What is a Muslim? What is a Christian?

According to the website 30 Facts about Islam, "’Muslim’ means ‘anyone or anything that surrenders itself to the true will of God’. By this definition, everything in nature (trees, animals, planets, etc.) are ‘muslims’ because they are in a state of surrender to God's will. In other words, they are fulfilling the purpose for which God created them.”

According to the website Jesus.Net, “. . . the word “Christian” comes from the Greek word christianos, meaning ‘little Christ,’ and that the accusers of Jesus’s disciples used it as an insult.”  Acts 11:26 tells us, “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”  So it was non-Christians who first used the word “Christian” to describe those who follow the teachings of Christ.

If we understand these terms apart from their respective religions, we can conclude that Christians are also Muslims, because they seek to surrender themselves to the will of God. And Muslims are also Christians, because they recognize Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, as a prophet and seek to live in accordance with his teachings.

While there are significant doctrinal differences between Islam and Christianity, true Muslims and true Christians are people who take their faith in God seriously and seek to obey His will.

Let me suggest a prayer that both Christians and Muslims can pray together:

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;
Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
Master of the Day of Judgment.
Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
Show us the straight way,
The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, 
those whose portion is not wrath, 
and who go not astray.  (Surah 1)

Search me, God, and know my heart.
    Try me, and know my thoughts.
 See if there is any wicked way in me,
    and lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Dear Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell, 
for the punishment thereof is a lasting torment. (Q25:65)

Both Muslims and Christians cannot sincerely pray this prayer without seeking to obey God in every way. In this prayer, it is clear that both Muslims and Christians are asking God for something that is wholly in agreement with His will. So, if we make these requests sincerely, then we can be confident that God will grant our requests in this prayer.  This prayer, and especially the last words of the prayer, quoted from Surah 25 verse 65, are wholly consistent with the words of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, which we find in John 5:24, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

I conclude with these words, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
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In these essential things, Christians and Muslims can be united and in agreement.