Misconceptions about Islam

The View of Islam by Non-Muslims is generally affected by four things:

Jihad Belief

Women People

Refutations

First: JihadAccusations:1. The common belief among non-

Muslims is that Muslims are violent, terrorists and extremists.

2. Islam was spread by the sword. Muslims are intolerant of other faiths.

Refutation to the stigma of terrorism

• Unfortunately, some terrorist groups that name themselves by names that are related to Islam destroyed the image of Islam and Muslims.• It is unfair to generalize the actions

of a minority to all of the Muslims.

• The majority of Muslims do not accept their actions. Islam itself doesn’t sanction – approve of- the acts of murder of innocent people or even suicide bombing. Basically killing oneself is condemned in Islam:

• Allah the Almighty says in the Quran:(…If anyone killed a person not in retaliation for murder or to spread mischief in land, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind. And (likewise) if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole of mankind” (5: 32)• Prophet Muhammed Peace be upon him

says:“He who kills himself with anything, Allah will torment him with that in the fire of Hell” (Reported by Muslim)

• The root of the word (Islam): Salam = peace• The definition of Jihad in Islam.1-The jihad of self. 2- the combative –physical- jihad.

Second: People, i. e. Muslims

Accusations1. Non-Muslims see Muslims as

barbaric and backward people.2. All Muslims are Arabs.3. Non-Muslims relate none-Islamic

groups to Islam. Example: The Nation of Islam.

Refutation

• The Islamic civilization contributed greatly to all fields of knowledge. Consider these examples:

1. The invention of the zero in mathematics.

2. The Arabic numerals.3. Algebra4. Advanced instruments: astrolabe.

Refutation of All Muslims are Arabs

• Islam is not exclusive to Arabs; Islam is for all people.

• Statistics show that there are 1.5 billion Muslims around the world; that is, 1 of 5 people in the world is a Muslim.

• The largest Islamic community is in Indonesia.• 6 million people are Muslims in the US.• Other large communities include India, Africa,

and South Asia and China.

Third: Belief

Accusations:1. Non-Muslims wrongly think that

Muhammad was the founder of Islam and that Muslims worship him.

2. Islam is a separate religion from Christianity and Judaism. Muslims worship a different God than that of the Christians and Jews.

His personality is a sign for his sincerity• Before Islam: Prophet Muhammad peace be

upon him was known for his honesty and sincerity, and ability to arbitrate disputes.

• After becoming a messenger: he strived in Makkah for Islam. He was forced to leave it when he was in jeopardy. Yet he forgave his enemies.

• Upon his death he only had 5 possessions to his name.

So it’s not wealth, power or authority that drove our Prophet. It is the sincere call for Allah.

Refutation to Muhammadanism

• We basically believe that Prophet Muhammad is the final prophet calling to believe in Allah. The faith he adhered is the same one that began with Adam and ended with him, peace and blessings be upon them.

• We revere and respect our prophet.

Fourth: Women

Accusations:1.Islam oppresses women:

in marriage – inheritance- witnessing- Hijab

Refutation:• Both men and women have different roles due to

their different natures.• Equal is not the same as fair. • Unfortunately some propagated patriarchy

quoting – out of context- the hadith: عقل ناقصات.ودين

• If we take this to be true in the way that some mean, then Allah would have exempt women from religious duties just like a child. Allah has commanded females just like their counterparts of Haj and fasting.

• Hijab is a sign of modesty and humility not oppression:• Previous religions.• It’s natural that people consider

clothes as part of civility.