5 Common Misconceptions About Islam

Let's face it: there are plenty of misconceptions that are circulating about Islam. Unfortunately, many of the people spreading these misconceptions may have read very little of the Qur'an itself, and learned very little about what Muslims have to say about their religion. Without further ado, let's evaluate and debunk some common misconceptions about Islam.

To anyone who thinks they know so well about the "dark" side of Islam, I challenge you and I dare you to continue with me here as I deconstruct some of these lies, myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Here are some responses to the claims made against Islam:

1. Letter to Baghdadi (Does Islam condone terrorism?)

This letter is extremely important. It was signed by Muslim scholars and other important Muslim individuals from different countries, condemning the actions of ISIS and denouncing them using the Qur'an and hadith.

It completely debunks the idea that ISIS (or similar terrorist groups) are in reality following the Qur'an to the letter. Evidence? These are some points from the executive summary of the letter:

• It is forbidden in Islam to kill the innocent.
• It is forbidden in Islam to kill emissaries, ambassadors, and diplomats; hence it is forbidden to kill journalists and aid workers.
• Jihad in Islam is defensive war. It is not permissible without the right cause, the right purpose and without the right rules of conduct.
• It is forbidden in Islam to declare people non-Muslim unless he (or she) openly declares disbelief.
• It is forbidden in Islam to harm or mistreat—in any way—Christians or any ‘People of the Scripture’.
• It is obligatory to consider Yazidis as People of the Scripture.
• The re-introduction of slavery is forbidden in Islam. It was abolished by universal consensus.
• It is forbidden in Islam to force people to convert.
• It is forbidden in Islam to deny women their rights
• It is forbidden in Islam to deny children their rights.
• It is forbidden in Islam to enact legal punishments (hudud) without following the correct procedures that ensure justice and mercy.
• It is forbidden in Islam to torture people.
• It is forbidden in Islam to disfigure the dead.

The Letter to Baghdadi

2. Explanation of Islamic Legal Punishments and Sharia law

Sharia law isn't some barbaric form of spartan law where cruel punishments are handed out for no reason. There are so many misconceptions and ambiguities about sharia law that can be clarified with a little explanation.

If you still think Sharia law is barbarism and violence have a look at the video below.

Is Sharia the most Barbaric form of law? - infographic video

3. Men vs. Women in Islam

Much can be said here, but in the video below the speaker gives quite an insightful response in very little time — that is, while there are different laws in Islam that take into account the different natural abilities and talents of each gender, both men and women are equal from a spiritual perspective and receive reward from God for their good deeds equally.

Your question answered in less than 4 minutes:

Which is the better gender - men vs women

Does the Quran advocate domestic violence? How are men supposed to treat women?

Here's your answer:

4. Muhammad (PBUH)'s marriage to Aisha (RA)

Here's your answer - in two minutes, 20 seconds:

Consider:

• Aisha (RA) herself informed us that she married Muhammad PBUH and accepted him as a husband
• Muhammad PBUH treated her with care and respect; this was not an abusive relationship and she loved her husband
• The whole concept of the appropriate age of marriage varies greatly across times and cultures
• "It was very normal, even in America, in the 17th Century, to be wed before the age of 12"
• What it means to be an adult varies in different times and societies
• The appropriate age of marriage was certainly different in the 7th Century Arabian desert (the society which Muhammad PBUH was in) than it is today in the United States or Britain
• Muhammad's (PBUH) marriage to Aisha was considered completely normal in his society and not actually raised as an issue until relatively recently in history

Here's another great answer in six and a half minutes:

5. Islam and Science/Evolution

Does Science Lead to Atheism? Has Science Killed Religion?

Smashing the stereotypes and myths

These are some videos which serve to help debunk some common misconceptions about Islam in an engaging manner.

Muslim vs. Atheist Response - Misconceptions about Islam

Jesus vs. Muhammad PBUH - Muslim Response - Misconceptions about Islam

Muhammad PBUH - Innocence of Muslims Spoken word

NOTHING TO DO WITH MY PROPHET - Spoken word poem

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*I am not a certified psychologist or religious authority, I am simply presenting data which I found from other sources and otherwise, and if something is incorrect in any manner I do not claim it to be correct.

*Disclaimer: The author does not claim to be perfect, and the advice listed on The Muslim Blog or on The Muslim Talk facebook/instagram pages is advice to the author as much as it is to anyone else :)

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