See Culex, Entomology Index.

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

In Arabic, the word is written مسلم, Muslem, or Musolman. The appellation was first given to the Saracens, as is observed by Leunclavins.—There are two kinds of Musulmans, very adverse to each other; the one called Sonnites, and the other Shiites.—The Sonnites follow the interpretation of the Alcoran given by Omar; the Shiites are the followers of Ali. The subjects of the king of Persia are Shiites; and those of the grand signior, Sonnites. See Sonna, and Alcoran.

According to some authors the word Musulman signifies saved, that is, predestinated: and hence the Mahometans give themselves the appellation, as believing they are all predestinated to salvation.—Marius is more particular as to the origin of the name; which he derives from the Arabic مسلم, musalem, "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 Musulmans, q. d. erexit e 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.