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The question

Is it permissible to use the term "Orthodox Muslim" when asked by non-Muslims, "What kind of Muslim are you?", intending to convey that one is a Muslim who adheres firmly to the Qur'an and Sunnah and follows the path of the pious predecessors, in order to make the meaning more accessible for their understanding?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

A Muslim is not permitted to describe himself as an "Orthodox Muslim" for several reasons:

Firstly: This description is a designation for a disbelieving creed that Islam came to demolish and declare null and void. It combines two opposites: Islam and disbelief. Secondly: It is a commendation of this sect and an elevation of Orthodoxy above the status of Islam. Thirdly: It contains a clear resemblance of Islam to creationism, which is a great offense against religion. Fourthly: Orthodoxy carries distorted and corrupted beliefs that have no relation to the teachings of Christ, peace be upon him. There is no apparent distinction for Orthodox peoples over others in their religious or moral commitment. Fifthly: It is obligatory for a Muslim to be called by the name of Islam, which Allah has named him, and not to accept any substitute or change for his name, and to reject every other call that narrows the comprehensive concept of Islam.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
2991
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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