The Believers

An Ustaz (teacher) once asked me, if I were to ask you if you are a Muslim (one who surrenders to God), what would your answer be?

I said, yes.

Then he asked me, if I were to ask you if you are a Mukmin (a Believer), what would your answer be?

In my mind I thought of, of course yes, but I did not answer him, I looked at him expecting the proper answer.

He said, when asked if you are a Mukmin, say, yes insyaaAllah (yes God willing).

And so who are the Believers.  I found an answer in Surah Al-Mukminun (The Believers), verses 23:1-11.

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The Believers must eventually win through

Those who humble themselves in their prayer

Who avoid vain talk

Who are active in deeds of charity

Who abstain from sex

Except from their wives or those their right hands posses, for indeed, they will not be blamed

But whoever seeks beyond that, they are transgressors

Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants

And who strictly guard their Prayers

These will be the heirs

Who will inherit Paradise, they will dwell there in.