Easy Answers To Misconceptions

Islam is one of the most misunderstood religions in the world and is continuously demonized. Here, we give you simple answers to the popular misconceptions about Islam. If you are a non-Muslim, we hope these points will help you understand more about Islam and erase any doubts you may have. If you are a Muslim, we hope you take knowledge away from this article and use it to help erase such misconceptions when a situation arises.

Misconception 1: Muslims are violent

Islam is derived from the Arabic root “Salema” meaning “Peace”
The involvement of some so-called Muslims who have committed atrocities and acts of violence does not justify labeling the whole faith as terrorists
Critics often take quotes out of context from the Quran, making them less reliable and inaccurate sources of information
Killing the innocent is a grave sin: ‘…nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred, except for just cause… and any that does this (not only) meets punishment (But) the Penalty on the Day of Judgement will be doubled to him.’ Quran: 25:68-69
Suicide bombing is also a grave sin: ‘nor kill or destroy yourselves…’ Quran: 4:29
The Quran actually shows the opposite of being violent:

‘Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.’ Quran: 2:190

‘But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace…’ Quran: 8:61

Misconception 2: Jihad means to kill non-Muslims

Jihad means to ‘struggle’ or ‘to strive’
By definition, every human being does some sort of Jihad every day, be it trying to get to work early, trying to pass an exam or even resisting evil temptations
There are various types of Jihad. Many only know about, and focus on, the Jihad involving armed struggle
Fighting is only allowed against injustice, oppression and in self-defense: ‘Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.’ Quran: 2:190
It is reported that Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The most excellent Jihad is that for the conquest of self.” (Bukhari)

Misconception 3: Woman are oppressed

There is an entire chapter in the Quran named ‘The Woman’
There is even an entire chapter in the Quran named after Mary, Jesus’s mother
1400 years ago, Islam liberated the women in Arabia by giving them rights that were unheard in many places in that time, including the right to divorce and to own property (which was for example, only introduced in England in 1850)
The Quran continuously displays how women are equal: ‘If any do deeds of righteousness,― be they male or female― and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.’ Quran: 4:124
It is reported that Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Act kindly toward women.” (Muslim) and “The best of you are those who are best to the women.” (Tirmidhi)
Professor William Montgomery Watt stated that Muhammad (PBUH): “…Can be seen as a figure who testified on behalf of women’s rights.”
The burqa and hijab are used by many to justify the claim that woman are oppressed. Many wrongly think that they are all forced into wearing it
If we look at other major religion Revelations regarding woman, we find much difference

Misconception 4: Muslims don’t believe in Jesus

Jesus is revered as one of the most important Prophet’s in Islam
Jesus is mentioned by name countless times in the Quran
Muslims remember all of the Prophets mentioned in the Christian and Judaic scriptures with great respect and reverence
Muslims follow the teachings of Jesus (PBUH) more than many might think. Like Jesus (PBUH), Muslims worship one God, pray, fast, give money to charity and keep away from such things like the flesh of swine and alcohol
The name of Jesus (PBUH) appears in the Quran more than the name of Muhammad (PBUH)
In Islamic belief, Jesus (PBUH) also holds great importance on Judgement Day

Misconception 5: Islam was spread by the sword

Countless non-Muslim historians have stated this claim to be a myth
The Quran instructs Muslims to deal with non-Muslim inhabitants in a kind and just manner: ‘Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.’ Quran: 60:8
Countries like Indonesia and Spain prove that Islam didn’t even need to be spread by the sword
Muslims ruled and fully controlled India for 800 years, yet the majority is still Hindu
If Muslims practised forced conversions, places such as India and Egypt would be different as they are today
There are many Muslims living in the West and many are converting. Where is the force?

Misconception 6: Islam is intolerant of other religions

The Quran clearly states: ‘Let there be no compulsion in religion.’ Quran: 2:256
It is reported that Muhammad (PBUH) said “Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Abu Dawud)

Misconception 7: Muhammad founded Islam

Islam simply means ‘Submission to God’. A Muslim is a person who ‘Submits him or herself to God’
Muslims believe that all Prophets sent forth, including Adam, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, and Muhammad (PBUT), were Muslims. They, like the definition of a Muslim, submitted to God
Muhammad (PBUH) didn’t bring any new doctrine as the Quran states: ‘Say: “I am no bringer of new-fangled doctrine among the messengers…’ Quran: 46:9
God tells Muhammad (PBUH) of his mission: ‘Your only mission (O Muhammad) is to deliver (the Quran), while it is We who will call them to account’ Quran: 13:40

Misconception 8: Allah is a moon God

The word ‘Allah’ is simply the Arabic term for ‘The God’
Allah is the same God proclaimed in Christianity and Judaism
The word ‘Allah’ is a more appropriate term for God, because it has no plural or gender
Jesus (PBUH) spoke Aramaic. The term for God in that language is ‘Elaha’
In the Syriac language, and also in the Syriac Bible, God is ‘Alaha’
Even today, the Arab Christians and Jews use word ‘Allah’
The moon God of pre-Islamic Arabia was Hubal
One of the 99 names/attributes given to Allah (Swt) in Islam include ‘The Hidden One’. The moon is not always hidden
The Quran forbids moon-worshiping:

‘Adore not the Sun and the Moon but adore Allah Who created them if it is Him ye wish to serve.’ Quran: 41:37

Misconception 9: Muslim men can have 4 wives

Islam did not introduce polygamy
Polygamy is not a command or a compulsion, but an option with risks involved
The Quran is the only Revelation that puts a limit to the number of wives: ‘…but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one…’ Quran: 4:3
There are strict conditions that must be met such as the equal treatment of the wives
Polygamy is rare even in Muslim countries
People rarely criticise extra-marital relationships and children born out of wedlock in the West

Misconception 10: The crescent moon and star is the Islamic symbol

During the time of Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims did not have a symbol, but used solid-colored flags
The symbol was adopted by the Turks during Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Constantinople

Misconception 11: Muslims pray to the Kaaba

The Kaaba is merely a focal point of prayer and a direction in which Muslims pray
During the time of Muhammad (PBUH), the Muslims faced towards Jerusalem, but were ordered by Allah (Swt) to change directions

Misconception 12: Muslims pray to Muhammad

Muhammad (PBUH) never proclaimed being anyone Divine
Muhammad (PBUH) simply preached to worship the One God also taught in Christianity and Judaism
Muslims regard Muhammad (PBUH) as a great example of a true Muslim and a inspiration to Mankind
Muslims pray to Allah (Swt)

Islam is purely monotheistic

The Word ‘Jihad’ And Its Misuse

Jihad is only a concept that literally means to ‘strive’ and to ‘struggle’. It’s not supposed to carry negative connotations as it does now, but it does and this needs to stop. Not only do people use it justify their negative causes, but even influence the way other people think too.

Islamophobes misuse the term, incorrectly and inaccurately using Jihad in the sense that it is a military, aggressive or highly political cause. Would Islamophobes mention that:

The Prophets of Islam, Christianity and Judaism did some sort of Jihad in their lifetime? I.e. they had to overcome times of hardship and continue striving to preach their message
All religious people do some sort of Jihad when they prayer and reflect for self-betterment?
A London commuter does Jihad to make sure he doesn’t miss his train?
A student does Jihad when trying to pass an exam?

Jihad isn’t confined to mere military conflict and fighting, as Islamophobes will have us think.

Muhammad (PBUH) famously said:

“The most excellent Jihad is that for the conquest of self.” (Bukhari)

There is no doubt, that terrorists also misuse the term to justify themselves and their actions. But by doing so, they go against Islamic teachings, especially when it comes to suicide bombings. But this again, can also negatively influence the way people think, as many don’t know that Islam forbids these actions of horrific violence.

Jihad doesn’t carry a negative connotation; it is only people who give Jihad the connotation is has today.

Terrorism Is Condemned

It’s very common for many people to link Islam with suicide bombings, terrorism and acts of violence. Even though there are many other religious extremist organizations within different faiths, Islam is always in the limelight.

Not only does it lead to misconceptions being made, buts sparks hatred amongst those who are Muslims and those who are not.

Islam condemns terrorism and extremism in any form. Jihad as many people like to call it, means to ‘struggle’ or ‘strive’, not ‘holy war’ as many people (especially Islamophobes) claim.

The only reasons in which Islam permits fighting is in self-defense, and in the cause of God when Muslims stand in the face of oppression and injustice against them.

‘Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.’ Quran: 60:8

People often take quotes out of context from the Quran to support wrong ideologies, when they themselves fail to understand the context behind it.

As for suicide bombings, they are an act of grave unforgiving sin. As the Quran clearly states:

‘…nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful. If any (one) does that in rancour and injustice,― soon shall We cast him into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah.’ Quran: 4:29-30

Suicide Bombing Is Condemned

Life, is one of the greatest gifts we have. Life itself, is a miracle. So why make it go to waste? Suicide bombers who claim to be Muslims, fill our news and little do people know that their actions are directly against the teachings of Islam.

Islam forbids suicide. And nowhere in the Quran is suicide encouraged.

The Quran clearly states:

‘And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.’ Quran: 2:195

‘O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill or destroy yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful.’ Quran: 4:29

Later it is stated:

‘If anyone does that in rancour and injustice – soon shall We cast him into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah.’ Quran: 4:30

Suicide bombers commit a transgressing sin, as suicide (especially when killing other people too) is an unjust and non-peaceful way to solve issues. Not only does suicide bombing kill ones precious life, but also destroys other lives in the process. Unfortunately, the majority of explosions kill the innocent.

The Quran if full of stories that mankind can learn from and it emphasizes the value of human life which God’s Messengers affirmed:

‘We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person―unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land― it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people…’ Quran: 5:32

‘… Then although there came to them Our Messengers with clear Signs, yet even after that many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.’ Quran: 5:32

‘Nor did We send before thee (as Messengers) any but men, whom We did inspire― (men) living in human habitations… There is, in their stories instruction for men endued with understanding.’ Quran: 12:109-112

It is not only in the Quran, where suicide is severely warned upon and looked down upon, but even in the sayings of Muhammad (PBUH). Here are some Hadith that show us that even suicide bombing was looked down upon by the Prophet:

It is reported that Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the (Hell) Fire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever.” (Bukhari)

“He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself in the Hell Fire (forever) and he who commits suicide by stabbing himself shall keep on stabbing himself in the Hell-Fire.” (Bukhari)

“Do not wish for death, for the terror of the place whence one looks down is severe. It is part of a man’s happiness that his life should be long and Allah Who is Great and Glorious, should supply him with repentance.” (Tirmidhi)

“… none amongst you should make a request for death, and do not call for it before it comes, for when any of you dies, he ceases (to do good) deeds and the life of a believer is not prolonged but for goodness.” (Muslim)

Islam forbids suicide and teaches to love everyone, live together in harmony, solve issues justly and make the most of this blessed life.

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Kaafir Does Not Mean Infidel

‘Kaafir’ is an Arabic word, meaning ‘non-believer’ or ‘unbeliever’. Although it may sound harsh, it is not meant to be offensive or derogatory. It has also been associated with the word ‘Infidel’, but upon study we find different origins.

But contrary to the false claims and beliefs, the word ‘kaafir’ actually does not mean ‘infidel’.

Linguistic meaning of the word ‘kaafir’

Linguistically the word ‘kaafir’ is the active participle of the Arabic verb ‘kafara’ which means “to cover” (from consonantal root – kaaf-faa-raa). As a pre-Islamic term it described farmers burying seeds in the ground, covering them with soil while planting.

Thus, the word ‘kaafir’ implies the meaning “a person who hides or covers the truth”.

History of the word ‘infidel’

Looking into history, and the origin of the term, the term ‘infidel’ has a Latin origin from the late 15th Century, French ‘infidèle’ or Latin ‘infidelis’, from in – ‘not’ and fidelis – ‘faithful’. Christians were one of the first to use this term around which the Church developed a body of theology that dealt with the concept of infidelity; which makes a clear differentiation between those who followed the teachings of Christianity and the Church, with those not Christian. The term infidel was used by Christians to describe non-Christians or those perceived as the enemies of Christianity, especially Muslims.

What Islam teaches Muslims

The Quran is clear in using kind words with non-Muslims:

‘O ye who believe! When ye go abroad in the cause of Allah, investigate carefully, and say not to anyone who offers you a salutation: “Thou art none of a Believer!” Quran: 4:94

‘And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass.’ Quran: 31:19

It is also reported that Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.” (Muslim)
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Islam Does Not Oppress Women

Even though many aspects of Islam are misunderstood by non-Muslims, the ignorance, or misinformation and incorrect assumptions that are made in regards to Islam’s treatment of women are probably the most severe.

Numerous verses of the Quran make it clear that men and women are equal in the sight of God. According to the teachings of Islam, the only thing that distinguishes people in the sight of God is their level of God-consciousness and goods deeds.

Many people are surprised to find out that Islamic Law guaranteed rights to women over 1400 years ago that women in Europe and America only obtained ages after. For example, Islam clearly teaches that a woman is a full person under the Law, and is the spiritual equal of a male. Also, according to Islamic Law, women have the right to own property, operate a business and receive equal pay for equal work. Women are allowed total control of their wealth, they cannot be married against their will and they are allowed to keep their own name when married.

Additionally, they have the right to inherit property and to have their marriage dissolved in the case of neglect or mistreatment. Women in Islam participate in all forms of worship that men participate in.

Actually, the rights that Islam gave to women over 1400 years ago were almost unheard of in the West until the 1900s.

Less than fifty years ago in England and America, a woman could not buy a house or car without the co-signature of her father or husband. Additionally, Islam gives great respect to women and their role in society, it gives them the right to own property, marry whom they want and many other rights. Also, it should be mentioned that the Muhammad (PBUH)’s mission stopped many of the horrible practices in regards to women that were present in the society of his time. For example, the Quran put an end to the pagan Arab practice of killing their baby daughters when they were born, a common evil practice at the time.

Additionally, Islam put restrictions on the unrestricted polygamy of the Arabs and religions of the time, and put many laws in place to protect the well being of women.

If women in the Muslim World today don’t have their rights, it is not because Islam did not give them to them. But the problem is that in many places alien traditions have come to overshadow the teachings of Islam, either through ignorance or the impact of Colonialization.

Allah Addresses Genders Equally

Looking at the Quran in general, we see that men and women are addressed in the same manner.

This is yet another indication that God is concerned only with a person’s true and heart-felt belief and not his or her age or gender.

‘If any do deeds of righteousness,― be they male or female― and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.’ Quran: 4:124

‘He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed― whether man or woman― and is a Believer― such will enter the Garden (of Bliss): therein will they have abundance without measure.’ Quran: 40:40

Even hypocrites and unbelievers, whether male or female, will be treated alike.

‘The Hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other: they enjoin evil, and forbid what in just, and are close with their hands.’ Quran: 9:67

‘(With the result) that Allah has to punish the Hypocrites, men and women, and the Unbelievers, men and women, and Allah turns in Mercy to the Believers, men and women: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ Quran: 33:73

Clearly, this shows that God Almighty does not look at one’s gender, but what is inside their heart. This is the very beautiful nature of Islam, where appearances do not matter, but what is within us and what we believe in