or Musulman, a title by which the Mahometans distinguish themselves; signifying, in the Turkish language, "true believer, or orthodox." Mussulman See MAHOMETANISM.

In Arabic, the word is written Mošlem, Mošleman, or Mošolman. The appellation was first given to the Saracens, as is observed by Leucavius.—There are two kinds of Mussulmans, very adverse to each other; the one called Sonnites, and the other Shites.—The Sonnites follow the interpretation of the Alcoran given by Omar; the Shites are the followers of Ali. The subjects of the king of Persia are Shites; and those of the grand signior, Sonnites. See SONNA, and ALCORAN.

Some authors will have it, that the word Mussulman signifies saved, that is, predestinated; and that the Mahometans give themselves the appellation, as believing they are all predestinated to salvation.—Martinius is more particular as to the origin of the name; which he derives from the Arabic مسلم, mufšlem, "saved, snatched out of danger:" the Mahometans, he observes, establishing their religion by fire and sword, massacred all those who would not embrace it, and granted life to all that did, calling them Mussulmans, q. d. ercepti à periculo; whence the word, in course of time, became the distinguishing title of all those of that sect, who have affixed to it the signification of true believers.