The Difference Between Being Muslim and Having Faith: Shirk and Remembrance (Dhikr)

Islam is a religion of submission, and the most essential manifestation of this submission is a person’s heartfelt devotion to God. However, today, the concept of a “Muslim country” is often understood merely as societies where “Islam” is written on identity cards. This is fundamentally a flawed understanding, because Islam is a comprehensive state of devotion realized through both the heart and the soul.
Being a “Muslim” is not something that can be reduced to a word or a formal label. Islam requires a person to submit to God and to live a life aligned with His path. The Qur’an clearly distinguishes between Islam (submission) and iman (faith). A Muslim is one who outwardly accepts Islam and submits to God and His revelation. A believer (mu’min), however, goes beyond outward submission and becomes inwardly devoted—connecting to God with their entire being.
As stated in the Qur’an:
> “The Bedouins say, ‘We believe.’ Say, ‘You have not believed; rather say, “We have submitted,” for faith has not yet entered your hearts...’” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:14)
This verse shows that true faith is not merely external—it is a matter of the heart and soul. Therefore, simply carrying a formal identity associated with Islam does not guarantee sincere belief.
Another verse emphasizes that a true believer dedicates every aspect of life to God:
> “Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for God, Lord of the worlds.’” (Surah Al-An‘am, 6:162)
In the Qur’anic sense, dhikr (remembrance) is not merely the verbal mention of God. It also means turning toward His revelation, rejecting all false constructs and dogmas, and accepting only His will. Dhikr is the act of exalting God not just with words, but with one’s entire life through sincere submission.
In contrast, practicing Islam solely through traditional hadith-based or sectarian frameworks—when they contradict the Qur’an—means turning away from God. This can lead to shirk, as the root of shirk lies in distancing oneself from God’s remembrance.
The Qur’an warns:
> “And whoever turns away from My remembrance—indeed, for him is a constrained life, and We will raise him blind on the Day of Resurrection.” (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:124)
This verse indicates that turning away from God leads to both personal and societal distress.
Shirk is not only a theological issue; it is also a spiritual disease within the human heart. It weakens a person’s submission to God and redirects them toward dependence on other beings. This leads to ignoring God’s absolute power and authority. As a result, personal struggles, social issues, and spiritual collapse emerge as consequences of shirk.
In Surah Luqman, wisdom is conveyed through the advice of Luqman to his son:
> “O my son, do not associate anything with God. Indeed, associating partners with Him is a great ظلم (injustice).” (Surah Luqman, 31:13)
Shirk not only damages individual spirituality but also disrupts the social structure of societies. Many societies that identify as “Islamic” have not fully understood or implemented the Islam presented in the Qur’an. Despite possessing vast natural resources, many of these societies struggle with both material and spiritual difficulties. The fundamental reason for this is falling into shirk and turning away from divine revelation.
Where there is persistent hardship, one may find traces of shirk. Societies that rely only on outward expressions of religion, without genuine faith, often live in deep spiritual emptiness.
Returning to the essence of Islam and truly submitting to God is the key not only to individual peace but also to societal harmony. Living Islam in its true sense is the foundation for solving social problems, achieving spiritual development, and attaining real prosperity.
The Qur’an always shows the right path, but following it is a personal responsibility. Being Muslim is not merely a label—it requires full submission to God’s will. This submission is not limited to outward form; it requires the alignment of heart, mind, and soul with God.
In conclusion, attaining true Islam and building prosperous societies require sincere faith in God, a firm adherence to His revelation, and a conscious effort to avoid all forms of shirk. Turning toward God’s remembrance while avoiding shirk is the guarantee of both personal peace and social well-being.