Mohammedanism
Origin
From the earlier form Mahometanism; equivalent to Muhammadan + -ism; compare Muhammadism, coined in the 17th century after French mahométisme.
Alternative forms
all as obsolete as the lemma (Mohammedanism), or more obsolete than itUsage notes
The terms Mohammedan and Mohammedanism have been largely replaced by Muslim and Islam since the 1950s, and are now considered offensive, though some authors continue to use Mohammedanism as a technical term for the religious system (of Islam) as opposed to the theological concept of اسلام (islam, "submission") that exists within that system. The terms are considered offensive because they suggest that a human being is central to Muslims' religion, and/or because they parallel the formation Christian, Christianity and thus supposedly equate Muhammad and Christ.
Kenneth G. Wilson, The Columbia Guide to Standard American English (ISBN 0231069898), page 291: Muhammadan and Mohammedan are based on the name of the prophet Mohammed, and both are considered offensive.
Synonyms
- Mohammedism obsolete, offensive
Related terms
- Mohammedan
- Mohammedanist very rare