Misconceptions About Islam
1. Islam encourages violence, extremism and terrorism.
This is the biggest misconception in Islam, one of the main causes of this is the constant stereotyping and negative comments the media gives to Islam. When a person of another religion bombs a building or terrorizes a town in the name of his religion, his acts are not used to stereotype his entire faith or religion. But sadly, when a Muslim terrorist engage in violent acts, the entire religion of Islam is blamed and condemned.
Nowhere does Islam permits or encourages the killing of innocents!
The Qur'an says in Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 190 (2:190):
"Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors."
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term "jihad" literally means "struggle". Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. One is physically fighting for Allah like in wars, and the other more important one is the inner struggle of the soul against sinful desires for the sake of attaining God's love and inner peace.
2. Islam oppresses women.
Islam gives men and women different roles and equity between the two is laid down in the Qur'an and the example of the Prophet (S.A.W). Islam sees a woman as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage gift is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and women are expected to dress in a way that is modest and dignified. Muhammad (S.A.W) had said: "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife."
Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against their will for anything is not allowed. A Muslim marriage is a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. Divorce is Islam is not common, although it is acceptable as a last resort. Islam also says that a Muslim girl cannot be forced to marry against her will; her parents may only suggest men that they think may be suitable for their daughter.
3. Muslims worship a different God.
Allah is simply the Arabic word for God (Read About Allah). Allah for Muslims is the greatest and most inclusive of the Names of God, it is an Arabic word of rich meaning, denoting the one and only God and ascribing no partners to Him. It is exactly the same word which the Jews, in Hebrew, use for God (eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used in Aramaic when he prayed to God. God has an identical name in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; Allah is the same God worshiped by Muslims, Christians and Jews. Muslims believe that Allah's sovereignty is to be acknowledged in worship and in the pledge to obey His teaching and commandments, conveyed through His messengers and prophets who were sent at various times and in many places throughout history. However, it should be noted that God in Islam is One and Only. He, the Exalted, does not get tired, does not have a son like Jesus or have associates, nor does He have human-like features or attributions as found in other religions.
4. Islam was spread by the sword and was intolerant of other faiths.
Many social studies textbooks for students show the image of an Arab horseman carrying a sword in one hand and the Quran in the other conquering and forcibly converting. This, though, is not a correct portrayal of history. Islam has always given respect and freedom of religion to all faiths and religions.
In the Qur'an, Surah Al-Mumtahina Verse 8 (60:8), it says:
"Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances) that do wrong."
And freedom of religion is stated in the Qur'an very clearly in Surah Al-Baqara Verse 256 (2:256):
"Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error; whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things."
Racism is also not a part of Islam at all and the Qur'an speaks only of human equality and how all peoples are equal in the sight of God.
It has beed said in Surah Al-Hujraat Verse 13 (49:13):
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."
5. Good Muslim men marry 4 wives.
Polygamy is neither mandatory, nor encouraged, but merely permitted. Permission to practice polygamy is not associated with mere satisfaction of passion. It is rather associated with compassion toward widows and orphans. It was the Qur'an that limited and put conditions on the practice of polygamy among the Arabs, who had as many as ten or more wives and considered them "property".
It is both honest and accurate to say that it is Islam that regulated this practice, limited it, made it more humane, and instituted equal rights and status for all wives. What the Qur'anic decrees amount to, taken together is discouragement of polygamy unless necessity for it exists. It is also evident that the general rule in Islam is monogamy and not polygamy. It is a very tiny percentage of Muslims that practice it over the world. However, permission to practice limited polygamy is only consistent with Islam's realistic view of the nature of man and woman and of various social needs, problems and cultural variations.
The question is, however far more than the inherent flexibility of Islam; it also is the frank and straightforward approach of Islam in dealing with practical problems. Rather than requiring hypocritical and superficial compliance, Islam delves deeper into the problems of individuals and societies, and provides for legitimate and clean solutions which are far more beneficial than would be the case if they were ignored. There is no doubt that the second wife legally married and treated kindly is better off than a mistress without any legal rights or expermanence.
6. Muhammad was the founder of Islam and Muslims worship him.
While Muhammad (S.A.W) was chosen to deliver the message, he is not considered the "founder" of Islam, since Muslims consider Islam to be the same divine guidance sent to all peoples before. Muslims believe all the prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus etc. were all sent with divine guidance for their peoples. Every prophet was sent to his own people, but Muhammad (S.A.W) was sent to the whole of mankind. Muhammad (S.A.W) is the last and final messenger sent to deliver the message of Islam. Muslims revere and honor him for all he went through and his dedication, but they do not worship him. (Read About Muhammad (S.A.W) in Prophets of Islam)
The Qur'an states in Surah Al-Ahzab, Verses 45 to 47:
45: O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and a Warner
46: And as one who invites to Allah's (Grace) by His leave, and as a Lamp spreading Light.
47: Then give the glad tidings to the Believers, that they shall have from Allah a very great Bounty.
7. Muslims don't believe in Jesus.
Muslims respect and revere Jesus, upon him be peace, and await his Second Coming. (Read about Jesus (A.S) in Prophets of Islam) They consider him one of the greatest of God's messengers to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as 'Jesus', but always adds the phrase "upon him be peace" (abbreviated as (A.S) here). The Quran confirms his virgin birth by Mary (Mariam) and she is considered the purest woman in all creation.
The Qur'an describes in Surah Al-Imran Verses 42 to 47 (3:42-47):
42. Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee;?chosen thee above the women of all nations.
43. O Mary! worship thy Lord devoutly; prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down."
44. This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (O Prophet!) by inspiration; thou wast not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary; nor wast thou with them when they disputed (the point).
45. Behold! the angels said "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.
46. "He shall speak to the people in childhood And in maturity and he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."
47. She said: "O my Lord! how shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth; when He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it 'Be', and it is!"
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said: "Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad (S.A.W) is His messenger, that Jesus (A.S) is the servant and messenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit emanating from Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received by God into Heaven. " (Hadith related by Bukhari)
References:
[1] http://www.beautifulislam.net/intro/misconceptions_islam.htm
