The Spiritual Meaning of Imaan and Islam
Equality in Creation, but Differences in Ranks
Allah created humans equal in creation, but their ranks are not the same. Some are Muslims, while others are disbelievers (kafir); some are rich, while others are poor. Similarly, there are those who are obedient and those who are disobedient. Among humans, there are prophets, saints (wali), and ordinary Muslims. Even among Muslims, there are differences in their levels of practice; some are practicing Muslims, while others are not.
Distinction Between a Mumin and a Muslim
In this regard, there is a distinction between a believer (Mumin) and a Muslim. In the Quran, both terms “مومن” (Mumin) and “مسلمان” (Muslim) have been used, sometimes together and sometimes separately, reflecting the spiritual meaning of Islam and Emaan.
No Difference Between Islam and Emaan When Mentioned Alone
If either of these terms is mentioned on its own, it refers to the entire religion of Islam. As Allah says in the Quran…
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً
In this case, there is no difference between Islam and Emaan (faith).
Inner Qualities of Emaan and Outward Actions of Islam
But if both terms are mentioned together, Emaan refers to inner qualities, meaning the affirmation of the heart, such as having faith in Allah, believing in His messengers, His angels, and His books, loving Him, fearing Him, hoping in Him, being sincere to Him alone, and honoring His prophets. And Islam refers to outward actions, such as prayer, fasting, etc. If there is only outward Islam without affirmation in the heart (i.e., Emaan), then the one performing these actions is a hypocrite.
Allah’s Clarification on Islam and Emaan
As Allah says in the Quran…
[إنما يقول الأعراب: آمنا. قل: لم تؤمنوا ولكن قولوا أسلمنا، ولمّا يدخل الإيمان في قلوبكم]
[الحجرات 49:14]
{Indeed, the Bedouins say, “We have believed.” Say, “You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.”}
Islam is Apparent, While Emaan is in the Heart
In the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, there is a narration from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “Islam is apparent, while Emaan is in the heart.” This means that actions can be observed and easily recognized, whereas the true testimony of one’s faith lies within the heart, making it unseen.
Imaan Includes Islam and Righteous Deeds
When the word “Emaan” is mentioned on its own, it includes Islam and righteous deeds, as mentioned in the hadith about the branches of faith: “Emaan has seventy-odd branches, the highest of which is saying لا الہ الا اللہ (there is none worthy of worship except Allah), and the least of which is removing a harmful thing from the road.”
Righteous Deeds as Part of Faith
There are also other hadiths that describe righteous deeds as being part of faith. As Allah says in the Quran…
المؤمنون هم الذين إذا ذكر الله وجلت قلوبهم، وإذا تليت عليهم آياته زادتهم إيمانًا، وعلى ربهم يتوكلون – الذين يقيمون الصلاة ومما رزقناهم ينفقون [الأنفال 8:2]
The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely – The ones who establish prayer, and from what we have provided them, they spend.”
Muslims May Fulfill the Outward Requirements of Islam
Muslims may fulfill the external requirements of Islam, but their faith may not be as deep or sincere. They may be following the rules without fully embodying the spiritual aspects of their practice.
The Higher Level of Faith Exhibited by a Mumin
Momins exhibit a higher level of faith, which is characterized by heartfelt conviction, love, and fear of Allah. Their faith translates into sincere actions and a commitment to ethical and moral behavior in all aspects of life.
Conclusion: Every Mumin is a Muslim, But Not Every Muslim is a Mumin
In this sense, faith is higher in status, so every believer is a Muslim, but the opposite is not true.
