My Lord!

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 Allah declares in the Qur'an: "Truly the religion before Allah is Islam." (3:19) Who are the Muslims? Muslims are the followers of the religion of Islam, i.e.

those who submit to the will of Allah as explained in the Qur'an and the sayings of (S), the Messenger of Islam. The Muslim population today is about 1.2 billion and 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 country that has the largest Muslim population is Indonesia, and significant Muslim minorities exist in Russia, China, and Europe as well as North and South America.

The Muslim population of the United States is estimated to be around 6 million. How does Someone Become a Muslim? The basic requirement to become a Muslim is to say, "Ashhadu an laa ilaaha illa Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah," which means, "I testify that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." Anyone who says this phrase joins the ranks of the Muslim nations.

However, saying this only begins the long physical and spiritual journey to practice all aspects of Islam in life and become one of those whom the Qur'an terms "the faithful" (mu'min). Although this journey is long, its rewards are numerous for those who embark on it with sincere will and intentions. Practicing Islam requires learning the Islamic ideas, teachings, and practices, and then adapting to them - a process that does require some sacrifice.

The necessity of sacrifice, however, should not be a deterrent since the Holy (S) has said that whenever someone gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better. Sincerity of belief also develops over time.