Misconceptions about Islam

There have always been common misconceptions about Islam. They vary with time. Today, we will look at the list of common misconceptions about Islam in the present era.

Common Misconceptions about Islam

Is Islam a Religion of Violence?

“...If anyone killed a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed the whole of humanity: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of humanity.. (Al Quran

Islam is a peace-loving religion.

• “Jihaad” is the most misunderstood word and a Muslim misconception. It doesn’t mean war or killing someone for personal gains. It means to strive and struggle against one’s own evil desires. It also means to fight against oppression and injustice.

“...those who strive In Our (cause), – We will certainly guide them to Our paths, for Verily Allah is with those who do right.” (Al Quran 29:69)

• Muslims are fundamentalists/extremists. Allah wants them to be extremely honest, kind, merciful, and peace-loving. They are not extremists towards violation.
• Muslims are terrorists. It is another one of the common misconceptions about Islam. Islam doesn’t promote terrorism. Media and other factors have played a role through false information in shaping the mind of the human community to think that Muslims are terrorists. “O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterward become full of repentance for what ye have done.” (Al Quran 49:6)
• Islam was spread by the sword is another one of the common misconceptions about Islam. “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 handhold, that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.” (Al Quran 2:256)

Are Women Subjugated in Islam?

Why is polygamy allowed in Islam? Another one of the common misconceptions about Islam. The Muslim who has more than one wife is not superior to any other Muslim who has one or no wife. “Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one…” (Al Quran 4:3) Polygamy is permitted for other reasons such as more population of females and females being sterile.

“Also (prohibited are) women already married” (Al Quran 4:24).

Why are women not allowed to marry more than one man? There are many logical reasons for it, such as women being more prone to sexually transmitted diseases.

Hijaab degrades women by keeping them behind a veil. Actually, this is a misconception about Islam. The increasing number of rape cases is due to the modern designs of clothes that make the body prone to the evil eyes of men. Hijaab is like an armor for women that saves women from the lusty eyes of men. “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” (Al Quran 24:30)

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