Muhammedan
Definition
Noun: - A follower of Mohammed; an adherent of Islam: The term refers to a person who follows the religious teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It is synonymous with "Muslim."
Usage Notes
- Important Note on Usage: The term "Muhammedan" (and its variant spellings like "Mohammedan") is considered archaic, dated, and often offensive in contemporary English. It is based on the incorrect assumption that Muslims worship the Prophet Muhammad, which is not theologically accurate in Islam (Muslims worship God/Allah alone). The correct and respectful term is "Muslim." This entry is provided for historical and lexicographical understanding only.
Examples
- Noun:
- In 19th-century travel writings, Europeans often referred to the local population as "Muhammedans." (Historical, dated usage)
- Scholars note that the term "Muhammedan" is a misnomer, as followers of Islam are devotees of God, not of the Prophet. (Explanatory context)
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Colonial Context: The term was commonly used in older Western texts, colonial administrative documents, and by orientalist scholars. Its use today is generally avoided due to its inaccuracy and pejorative connotations.
- In Academic Discourse: When encountered in historical sources, it is typically presented within quotation marks or with a disclaimer about its problematic nature.
Variants and Related Words
- Mohammedan (noun): An alternate spelling of "Muhammedan," with the same meaning and usage notes.
- Muslim (noun): The correct and contemporary term for a follower of Islam.
- Islam (noun): The name of the religion itself.
Synonyms
- Muslim: The standard, respectful synonym.
- Moslem: An older, now less common variant of "Muslim."
- Follower of Islam: A descriptive phrase.
Antonyms
- Infidel (archaic, offensive): A term historically used in some religious contexts for a person who does not believe in a particular religion.
- Non-Muslim: A neutral, descriptive term for someone who is not a follower of Islam.
Noun
-
a follower of Mohammed
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