What is the name given to an individual who follows the Islamic faith?

The term "Muslim" refers specifically to an individual who adheres to the Islamic faith. This designation comes from the Arabic root "Islam," which means submission, reflecting the belief in surrendering to the will of Allah (God). Muslims follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as outlined in the Quran, which is the holy text of Islam.

In contrast, "Islamist" pertains to a political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic law or governance through political means, which is not synonymous with simply being a follower of the faith. "Quranist" typically refers to a subset of Muslims who emphasize the Quran as the sole source of Islamic guidance, often sidelining the Hadith (the sayings of Muhammad). Lastly, "Prophet" denotes a messenger of God, exemplified in Islam by figures such as Muhammad, Jesus, or Moses, rather than a follower of the faith.

Therefore, the accurate choice representing an individual who practices Islam is "Muslim."