Why Terms Like “Mohammedan” Are Considered Inappropriate in Islamic Discourse
The terminology used to describe followers of Islam has evolved significantly over centuries, with some terms now recognized as inappropriate or offensive. This report examines why terms like “Mohammedan” are problematic from both historical and theological perspectives, and explores the importance of using respectful terminology when discussing Islam and Muslims.
Historical Origins and Usage of Problematic Terms
The term “Mohammedan” (also spelled Muhammadan, Mahommedan, Mahomedan, or Mahometan) has a long history in Western discourse about Islam. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first recorded usage of the English term dates back to 1663, while the older spelling “Mahometan” can be traced to at least 1529[1]. This terminology emerged from Neo-Latin “Mahometanus” and Medieval Latin “Mahometus,” referring to Muhammad pbuh.
Historically, these terms were widely used in the Western world as the standard designation for Muslims and Islam. Until the 13th century, some Christians in Western Europe held misconceptions that Muhammad was either a heretical Christian or a deity worshipped by Muslims[1]. Medieval European literature often referred to Muslims as “pagans” or by derogatory terms, depicting them as worshipping various “idols”[1]. This mischaracterization formed part of the Muslim-Christian conflict narrative during a time when Medieval Europe had limited accurate information about Islam.
In the English-speaking world, Islam itself was commonly called “Mohammedanism,” reflecting the widespread misunderstanding of the religion’s fundamental principles[4].
Theological Objections to Problematic Terminology
The primary reason these terms are considered offensive is that they fundamentally misrepresent Islamic theology. The term “Mohammedan” implies that Muslims worship Muhammad pbuh in a manner similar to how Christians worship Christ, which contradicts the core Islamic principle of Tawhid (the oneness of God)[3].
As noted in the Oxford English Dictionary, the term is “not employed or favored by Muslims, and its use is now widely seen as depreciatory or offensive”[3]. An April 1992 publication in English Today clearly articulated why: “The term Mohammedan is considered offensive or pejorative to most Muslims since it makes human beings central in their religion, a position which only Allah may occupy“[3].
Islam strongly prohibits the veneration of human beings, including Prophet Muhammad pbuh himself. Muslims consider Muhammad to be the final messenger of God, not a deity[3]. From an Islamic theological perspective, Islam did not begin with Muhammad pbuh but traces back to Adam, with all prophets bringing the same essential message of monotheism.
Evolution of Terminology and Contemporary Usage
Over time, as Western understanding of Islam improved and direct engagement with Muslim communities increased, the terminology evolved. The terms “Muslim” and “Islamic” gradually replaced “Mohammedan” in common usage[1]. This shift reflects both growing intercultural understanding and responsiveness to how communities prefer to be identified.
Today, using “Mohammedan” is considered archaic at best and offensive at worst. The Centre For Media Monitoring explicitly states: “The term ‘Mohammedan’ must never be used as a synonym for ‘Muslim’. It is archaic, pejorative and deeply offensive to Muslims“[3].
In contemporary media, the term rarely appears except in historical quotations. The News on the Web Corpus records only 75 usages in the British Press, with most referring to the “Mohammedan Sporting Club,” a football club in Kolkata[3].
Respectful Terminology in Islamic Discourse
Using appropriate terminology demonstrates respect and understanding. The proper terms to use are:
- Muslim: A follower of Islam , Avoid using terms like Musalmaan,Mohd, Md.
- Islam: The religion itself
- Islamic: Relating to Islam or Muslim culture
- Muhammad pbuh: Last messenger of Islam. Avoid using wrong spellings, mutations, eg: Terms like Mohd, Md, Mohamed, Mehmet are all mutations and corruptions of the blessed name and a Muslim should avoid writing such mutated names and always suffix PBUH after the blessed name as per the directive of Islam.
Know more about why it is important to write the full name Muhammad:
Avoid use of abbreviations like “Md” or “Mohd” for the name “Muhammad”
These terms accurately reflect how Muslims identify themselves and their faith. They acknowledge that Muslims worship Allah (God) alone and follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad pbuh as God’s messenger, not as a deity.
Conclusion
The evolution of terminology from “Mohammedan” to “Muslim” reflects growing intercultural understanding and respect for accurate religious representation. Using appropriate terminology is not merely a matter of political correctness but of fundamental theological accuracy and respect.
Terms like “Mohammedan” misrepresent the central tenets of Islam by implying a prophet-centered worship rather than God-centered worship. By using respectful and accurate terminology, we can foster better understanding across different faith traditions and communities.
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Citations:
[1] Mohammedan – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammedan
[2] MUHAMMADAN definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/muhammadan
[3] Mohammedanism – Centre For Media Monitoring https://cfmm.org.uk/term/mohammedanism/
[4] Islam – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam
[5] The word Mohammedan was once commonly used around … – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/wj4azi/the_word_mohammedan_was_once_commonly_used_around/
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