Mohammedan

From Free net encyclopedia

Mohammedan is an archaic term in English for a Muslim that was commonly used in western literature until around the mid-twentieth century. Earlier generations of westerners falsely believed that the followers of Islam worshipped Muhammad, when actually Muslims worship only God (or Allah); Muhammad is regarded as the last prophet. The term is considered offensive to many Muslims, who say the words imply that Muhammad is worshipped, like Christians worship Christ.

The term is used by many Qur'an Alone Muslims to describe the perceived idol-worship of Mohammad by traditional Muslims. They derive this opinion from the mainstream Muslims who uphold hadith and sunnah of Mohammad, and the addition of Mohammad's name to the shahadah, or Muslim profession of faith. Qur'an Alone Muslims declare their faith using only the Qur'an, citing verses 3:18, 37:35, and & 47:19, which command in no uncertain terms that the profession of faith is "No god but God" (Laa Ilaaha Illa Allah).

Because the religion established by Mohammed was traditionally regarded by Christians as a heresy, the label 'Mohammedanism' (with many variant spellings) was traditionally used much as other heresies were named for their founders or leading teachers: Arianism for its founder Arius, Donatism for its founder Donatus Magnus, Eutychianism for its leading teacher Eutyches, Marcionism for its founder Marcion, Montanism for its founder Montanus, Nestorianism for its founder Nestorius, Pelagianism for its founder Pelagius, Priscillianism for its founder Priscillian, Sabellianism for its principal teacher Sabellius, etc.