Myth # 1: Muslims are violent, terrorists and / or extremists.
This is the largest mistake in Islam, probably because of the creation of stereotypes and the continuing attacks against the media gives Islam. When a gunman attacks a mosque in the name of Judaism, a Catholic IRA guerrilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, or Serbian Orthodox militiamen rape and kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts are used in a stereotype of faith. Are these acts attributed to the religion of their authors. But, how many times have we heard the word Islamic fundamentalist Muslims. etc. ‘linked to violence.
Politics in so-called “Muslim countries” may or may not have any Islamic basis. Often dictators and politicians use the name of Islam for their own purposes. Remember, go to the source of Islam and separate what the right religion of Islam says from what is described in the media. Islam literally means submission to God “and is derived from a root word meaning” peace. ”
Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps because religion does not dominate everyday life in the West, whereas Islam is considered a way of life “for Muslims and do not divide between the secular and the sacred in their life. Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting against self-defense, defense of religion, nor by those who have been evicted from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against the population from civil hurts and ruined crops, trees and livestock.
Nowhere Islam prohibit the killing of innocents. . The Quran says: “Fight in God against those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Allah loveth not aggressors. “(Quran 2:190)” If they want peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God, for He is the one who hears and knows all things. “(Qur’an 8:61) War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to rigorousconditions established by the sacred law. The term jihad literally means “struggle.” Muslims believe that there are two types of jihad. The Another jihad is the inner struggle of the soul that all wages against egotistic desires for the sake of achieving inner peace.
Misconception No. 2: Islam oppresses women.
The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil and forced to stay home and forbidden to drive is very common in people’s minds. Although some Muslim countries may have laws that oppress women, this should not be regarded as coming from Islam. Many of these countries are not in any capacity of sharia (Islamic law) and present their own cultural perspective on the issue of gender equity.
Islam on the other gives men and women different roles and equity between the two states in the Quran and the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Islam sees a woman, single or married, as a separate individual, with the right to own and dispose of their assets and income. A wedding gift is given by the bridegroom to the bride for their personal use and to keep its own name rather than taking her husband. Men and women must dress in a manner that is modest and dignified. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and hello) said: “The most perfect in faith amongst believers is the best fit and kinder to his wife.”
The 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 each party is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from one country to another. Divorce is not common, but it is acceptable as a last resort. According to Islam, a Muslim girl can not be forced to marry against her will: her parents simply suggest that young people reckon that may be appropriate.
Misconception No. 3: Muslims worship a different God.
Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Allah for Muslims is the largest and most inclusive of the Names of God, is an Arabic word rich in meaning, referring to the one right God and do not assign partners to him. This is exactly the same word as the Jews, in Hebrew, the use of God (Eloh), the word that 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 promise to obey his teachings and commandments, conveyed through His messengers and prophets who were sent on several occasions and in many places throughout history. But, it should be noted that God in Islam is One and Unique. Him, the Almighty, never tired, has no son or Jesus is to have partners, they are not the powers of man “which are in other religions.
Myth 4: Islam was spread by the sword and intolerance of other religions.
Many social studies textbooks for students show the image of an Arab horseman carrying a sword in one hand and the Koran to conquer the other and the conversion of force. This, but, is not an accurate representation of history. Islam has always given fantastic respect and freedom of religion for all faiths. The Koran says: “God forbid, it is not right with respect to those who struggle, not for [faith], nor drive you out of their houses, to treat with kindness and justice with them, because God likes those who are righteous. 60:8) Freedom of religion is established in the Qur’an itself: “There is no compulsion (or coercion) in religion (Islam). The exact address of the error is manifest. “(2:256) Christian missionary, TW Arnold had this opinion on his study of the issue of expansion of Islam.” . of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim, or of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out Christianity, you hear nothing. If the caliphs chosen to adopt a course of action would have resulted in Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam in Spain, or Louis XIV, Protestantism. . . “It’s a function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and therefore no Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other religions : caliphOmar when entry to Jerusalem in 634, Islam granted freedom of worship for all religious communities in the city. proclamation to the inhabitants that their lives and property were safe and that their places of worship would not be taken from them, the law you questioned the Christian patriarch Sofronio accompany a visit to all holy places. Islamic also allows non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement the laws of family established by the minorities themselves. The lives and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether the person is Muslim or not. Racism is not part of Islam, the Koran does speaks of the equality of men and how all peoples are equal in the eyes of God. “Men! We have made you from a single soul, male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that they can know each other. In truth, the noblest among you before God is the greatest of you in piety. God is Knower, Aware. (49:13)
Misconception No. 5: All Muslims are Arabs
The world’s Muslim population is about 1. 2000000000. 1-5 people in the world is Muslim. There is a wide range of races, nationalities and cultures across the world – from the Philippines to Nigeria – are united by their common Islamic faith. Only about 18% live in the Arab world and the largest Muslim community in Indonesia. Most Muslims live east of Pakistan. 30% of Muslims live in the Indian subcontinent, 20% in sub-Saharan Africa, 17% in South Asia, 18% in the Arab world, and 10% in the Soviet Union and China. Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan represent 10% of non-Arab Middle East. Although there are Muslim minorities in nearly all areas, particularly in Latin America and Australia, are mostnumerous in Russia and its newly independent states, India and Central Africa. There are about 6 million Muslims in the U.S.
Misconception No. 6: The Nation of Islam is a Muslim group.
Islam and the Nation of Islam “are two different religions. AI is more of a political organization since its members are not limited to a single faith. Muslims believe that this group is one of many cults using the name of Islam for their own benefit. The only thing in common between them is the jargon, the language used by both. “The Nation of Islam” is not right, that religion should Farrakhanism be called after the name of your propogator, Louis Farrakhan.
Farakhanism Islam and differ in many fundamental ways. For example, Farakhan followers believe in racism and that human “black” was the original man and therefore superior, while in Islam there is no racism and everyone is considered equal in the eyes of God, the only difference is in its piety. There are many other examples of how the theology of teaching the nation have nothing to do withtrue Islam. There are many groups in America who claim to represent Islam and call their adherents Muslims.
Any serious student of Islam has a duty to investigate and find the right Islam. The only two authentic sources which bind every Muslim are 1. the Koran and 2. Authentic or sound Hadith. Any teachings under the mark of “Islam” which contradict or conflict with the direct understanding of fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam are the Qur’an and authentic Hadith should be rejected and religion should be considered a pseudo-Islamic cult. In the U.S. there are many pseudo-Islamic cults, Farrakhanism is one of them. An honest attitude on the part of religion, but they should not say Muslims and their religion Islam. an example of honesty is Bahaism is a branch of Islam but Bahais do not call themselves Muslims nor their religion, Islam. In fact Bahaism is not Islam that Islam is not Farrakhanism.
Misconception No. 7: All Muslim men marry four wives.
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and can accommodate such different social requirements. Circumstances may warrant the adoption of another woman, but the right has been granted, according to the Koran, provided that the husband is fully guaranteed. No woman can be forced into such a marriage if you do not, and also have the right to exclude in your contract of marriage.
Polygamy is neither mandatory nor encouraged, but only permitted. Images of “sheikhs with harems” are not compatible with Islam, as a man is allowed up to four wives if he can meet the stringent conditions of treating each honestly and providing each with a separate authorization Housing etc. to practice polygamy is not associated with the satisfaction of pure passion. It is rather associated with compassion toward widows and orphans. It was the Qur’an that limited and place conditions in the practice of polygamy among the Arabs, which had taken ten or more women considered “property”.
It is both honest and accurate to say that it is Islam that regulated this practice, limited, it is more humane and instituted equal rights and status of all women. That the amount Koran decrees, taken together is discouragement of polygamy unless necessity for it exists. It is also clear that the general rule in Islam is monogamy and polygamy. This is a very small percentage of Muslims who practice in the world. But, permission to practice limited polygamy is only consistent with Islam’s realistic view of the nature of man and woman different needs and social problems and cultural differences.
The issue is much more than the inherent flexibility of Islam, but also honest and straightforward approach of Islam in dealing with practical problems. Rather than requiring hypocritical and superficial compliance, Islam looks at the problems of individuals and societies, and provides legitimate and clean solutions which are much cheaper than would be the case if they are ignored. There is no doubt that the second wife legally married and treated is much better than a mistress without any legal right or expermanence.
Myth # 8: Muslims are barbaric, backward people.
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine, Islam calls for faith in a God worthy of worship. It also charges the man several times to use his powers of intelligence and observation. In recent years, fantastic civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet (peace be upon him), “the pursuit of knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and a woman.” The synthesis of Eastern and Western thoughts and new thoughts with ancient, has fantastic advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, Arabic numerals, and also concept of zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics) were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which make possible the voyages of discovery were developed European, including the astrolabe, the quadrant maps navigation and excellent.
Myth # 9: Muhammad is the founder of Islam and Muslims worship him.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Mecca in 570. Since his father died before his birth and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle to the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew, he became known for his sincerity, generosity and sincerity, so he was wanted for his ability to arbitrate disputes. The historians describe him as cool and meditative. Muhammad (peace be upon him) has a deeply religious nature and had long detested the decadence of his society.
It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the cave of Hira, near Mecca. At age 40, in the exercise of meditative retreat, Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his first revelation from God through the angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for 23 years is known as the Koran. When he started to recite the words he heard from Gabriel and to preach the truth that God revealed himself and his small group of disciples bitter persecution which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God their gave the command to emigrate.
This event, the migration of the Hegira, who left Mecca for the city of Medina, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Makkah where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet saw dies at the age of 63 years, most of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century after his death, Islam had spread to Spain west and east to China. He died with less than 5 properties in their name.
While Muhammad (peace be upon him) has been chosen to deliver the message, it is considered the “founder” of Islam, since Muslims believe that Islam is the divine guidance sent itself to all peoples before. Muslims believe that all prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus etc. were all sent to the divine guidance for their peoples. Every prophet was sent to his own people, but Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to all mankind. Muhammad is the last and final messenger sent to deliver the message of Islam.
Muslims revere and honor him (pbuh) for what happened and dedication, but do not worship him. “O Prophet, verily We have sent you as a witness and a bearer of excellent tidings and a warner and as one who invites to God, by His permission and as a light bulb.” (33:45-6)
Misconception No. 10: Muslims do not believe in Jesus or other prophets.
Muslims respect and revere Jesus, peace be upon him, and await his second coming. He is considered one of the greatest messengers of God to humanity. A Muslim never refers to him simply as’ Jesus’, but always adds the words “peace be upon him” (abbreviated as (u) below). The Quran confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of the Quran is entitled ‘Mary “), and Mary is considered the purest woman in all creation. The Quran describes the Annunciation as follows:
“There! the angel said: “God has chosen you and purified you and chosen among all women of all nations. O Mary, God gives you excellent news, a word from him whose name is Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those close to God. talk to people from his cradle and in maturity, and honest. She said: “Lord, how I can have a child when no man has touched me?” He said: “Even if, God makes what He wills. When He decrees a thing, He only says: “I know! “And it is” (Quran 3:42-47)
Jesus (u) was born miraculously by the power which had brought Adam (u) into existence without a father: “Verily, the likeness of Jesus with God is also a portrait of Adam. That He made him from dust, then said: “Be”, and he was. “(3:59) During his prophetic mission Jesus (u) performed many miracles. The Koran tells us he said:” I came to you with a Sign from your Lord: I make for you with the clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God’s permission. And I heal the blind and the lepers, raise the dead by God’s permission. “( 3:49) Neither Muhammad (pbuh) not Jesus (u) came to change the fundamental doctrine of the brief in One God brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it.
In the Quran Jesus (u) is reported as saying he had been: “To establish a right that existed before me. And to make lawful some of what was forbidden, and I came to you with a sign from your Lord, dread God and obey me. (3:50) Prophet Muhammad (sas) said: “Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad (PBUH) is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and messenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit from him, and that Paradise and Hell are met, must be received by God into Heaven. “(Narrated by Bukhari).