Muslims vs. Arabs — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Muslims are followers of Islam, a major world religion, while Arabs are an ethnic group primarily from the Arab world, characterized by shared linguistic and cultural traits.
Difference Between Muslims and Arabs
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Muslims are individuals who follow Islam, which is a monotheistic religion based on the Quran. Whereas Arabs are an ethnic group from the Middle East and North Africa, speaking Arabic as their primary language.
The term Muslim refers to a religious identity that transcends ethnic boundaries, encompassing a diverse global community of believers. On the other hand, Arab describes an ethnic identity linked to people living in or originating from the Arab world.
Being a Muslim is centered around faith and practice, including the Five Pillars of Islam, such as praying five times a day and fasting during Ramadan. Whereas being an Arab is tied to cultural practices, language, and often a shared history.
Not all Muslims are Arabs, and not all Arabs are Muslims. A significant number of Arabs are Christians or adherents of other faiths, and the majority of Muslims worldwide are non-Arabs, such as in Indonesia, Pakistan, and India.
The Arab world consists of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, united by the Arab League. This contrasts with the Islamic world, which includes countries with significant Muslim populations across various continents, including Asia, Africa, and Europe.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Followers of the religion of Islam.
An ethnic group from the Arab world.
Primary Identity
Religious.
Ethnic and linguistic.
Geographical Spread
Global, with large populations in Asia and Africa.
Primarily Middle East and North Africa.
Cultural Practices
Practices derived from the Islamic faith.
Practices associated with Arab traditions and language.
Language
No specific language, Quran written in Arabic.
Primarily Arabic.
Compare with Definitions
Muslims
Followers of Islam.
Muslims observe Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Arabs
Participants in Arab culture and traditions.
Traditional Arab weddings are elaborate events.
Muslims
Believers in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Muslims visit the mosque for Friday prayers.
Arabs
Members of an ethnic group native to the Arab world.
Many Arabs live in countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Muslims
Practitioners of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The Muslims are required to perform Hajj at least once if they are able.
Arabs
Speakers of the Arabic language.
Arabs have preserved their language through literature and poetry.
Muslims
Recipients of the Quranic message.
Muslims read the Quran in its original Arabic.
Arabs
People with a shared Arab heritage.
Arabs value hospitality as an important cultural trait.
Muslims
Constituents of the global Muslim community or Ummah.
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid.
Arabs
Inhabitants of Arab countries.
Arabs have contributed significantly to advancements in science during the Golden Age.
Muslims
Muslims (Arabic: مسلم, romanized: Muslim) are people who follow or practice Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion. The derivation of "Muslim" is from an Arabic word meaning "submitter (to God)".
Arabs
The Arabs (singular Arab ; singular Arabic: عَرَبِيٌّ, ISO 233: ‘arabī, Arabic pronunciation: [ˈʕarabi], plural Arabic: عَرَبٌ, ISO 233: ‘arab, Arabic pronunciation: [ˈʕarab] (listen)) also known as the Arab People are group of ethnicities mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Western Indian Ocean islands (including the Comoros), and Southern Europe (like Sicily, Malta, and formerly in Al-Andalus / Iberian Peninsula). The Arab diaspora is established around the world in significant numbers, in the Americas, Western Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, India and Iran.
Muslims
Also Mos·lem (mŏzləm, mŏs-) A believer in or adherent of Islam.
Arabs
A member of a Semitic people inhabiting Arabia, whose language and Islamic religion spread widely throughout the Middle East and northern Africa from the seventh century.
Muslims
A member of the Nation of Islam; a Black Muslim.
Arabs
A member of an Arabic-speaking people.
Arabs
An Arabian horse.
Common Curiosities
What defines an Arab?
An Arab is defined primarily by linguistic and ethnic identity associated with regions in the Middle East and North Africa.
How do cultural practices differ between Muslims and Arabs?
Muslim cultural practices are based on Islamic teachings, while Arab cultural practices are influenced by historical, regional, and linguistic factors specific to the Arab world.
Who are Muslims?
Muslims are individuals who follow Islam, a religion based on the teachings of the Quran.
Can a person be both Arab and Muslim?
Yes, many Arabs are Muslims, but the two terms are not synonymous as Arabs can follow different religions and many Muslims are non-Arabs.
What is the significance of the Arab League?
The Arab League is a regional organization that promotes economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its member states.
What is the difference between Arab and Muslim-majority countries?
Arab countries are those belonging to the Arab League, whereas Muslim-majority countries have a population mostly composed of Muslims but are not necessarily Arab.
What percentage of Muslims are Arabs?
Only about 20% of Muslims worldwide are Arabs, with the largest populations of Muslims found in non-Arab countries like Indonesia and Pakistan.
Is Arabic the language of all Muslims?
Arabic is the language of the Quran and is used in Islamic practices, but Muslims around the world speak a variety of languages.
How do the teachings of Islam influence Muslims?
The teachings of Islam, such as the Five Pillars, guide the daily lives and spiritual practices of Muslims.
How does the diversity among Muslims reflect on Islam?
Islam’s global following includes diverse cultures and ethnicities, illustrating the universality of its message beyond any single ethnic group.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
