A Muslima is simply--a Muslim woman. Most who call themselves Mulsima are socially aware young Muslim women.

The word “Muslima” is not unlike “Latina,” which is used to indicate a woman of Latino roots. In the end, the decision to call oneself a Muslima is really a personal decision; the conservative Muslims choose not to use it.

By self-describing herself as a Muslima, a Muslim girl rejects the all-embrassing “Muslim,” differentiating herself as a distinctively female personage. In one way, using “Muslima” is socially important, in reminding people of the purpose of women in Islam and accenting the idea that women can be autonomous, self-determing people with their own thoughts, goals, and ideas which may be distinct from the same of Muslim men.

Sometimes “Muslima” is spelled as “Muslimah,” as per regional preference. A number of Muslim women's popular publications now use the word to appeal to a more youthful demographic, as do many Muslim dating agencies. Using “Muslima” to indicate a Muslim woman is a growing trend, and as a result it is far more socially acceptable.

Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to pay close attention to the language Muslim women use to depict themselves; if a woman indicates that she identifies herself as a Muslim, it is generally advisable to use “Muslim,” rather than “Muslima".