The Call to True Faith

“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. And if you obey Allāh and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.””
— Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14)

This powerful verse draws a line between outward submission (Islam) and deep-rooted belief (Iman). It’s a wake-up call. Today, many identify as Muslim by name or habit, but the Qur’an urges us to look inward. Are we true believers—Momins—or just wearing a label?

At Desired Momin, we stand against complacency and lip-service. Our mission is to help Muslims become true Momins—those who live every moment in the love, fear, and remembrance of Allah (اللّٰه‎). This article explores the Qur’anic and prophetic distinction between Muslim vs Momin, with clear, actionable takeaways to guide your journey.

Muslim vs Momin: The Core Definitions

Understanding the difference between Muslim and Momin is not just a semantic discussion—it’s a life-altering realization. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize this distinction repeatedly, warning believers not to settle for outward submission but to strive for internal conviction.

What is a Muslim?

A Muslim (مُسْلِم) is someone who outwardly submits to the commandments of Allah (اللّٰه‎). The word itself comes from the root س-ل-م, meaning “peace” or “submission.” A Muslim performs visible acts of worship and follows the basic practices prescribed in Shari‘ah (شريعة).

These practices are structured through the Five Pillars of Islam (أركان الإسلام):

1. Shahadah (شهادة):

The testimony of faith:

“Lā ilāha illā Allāh, Muhammadun Rasool Allah”
“There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

This declaration brings one into the fold of Islam, but it must be lived, not just said.

2. Salah (صلاة):

The five daily prayers are the cornerstone of submission. Performing Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha is obligatory and unites Muslims globally.

3. Zakat (زكاة):

Giving 2.5% of one’s wealth annually to the poor purifies wealth and strengthens societal bonds.

4. Sawm (صوم):

Fasting during Ramadan (رمضان) trains self-discipline, piety, and empathy.

5. Hajj (حج):

A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Makkah (مكة) for those who are physically and financially able.

⚠️ Important: These practices, while essential, do not alone make someone a Momin (مؤمن). One can observe these out of habit, social pressure, or reputation. That’s why the Qur’an challenges us to look deeper.

A Muslim may still lack sincerity, humility, or heart-based belief. Hence, Islam is the entrance—not the summit—of the believer’s journey.

What is a Momin?

A Momin (مؤمن) is someone whose Iman (إيمان) is deeply rooted in the heart. This faith isn’t just spoken or displayed—it lives in the believer’s actions, thoughts, and private moments with Allah (اللّٰه‎).

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described a Momin-Believer in clear terms:

“The Muslim is the one from (the harm of) whose tongue and hand (other) Muslims are safe, and the believer is the one with whom the people trust their blood and their wealth.”
— Jami’ al-Tirmidhi 2627, Grade: Sahih

This shows that a Momin is marked by trustworthiness, sincerity, and a reliable moral compass.

Unlike a Muslim who might pray ritually:

• A Momin prays with khushu‘ (خشوع)—deep humility and focus.

• A Momin fasts not just to abstain—but to purify the soul.

• A Momin avoids riyaa’ (رياء)—performing deeds to be seen by others.

Key Traits of a Momin:

• Private worship outweighs public display.

• Every deed is done li wajh Allah (لوجه الله)—for the Face of Allah.

• They fear accountability even in good deeds.

In essence, a Momin is the believer whose heart trembles at Allah’s name and whose limbs obey even when no one is watching.

The Qur’anic Line Between Islam and Iman

Deep Dive into Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14)

The definitive verse on this topic is crystal clear:

“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. And if you obey Allāh and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.”“
— Surah Al-Hujurat 49:14

Background: The verse was revealed in response to some Bedouin tribes who claimed Iman after embracing Islam. Their claim was shallow—there was no real transformation of the heart.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir:

Ibn Kathir explains that Iman involves certainty, sincerity, and action, while Islam may exist without inner conviction.

“Faith is a higher degree than Islam. The statement of the Bedouins was not based on true knowledge or sincere action.”

Ma’ariful Qur’an:

This tafsir further clarifies that:

“Islam relates to outward practice, while Iman pertains to the heart. Islam is the foundation; Iman is the structure.”

The verse directly refutes token declarations of faith—warning that words without belief are not enough.

Supporting Verses Across the Qur’an

1. Surah Al-Anfal (8:2):

“The believers are only those who, when Allāh 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 -“

This verse highlights an internal reaction—a trembling of the heart—as a mark of true faith.

2. Surah At-Tawbah (9:124):

“And whenever a sūrah is revealed, there are among them [i.e., the hypocrites] those who say, “Which of you has this increased in faith?” As for those who believed, it has increased them in faith, while they are rejoicing.”

Faith is not static—it increases with reflection, obedience, and sincerity.

Iman is Dynamic, Not Passive

These verses show that:

• Islam can be performed without growth.

• Iman, however, fluctuates based on your connection to Allah (اللّٰه‎).

This also aligns with the statement of Ibn Taymiyyah, who said:

“Iman consists of belief in the heart, declaration by the tongue, and actions by the limbs. It increases with obedience and decreases with sin.”

Hadith-Based Clarification: What the Prophet ﷺ Said

The difference between Islam and Iman is not a modern invention—it was clarified by Muhammad Rasool Allah ﷺ himself, in one of the most detailed and spiritually comprehensive hadith ever narrated: the Hadith of Jibreel.

Hadith of Jibreel: Islam, Iman, and Ihsan

This hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim, where the Angel Jibreel عليه السلام appeared in human form and questioned the Prophet ﷺ in front of his companions. The goal was to teach the religion in structured levels.

“Muhammad, inform me about al-Islam.”
He ﷺ said:
“Al-Islam implies that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakat, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the (House) if you are solvent enough (to bear the expense of) the journey.”

…

“Inform me about Iman (faith).”
He ﷺ said:
“That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Apostles, in the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. ”

…

“Inform me about al-Ihsan (performance of good deeds).”
He ﷺ said:
“That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you don’t see Him, He, verily, sees you.”

…

“Inform me about the hour (of the Doom)”
He ﷺ said:
“One who is asked knows no more than the one who is inquiring (about it).”

…

“Tell me some of its indications.”
He ﷺ said:
“That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and master, that you will find barefooted, destitute goat-herds vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings.”…

— Read Complete Hadith here: Sahih Muslim 8a

Explanation of Levels:

• Islam (الإسلام): The foundation, focusing on actions and obedience.

• Iman (الإيمان): The core, based on inner belief and conviction.

• Ihsan (الإحسان): The summit, characterized by spiritual excellence and unwavering consciousness of Allah (اللّٰه‎).

This hadith gives a clear framework: Muslims may practice Islam, but only those with genuine belief reach Iman, and those with utmost sincerity ascend to Ihsan.

Other Core Hadith on Momin Traits

The Prophet ﷺ gave further clarity on the practical behaviors that distinguish a Momin from a Muslim. These Hadith focus not only on belief but on trustworthiness, integrity, and the state of the heart.

1. Safety and Trustworthiness:

“The Muslim is the one from (the harm of) whose tongue and hand (other) Muslims are safe, and the believer is the one with whom the people trust their blood and their wealth.”
— Jami’ al-Tirmidhi 2627, Grade: Sahih

This hadith draws a clear behavioral line between Islam and Iman. The Muslim refrains from harming others, while the Momin earns their trust—a deeper responsibility.

2. Faith Comes from the Heart:

“Faith is knowledge in the heart…”
— Sunan Ibn Majah 65

This confirms that Iman isn’t proven by appearances or public acts—it’s measured by what resides in the heart and is known only to Allah (اللّٰه‎).

3. The Heart as the Control Center:

“Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.”

— Sahih al-Bukhari 52, Sahih Muslim 1599a, Sunan Ibn Majah 3984

The spiritual health of a believer is determined by the condition of their heart (qalb – قلب). This is where Iman is stored, nourished, or lost.

Muslim vs Momin: Key Differences (Tabular Comparison)

The following table simplifies the Qur’anic and Hadith-based differences between a Muslim (مُسْلِم) and a Momin (مؤمن) into actionable insights:

This contrast reveals a powerful truth: One can be seen as a Muslim, but only Allah knows who is a Momin. Titles and rituals mean little without inner submission and spiritual depth.

Becoming a True Momin: The Desired Momin Path

At Desired Momin, we are not interested in labels—we are called to transformation. Our mission is to help Muslims move from outward Islam to inward Iman. This journey is not about perfection but progress. Becoming a Momin (مؤمن) is the most honorable pursuit a believer can undertake, and it begins with sincere steps in the right direction.

Characteristics of a Momin To Be

A #MominToBe is not someone who has arrived—it is someone who is sincerely striving. These believers are intentional, aware, and humble. They constantly ask: Is Allah (اللّٰه‎) pleased with me right now?

🌿 1. Tawakkul (توكل) – Trusting Allah in Every Outcome

A Momin understands that results come only from Allah. Whether facing hardship or ease, they surrender their affairs to Him with full reliance, as stated in the Qur’an:

“…And whoever relies upon Allāh – then He is sufficient for him…”
— Surah At-Talaq (65:3)

🌿 2. Ikhlas (إخلاص) – Sincerity in All Actions

The Momin acts purely for the sake of Allah (اللّٰه‎), not for praise or recognition. Even simple acts like smiling or giving charity are done with clean intentions, free of riyaa’ (رياء).

“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended…”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1

🌿 3. Taqwa (تقوى) – Constant God-Consciousness

Taqwa is the fuel of Iman. It’s the internal compass that helps a Momin avoid sin, even when temptation surrounds them. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are, and follow an evil deed with a good one to wipe it out, and treat the people with good behavior.”
— Jami’ al-Tirmidhi 1987, Grade: Hasan

🌿 4. Dhikr (ذكر) – Frequent Remembrance of Allah

Momins keep their hearts alive with the name of Allah. Their tongues remember Him in private and public. Their hearts find peace in His remembrance:

“those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.”
— Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28)

🌿 5. Avoiding Major Sins

The path to Iman requires distancing oneself from what angers Allah:

• Shirk (شرك): Associating partners with Allah

• Zina (زنا): Fornication and adultery

• Sood (ربا): Dealing with interest/usury

• Riyaa (رياء): Doing good to be seen by others

Each of these destroys sincerity and pollutes the heart. A Momin seeks purity in both belief and action.

Tips for Moving from Muslim to Momin

The road to becoming a Momin isn’t paved with grand gestures. It is built on quiet consistency and deep personal reform.

✅ 1. Check Your Niyyah (Intention)

Before every action—whether prayer, charity, or speech—pause and ask: “Am I doing this for Allah?”
Purify the why behind everything.

✅ 2. Pray With Presence

Prayer (صلاة) is the litmus test of sincerity. A Momin doesn’t just go through the motions—they connect with their Lord.

“Successful indeed are the believers: those who humble themselves in prayer;”
— Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2)

✅ 3. Learn and Apply

Knowledge without action is just information. A Momin learns the Qur’an and Sunnah, then applies them—even if imperfectly. The goal is to act upon knowledge, not just collect it.

✅ 4. Make Private Deeds Count

Do good that no one knows about. Give secret charity. Pray in the night (Tahajjud تَهَجُّد). Read Qur’an when no one is watching.

✅ 5. Cut Off Sinful Habits

Whether online or offline, cleanse your lifestyle. Avoid haram content, indecent speech, and wasting time. Guard your heart, your eyes, and your scroll.

The Inner Battle: Why Being a Momin is Harder and Holier

Becoming a Momin is not easy—it’s an ongoing inner war against:

• Nafs (النفس): The ego that seeks comfort and sin

• Shaytan (الشيطان): Whispers of doubt and distraction

• The Dunya (الدنيا): A world that rewards appearance over sincerity

In a culture obsessed with looking good, the Momin focuses on being good—even when no one sees.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized this inward effort:

“…that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 6464

It’s not about the quantity of deeds, but the quality and consistency. One sincere prayer, one honest word, one quiet act of charity can weigh heavily with Allah (اللّٰه‎) if done with a pure heart.

Warnings in Qur’an and Sunnah Against False Faith

Not all who claim belief are believers in the sight of Allah (اللّٰه‎). The Qur’an sternly warns about those who pretend, while their hearts remain untouched by Iman. This deception is not only spiritual but also deeply social and psychological, as it fosters hypocrisy (نفاق) and self-delusion.

Qur’anic Warning: Words Are Not Enough

“And of the people are some who say, “We believe in Allāh and the Last Day,” but they are not believers. They [think to] deceive Allāh and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive [it] not.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:8–9)

These verses expose a category of people who use the language of faith—but possess no sincerity, no submission, and no fear of accountability. Allah describes their lies as causing fitnah (corruption), though they perceive themselves as reformers.

Prophetic Warning: Faith Without Depth

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ warned that not all who speak the words of Islam are sincere in their hearts. He ﷺ said:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three:

1. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.

2. Whenever he promises, he always breaks it (his promise ).

3. If you trust him, he proves to be dishonest. (If you keep something as a trust with him, he will not return it.)””

— Sahih al-Bukhari 33, Book of Iman

This hadith outlines not just hypocrisy in belief, but in behavior. A person can look religious—praying, fasting, even quoting the Qur’an—yet harbor dishonesty, betrayal, and insincerity. These are not just personal flaws—they are spiritual defects that place one in danger of nifaq (نفاق), the very thing the Prophet ﷺ feared most for his ummah.

The Danger of Nifaq (Hypocrisy)

Nifaq (نفاق) is one of the most serious spiritual diseases. The Munafiq (hypocrite) pretends to be a Momin but acts with deceit, insincerity, and hidden disbelief. Allah revealed an entire surah—Surah Al-Munafiqun (المنافقون)—condemning this behavior.

Even if one prays, fasts, and looks religious—without sincerity, they are at risk of falling into hypocrisy.

Modern Implications: Being a Momin in a Material World

In our modern age, the challenge of sincerity is greater than ever. We live in a time of:

• Social media validation

• Self-branding over self-purification

• Performance-based religiosity

Today, it’s easy to share Islamic quotes but ignore them in action. It’s easy to film acts of worship, but harder to weep in secret prayer. The battle for sincerity is real—and it is daily.

Being a True Momin in the Age of Optics

To be a true Momin today, one must:

🛑 Reject Materialism and Fame

A Momin knows that success is not in followers or fame, but in obedience to Allah (اللّٰه‎). A Momin have believe in what Allah says not on what science says. They avoid chasing this dunya, remembering:

“And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allāh, so will you not reason?”
— Surah Al-An’am (6:32)

🛑 Avoid Hidden Shirk and Riyaa

Acts that appear righteous on the outside may still be spiritually hollow if the intention behind them is corrupt. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:

“The first of men (whose case) will be decided on the Day of Judgment will be a man who died as a martyr. He shall be brought (before the Judgment Seat). Allah will make him recount His blessings (i. e. the blessings which He had bestowed upon him) and he will recount them (and admit having enjoyed them in his life).

(Then) will Allah say: What did you do (to requite these blessings)?

He will say: I fought for Thee until I died as a martyr.

Allah will say: You have told a lie. You fought that you might be called a” brave warrior”. And you were called so.

(Then) orders will be passed against him and he will be dragged with his face downward and cast into Hell. Then will be brought forward a man who acquired knowledge and imparted it (to others) and recited the Qur’an. He will be brought And Allah will make him recount His blessings and he will recount them (and admit having enjoyed them in his lifetime).

Then will Allah ask: What did you do (to requite these blessings)?

He will say: I acquired knowledge and disseminated it and recited the Qur’an seeking Thy pleasure.

Allah will say: You have told a lie. You acquired knowledge so that you might be called” a scholar,” and you recited the Qur’an so that it might be said:” He is a Qari” and such has been said.

Then orders will be passed against him and he shall be dragged with his face downward and cast into the Fire. Then will be brought a man whom Allah had made abundantly rich and had granted every kind of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make him recount His blessings and he will recount them and (admit having enjoyed them in his lifetime).

Allah will (then) ask: What have you done (to requite these blessings)?

He will say: I spent money in every cause in which Thou wished that it should be spent.

Allah will say: You are lying. You did (so) that it might be said about (You):” He is a generous fellow” and so it was said.

Then will Allah pass orders and he will be dragged with his face downward and thrown into Hell.”

— Sahih Muslim 1905a, Book of Imarah

This chilling hadith reveals that even great outward deeds—fighting in Allah’s cause, teaching Islam, giving charity—can lead to punishment if done for recognition instead of for Allah (اللّٰه‎). This is the danger of riyaa (رياء)—the disease of doing good to be seen. It is a hidden shirk that can strip reward and replace it with regret.

🛑 Stay Firm on Revelation, Even If Unpopular

A true Momin speaks the truth and lives by the Qur’an and Sunnah, even when it costs them comfort, popularity, or acceptance. They follow the path of al-Muttaqīn (المُتَّقِينَ)—those aligned with divine command, not social trends.

Desired Momin: Truth Over Trend

At Desired Momin, we stand against:

• Shirk, sood, zina, riyaa, materialism

• Watered-down faith and modern compromises

• Living to impress people instead of pleasing Allah

We call on every reader to be real with Allah (اللّٰه‎) and ask: “Is my Islam real—or just ritual?”

The World Doesn’t Need More Names

We live in a world filled with labels, but devoid of substance. The Ummah doesn’t need more people calling themselves Muslims—it needs more Momins:

• Those who obey when no one watches

• Those who choose revelation over reputation

• Those who live for the pleasure of Allah (اللّٰه‎)

Let us strive not just to be seen as Muslims, but to be known by Allah as Momins.
For Jannah (الجنة) is promised not to those who claim, but to those whose hearts beat with Iman.

Be a Desired Momin

Every day is a chance to move from Islam to Iman, from appearance to authenticity.

• Align with revelation

• Obey Allah (اللّٰه‎) in private and public

• Live like al-Muttaqīn (المُتَّقِينَ)

اللهم اجعلنا من المؤمنين المتقين

O Allah, make us among the righteous believers (those whose hearts are pure, deeds are sincere, and lives are pleasing to Him).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the real difference between a Muslim and a Momin?

The key difference lies in the heart. A Muslim practices outward rituals like prayer and fasting, while a Momin combines those acts with deep inner faith, sincerity, and obedience to Allah (اللّٰه‎) even in private. Surah Al-Hujurat (49:14) makes this distinction clear in the Qur’an.

2. Can someone be a Muslim but not a Momin?

Yes, according to Surah Al-Hujurat 49:14, a person can submit outwardly to Islam but lack true Iman in their heart. They are still Muslim, but not yet a true believer (Momin) until their actions and beliefs align sincerely.

3. How can I move from being a Muslim to becoming a Momin?

You can transition by increasing taqwa (God-consciousness), developing ikhlas (sincerity), avoiding major sins like shirk, riyaa, and sood, and striving for consistency in private worship. Focus on inner reform, not just public image.

4. What are the signs of a true Momin in Islam?

A Momin is characterized by trustworthiness, humility in prayer, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and consistent obedience. They do not perform good deeds for praise but only to please Allah (اللّٰه‎)

5. Why is being a Momin more challenging than just being a Muslim?

Being a Momin involves an ongoing inner battle against the nafs (ego), societal pressures, and hypocrisy (nifaq). It requires sincerity, private devotion, and the willingness to uphold the truth even when it’s difficult or unpopular.

6. What are the dangers of claiming Iman without sincerity?

Claiming Iman without true belief leads to hypocrisy, as warned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:8-9) and several authentic hadith. It results in self-deception, social harm, and may lead to spiritual destruction if not corrected.