Misconceptions About Islam
What do you really know?
Introductions
Islam is one of the world’s largest religions yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. For various reasons – be they political, economic, biased media or fear of the “other” – mistruths and misconceptions have been spread about Islam. The key to understanding Islam and Muslims is to resist stereotypes and examine each situation according to Islamic teachings and authentic sources?
1. “Muslims do not share good & noble values with non-Muslim”
Some people allege that Islamic values are somehow incompatible with decent “western” value. Such claims could not be further from the truth. Muslims cherish noble and universal values such as:
Being honest and just.
Keeping one’s word
Not to compel others to believe in certain religion
Respecting parents, relatives, neighbours and the elderly
Being charitable, generous, and looking after the poor and needy
Not lying, cheating, swearing or backbiting anyone
Muslims are required to contribute positively towards the society and to always conduct themselves with the highest of morals and best of actions.
2. “Muslims worship a new god called Allah”
“Muslims worship the same God worshipped by Prophet Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus”
The word “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God – an Arabic word of rich meaning, denoting the One and Only God. Allah is also the same word that Arabic speaking Christians and the Jews use to refer to God.
However, although Muslims, Jews, and Christians believe in the same God (the Creator), their concept regarding Him differ significantly. For example, Muslims reject the idea of God having any partners or being part of a ‘trinity’ and ascribe perfection only to God, the Almighty.
3. “Islam permits terrorism”
The media generally portrays any Muslim fights as a terrorist, regardless of whether they fight justly or unjustly, or whether they are oppressing others or being oppressed.
In war, the targeting of innocent non-combatants is a despicable act which Islam clearly prohibits. In fact, Muslims are not allowed to destroy plants or animals unnecessarily, let alone innocent humans. However it is important to distinguish between terrorism and legitimate resistance to occupation, as the two are very different.
The Qur’an clearly demonstrate the seriousness of killing an innocent person, and emphasise the value of human life:
“If anyone murders an innocent person, it will be as if he has murdered a whole humanity. And if anyone saves a person, it will be as if he has saved the whole humanity.” Surah Al-Maida 5:32
4. “Islam oppresses woman”
In Islam, men and women are viewed as equal before God, in terms of both receiving equal reward and accountability for their actions. The only thing that distinguishes people in the sight of God is their level of piety.
“Verily the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the most God conscious.” Surah Al-Hujuraat 49:13
This verse proves that real honour and status is not attained because a person is rich or poor, black and white, male or female, but attained through piety and devoutness.
Women are given the utmost respect and honour, such as the right to equal pay, choice of spouse, pursuit of education, and the right to divorce and inheritance.
Unfortunately, there are some Muslim women who are oppressed and not given their rights, this is not the fault of Islam. The problem is that in some countries, people follow certain cultural practices and traditions which have nothing to do with Islam.
Allah, the Creator of both genders has assigned different roles and responsibilities for, each, taking into account their differences.
5. “The Qur’an is just another history or poetry book”
The Qur’an is the divine literal word of God Almighty, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), through the Angel Gabriel. It is criterion for the truth, containing guidance for humanity live by. The Qur’an cites lesson for preceding generations and the history of Prophets in order that we may learn from their experiences. It further teaches us about ourselves and our Creator, as well as the purpose of our existence which is to acknowledge God, worshipping him alone.
God did not create humans to simply wander aimlessly. The test of one’s faith is in using one’s intellect, free will and reasoning abilities to contemplate and recognise God’s signs – one of the greatest signs being the Qur’an.
The Qur’an contains within it many miracles, so that we can have no doubt about its authenticity.
“The best way to discover what the Qur’an is actually about, is to read it for yourself”
6. “Hijab is oppressive”
To observe the Hijab, Muslim women are required to modestly cover their body with clothes that do not reveal their figure in front of non-closely related males. However, hijab is not just about outer appearance; it is also about noble speech, modesty and dignified conduct.
Although there are many benefit of the hijab, the key reason Muslim women observe hijab is because it is a command from Allah (God), and he knows what is best for his creation.
The hijab empowers a woman by emphasising her inner spiritual beauty, rather than her superficial appearance. It give women the freedom to be active members of a society, while maintaining their modesty.
The hijab does not symbolises suppression, oppression or silence. Rather, it is a guard against degrading remarks, unwanted advance and unfair discrimination. So the next time you see a Muslim woman, know that she covers her physical appearance, not her mind or intellect.
7. “All Muslims are Arab”
Only about 20% of Muslims in the world are Arabs, meaning that up to about 80% of Muslims are non –Arabs. For example, there are more Indian and Indonesian Muslims than Arab Muslims.
Islam teaches that an individual is not superior to another because of race or colour, and is strictly against any form of racism. Islam has a universal language for all mankind – that is, everyone can gain peace and success only by acknowledging and worshipping the One True God.
8. “Jihad is terrorism”
The essence of jihad is to struggle and sacrifice one’s religion in a manner which is pleasing to God. Linguistically, it means to ‘struggle’ and can refer to one striving to do good deeds, give charity or join an Islamic military action. The most commonly known form is the military Jihad which is permitted in order to preserve the well-being of the society, to prevent oppression from spreading and to promote justice. This can either be defensive or offensive, depending on the circumstances.
9. “Muslims worship Muhammad or the moon god”
Islam teaches Muslims to respect all of God’s Prophet and messengers – but respecting and loving them does not mean worshipping them.
Yet another misconception is that Muslims worship Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is entirely untrue, and is easily refuted by the actual saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Do not over praise me as the Christians over praise Jesus, the son of Mary. I am His slave, so refer to me as God’s slave and messenger.”
A related claim is that Muslims worship the moon God which is also totally incorrect. Worshipping the moon, or anything other than Allah, is strictly prohibited in Islam: “Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if you really worship him” Surah Fussilat 41:37
Islam acknowledges the complete perfection, greatness and uniqueness of God with absolute no compromises. He is the Most Just and the Most Merciful. Worshipping him alone is the most important belief in Islam, as mentioned in the Qur’an in numerous places.
10. “Islam permits forced marriages”
Arranged marriages are culturally practiced which is predominant in certain countries throughout the world. Although not restricted to Muslims, forced marriages have been incorrectly associated with Islam.
In Islam, both male and female has the right to choose or reject their potential spouse, and a marriage is considered null and void if a woman’s genuine approval is not granted prior to the marriage.
11. “Islam forces people to become Muslims”
Although it is a duty on Muslims to convey the beautiful message of Islam to others, no one can be compelled to accept Islam. To accept Islam, a person must sincerely and voluntarily believe and obey God, so, by defining, no one can (or should) be forced to accept Islam.
- Indonesia has the largest Muslim population yet no battle was fought to bring Islam there.
- There are around 4 million Arab Coptic Christians that have been living in the heart of Arabia for generation.
- Islam is one of the fastest growing religion in the western world today
- Although fighting oppression and promoting justice are valid reason for waging jihad, forcing people to accept Islam is not one of them.
- Muslims ruled Spain for around 800 years yet never coerced people to convert.
Conclusion
Learning about Islam from unqualified sources without verification is dangerous and leads to misunderstandings. Do not be misled into accepting misconception and false information about Islam – the belief shared by more than a quarter of mankind.
Does not the guidance for all humanity, the message of Islam, deserves to be carefully pondered over and reflected on?
Source: Islamic Information Centre
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