Islam is a religion practiced by over a billion people worldwide, united by our belief in one God and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The followers of Islam, also known as Muslims, are called so for specific reasons rooted in Arabic language and Islamic theology.

The term "Muslim" comes from the Arabic word "muslimun," which means "one who submits to God."

The word "Islam" itself means "submission to the will of God," and the essence of the Muslim faith is based on surrendering oneself to God's commands and living a life of obedience, righteousness, and compassion towards others. The Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, uses the term Muslim several times to refer to those who believe in Allah (God), follow the prophetic traditions of Muhammad, and strive to lead a morally upright life. It says,

The term "Muslim" became a distinctive identity for the followers of Islam during the time of Prophet Muhammad, who was commissioned by God to convey His message to humanity and establish a community of believers based on the principles of monotheism, equality, and social justice.

The early Muslims faced persecution and hostility from their pagan Arab neighbors, who saw their message as a threat to their idols and traditions. 

Despite facing such harsh hostility, the Muslims at the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) still chose to use the word Muslim as a badge of honor. This term represented a profound sense of belonging to our community of believers at that time and still does today, united by faith, values, and beliefs. The reason behind the resilient spirit of the early Muslims was their unshakable faith in Allah, the All-Mighty.

They saw the emergence of Islam as a divine message that had come to guide humanity towards the path of righteousness and truth. They believed that the message of Islam was the final and complete revelation of God to mankind and that it superseded all previous revelations. The early Muslims knew that they would face persecution and violence for embracing Islam, yet they remained steadfast in their faith.

They found strength in the belief that Allah was with them, protecting and guiding them through their struggles.

They took comfort in the stories of the prophets who had also faced persecution and adversity but kept their faith in Allah. Moreover, the word Muslim is derived from the Arabic word "Islam," which means submission to Allah. It represents a profound sense of humility, surrender, and devotion to God. Embracing the term Muslim meant that one was willing to submit to Allah's will, follow His teachings and commands, and live a life of righteousness and piety. Despite facing intense hostility from the pagans in Mecca, the Muslims continued to call themselves Muslims, refusing to bow down to their oppressors.

In conclusion, the followers of Islam are called Muslims because we submit to God's will, believe in the message of Prophet Muhammad, and strive to live a virtuous and compassionate life. The term "Muslim" signifies our identity as a community of believers, and our commitment to the values of peace, justice, and security. Understanding the importance of this name and the beliefs that come with it can provide valuable insight into the essential teachings of Islam, its followers, and its impact on the world.