islam Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the civilization of Muslims collectively which is governed by the Muslim religion
    Muslimism.
    • Islam is predominant in northern Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and Indonesia
  2. noun the monotheistic religious system of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran
    Muhammadanism; Mohammedanism; Islamism; Muslimism.
    • Islam is a complete way of life, not a Sunday religion
    • the term Muhammadanism is offensive to Muslims who believe that Allah, not Muhammad, founded their religion

WordNet

Is"lam noun
Etymology
Ar. islam obedience to the will of God, submission, humbling one's self, resigning one's self to the divine disposal. Cf. Moslem.
Definitions
  1. The religion of the Mohammedans; Mohammedanism; Islamism. Their formula of faith is: There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.
  2. The whole body of Mohammedans, or the countries which they occupy.

Webster 1913