Well, Islam is too diverse to succintly state who is and is not a Muslim. After all, “Muslim” means “one who submits” (to God). If I consider myself submitting to the will and desire of God, I can call myself a Muslim. Sure, it lacks much theologically, yet is an argument that can be supported.
Furthermore, becoming a Latter-day Saint did not require me to reject or renounce any religion.
Who is a true Muslim? There are as many theories as there are people. Some say it’s only those who pray five times a day, obey the rules and injunctions of the Shari’a, etc. Others say that whoever submits to God is a Muslim. Still others hold Muslimness is as Jewishness - it’s partly religious and partly cultural. Based on some definitions, there may be billions of Muslims or only a small handful.
As I said, both sides will disagree, but whatever. I have a different view of religion, religions, faith, etc.
My marriage was an arranged marriage. Like arranged marriages, the families of both sides were involved. My mother-in-law cried with joy when our side sent the proposal - she was so happy that her daughter would be married into a family she knows will take care of her, treat her well, and offer her opportunities she would not have where she is. We were happy because she comes from a respected, respectable, well-mannered family, and she will make an awesome wife and mother. (She’s already started habits that makes my parents chuckle - like scolding me when I eat stuff I should eat, like dessert.)
Why did I not tell I am not exactly the dictionary definition of Muslim? Because my faith is an issue between me and God. It’s not something that should be an issue with my relationships with other people. My family is Muslim, I love Judaism (the man I consider my mentor is an observant Orthodox Jew), my best friend is deist (God exists, and it all ends there), and my father considers himself part of no religion. I’ve studied Zoroastrianism, Ismailism, Baha’ism, Judaism, various sects of Christianity.
In retrospect, this thread has been helpful. It’s made me realize that the way I live my life or seek to live my life, whatever faith I have won’t matter. My faith is between God and myself. It really doesn’t matter what one declares publicly - what matters is what’s in one’s heart. (Ismailism has a doctrine of taqiyya, where people hide their beliefs and practices behind the practices and beliefs of the majority religion. This also has taught me that faith is between the believer and God.)
Maybe I should mention - my best friend often talks about me with his friends and family. I defy many expectations. People find me confusing, incomprehensible, baffling, etc. As a beloved professor said, I’m quirky. Hehehe. A motto of mine, after speaking a few friends, is, “Life’s always interesting with me around. It may not make sense, but it’ll be interesting.”
Anyway.
WRS