Rhian I've seen why some Chinese in America think Moslems are offended by it. I am less than convinced.
Have you something that resembles evidence ?
Hint: Undergrad Chinese working for lobbying outfits don't count.
The argument about pronunciation is tenuous, like many English speakers, I pronounce both forms the same.
I'm quite happy to admit ignorance of the precise way Arabs pronounce certain words, but that is contingent upon evidence...
Lots of words sound vaguely like lots of other words, and I certainly not going to change my use of language on the off chance that someone mistakes my Hertfordshire accent for Arab.
As for the "Moslem Community", if there is any basis for this, it strikes me as people just trying to find some way to be offended.
The idea that I would research slight coincidences in Arab pronunciation to offend them is just silly.
DC have just had a look online to find out why moslem isn't used anymore. The muslim community discourage its use due to the fact that it is often mispronounced and thus sounds like another word which means 'oppressed', so of course they use it amongst themselves, since they can pronounce it. Therefore there is no reason why you shouldn't use it in its written form - except for the fact that it may encourage others to use it orally.
I was not offended by your use of it, I merely thought it was habit and ignorance on your part (mine too insofar as I was previously unaware of any controversy surrounding the word, I just considered it outdated).
I can think of many examples of words that are perfectly acceptable when used by a member of the group but offensive when used by an outsider. Carry on as you see fit.