The best way to explore and understand Islam is by asking the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, but didn’t know how to ask or to whom. So do you have a question? Ask it here!
Why is Islam often misunderstood?
Is Islam respectful of other beliefs?
Do Islam, Christianity, and Judaism have different Origins?
How did Prophet Muhammad relate to Christians?
What does Islam say about war?
Does Islam give Women equal rights?
How does Islam elevate the status of women?
What does the Quran say about Women?
Why do Muslim women dress the way they do?
How does Islam guarantee human rights?
Why is Islam often misunderstood?
In today’s turbulent world, Islam is often on the front page – mostly for the wrong reasons. Islam means peace; yet some have taken this peaceful way of life and hijacked it into a violent way, and distorted their ideology for personal and political gains. Seeing a faith through explosive world events, and judging it by the actions of a misguided few, is the primary reasons why Islam is often misunderstood.
Islam is sometimes, intentionally misrepresented. Some politicians, religious leaders and media have found an ideal scapegoat in Islam. By associating Islam with the inhumane acts of a handful, they have been successful in driving larger numbers of people to vote for them; to donate towards their ministries; and to read their newspapers, watch their television programs and listen to their radio shows.
However, with an increasing number of Muslims speaking out against this falsehood; the true and peaceful nature of Islam is becoming more evident. Muslims are standing up against terrorism, against the persecution and killing of innocent people, and against those who perpetrate such injustice in the name of any faith.
The very word “Islam” means peace. A fifth of the world’s population is reclaiming this peace as their chosen way of life.
Is Islam respectful of other beliefs?
Yes. The Qur’an states unequivocally:
“There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood.” (Qur’an 2:256)
Freedom of conscience is an essential tenant of Islam. Truth can only be seen if it is not clouded by coercion. Protection of the rights of non-Muslims is an intrinsic part of Islamic law. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:
“He who hurts a non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim State – I am his adversary and I shall be his adversary on the Day of Judgment.”
“Beware on the Day of Judgment, I shall, myself, be the accuser against him who wrongs a non-Muslim citizen (of a Muslim State) or Lays on him a responsibility greater than he can bear, or deprives him of anything that belongs to him.”
History provides many examples of Muslims’ respect towards other faiths. For instance, prior to the Spanish Inquisition, Jews and Christians lived and prospered in Spain for centuries under Muslim rule. Another well known example is when Omar, the second successor to Prophet Muhammad, entered Jerusalem. He refused to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. He was concerned that some overzealous Muslim in the future might destroy the Church and build a Mosque in his honor.
Do Islam, Christianity, and Judaism have different Origins?
No. Muslims believe that the original, unchanged message given to Muhammad, Jesus, Moses and all other prophets came from the One same God. This common origin explains their similarities in many beliefs and values.
“Say: We Believe in God and what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make any distinction between any of them, and to Him (God) do we wholly give ourselves.” (Qur’an 3:84)
Jews, Christians and Muslims all consider Abraham their Patriarch. Abraham is mentioned in the Qur’an as one of the great prophets. He was blessed by God to be the father of many nations. From his second son, Isaac, descended the tribes of Israel, and through them, Moses and Jesus; and from his first son, Ishmael, came Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon all of His messengers).
Abraham was commanded by God to rebuild the place of worship that Adam first built – the Ka’bah, in Makkah (Mecca). The Ka’bah is a simple stone structure, erected as a sanctuary for the worship of the One God. Muslims do not worship the Ka’bah; the cubical building is simply the unified direction toward which all Muslims face in Prayer to God, Almighty.
How did Prophet Muhammad relate to Christians?
The earliest interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims occurred near the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood. The Prophet and his companions were greatly oppressed by the polytheists of Makkah. Muhammad sent some of his followers to seek refuge with the Negus of Abyssinia – a righteous and just Christian king. He listened to the Prophet’s emissary with great respect and awe, especially the Qur’anic description of Mary and Jesus. This description led the king and his subjects to affirm that this indeed was God’s revelation, and gladly grant the Muslims asylum they sought.
The Prophet recognized Christians as one of the “People of the Book.” He treated them with respect and kindness, contracted treaties with the various Christian tribes, and he assured them the freedom to practice their faith and determine their own affairs while living under Islamic law.
One noteworthy example is when a large delegation of Christians from Najran visited the Prophet in Madinah. He received them with great hospitality, and they stayed at the Prophet’s Mosque. When they wanted to leave the Mosque and go outside to perform their church services, the Prophet surprised them by offering the use of his Mosque.
Although they did not reach an agreement on all matters of faith, they left Madinah with a treaty of peace and cooperation given to them by the Prophet. This, and similar incidents, are the examples for Muslims and Christians to emulate in the pursuit of better interfaith relations.
What does Islam say about war?
Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of one’s faith, or on the part of those whose basic rights have been violated. It lays down strict rules of combat that include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees, and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be triumphant in the world if good people were not prepared to fight for a righteous cause.
God says in the Qur’an: “Permission (to defend) has been granted to those who are being fought against; that they have been oppressed. Verily, God has the power to help them. Those who were unjustly expelled from their homes for no other reason than their saying: ‘God is our Lord.’ If God were not to repel some human beings through others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the name of God is mentioned, would have certainly been destroyed. God will definably help those who will help Him. Verily, God is Immensely Strong, Mighty.” (Qur’an 22:39-40)
War is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The often misunderstood and overused term jihad literally means “struggle” and not “holy war” (a term not found anywhere in the Qur’an). Jihad, as Islamic concept, can be on a personal level – inner struggle against evil within oneself; struggle for decency and goodness on the social level; and struggle on the battlefield, if and when necessary.
Does Islam give Women equal rights?
Yes, definitely. Islam teaches equality between women and men. However, in some Muslim countries and societies a patriarchal culture dominates, and women are denied of their God-given rights.
Nowhere does the Qur’an state that one gender is superior to another. God makes it clear that the only criterion for superiority is piety and righteousness, virtues only He can judge.
“O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Qur’an 49:13)
Islam recognizes women as individuals with specific rights. Among these are: the right to life, the right to learn; the right to earn, own and dispose property; the right to choose a husband; the right to a marriage gift; the right to retain her maiden name; the right, as a wife, to her pre-marriage standard of living; the right to be treated equally; the right to seek divorce; the right to inherit; and the right to a final will.
Women, like men, are rewarded for a righteously led life.
“Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter the Garden (of Paradise)” (Qur’an 40:39)
How does Islam elevate the status of women?
According to the Qur’an, men and women are equal before God; both created for the sole purpose of worshipping god through faith and good deeds.
“O humankind! Be conscious of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and out of it created its mate, and out of the two spread countless men and women. Be conscious of your Lord through Whom you demand your mutual rights and honor the wombs; God always watches over you.” (Qur’an 4:1)
Islam recognizes women as individuals with specific rights. Among these are: the right to life, the right to learn; the right to earn, own and dispose property; the right to choose a husband; the right, as a wife, to her pre-marriage standard of living; the right to be treated equally; and the right to inherit. Women, like men, are rewarded by God for a righteously led life.
Muslim women dress in a way that is modest and dignified. The purpose of clothing is not only to protect oneself from physical elements, but also to protect oneself from immorality and pride. Some traditions of dress, and more generally, the treatment of women in some Muslim countries and societies, are often a reflection of culture. This is very often inconsistent and even contrary to Islam teachings. Prophet Muhammad said: “The most perfect in faith among you believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife.”
What does the Quran say about Women?
From a tiny drop that becomes an embryo, the girl-child is born to be an honored part of God’s plan. God states in the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an:
“O humankind! Be conscious of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and out of it created its mate, and out of the two spread countless men and women. Be conscious of your Lord through Whom you demand your mutual rights and honor the wombs; God always watches over you.” (Qur’an 4:1)
According to the Qur’an, there was a Garden of Eden. There was a forbidden tree, but no apple, no snake, and certainly no fault on Eve alone. Both Adam and Eve sinned at the same time. They felt shame, repented, and were forgiven together. God provided them with guidance, showing them a way back to Him.
“Each soul earns on its own account: and no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another.” (Qur’an 6:164)
“If any do deeds of righteousness, whether male or female, and have faith, they will enter Paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them.” (Qur’an 4:124)
The sole purpose and existence of both men and women is to worship God through faith and good deeds, fulfilling their role as God’s honorable trustees and witnesses on this earth.
Why do Muslim women dress the way they do?
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their chastity; that will be purer for them. And God is well acquainted with all they do. And say to the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity; that they should not display their beauty, except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their coverings over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers,…” (Qur’an 24:30-31)
God further states in the Qur’an: “Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage – there is no blame on them if they cast aside their (outer) garments, provided they do not make a wanton display of their beauty; but it is best for them to be modest; and God the One Who sees and knows all things.” (Qur’an 24:60)
Muslim women dress in a way that is modest and dignified. The purpose of clothing is not only to protect oneself from the physical elements, but also to protect from immorality and pride. The Islamic concept of dress applies to both women and men. It sets expectations of moral and respectful interactions between the genders. As a result, both men and women are liberated from their baser instincts and can focus on higher pursuits.
Islamic dress takes on many beautiful forms, reflecting the cultural diversity of Muslims from all over the world.
How does Islam guarantee human rights?
According to the Qur’an, God has created all of humankind equal, and has given each the right to pursue their own destiny. The life, honor and property of all people in a Muslim society are considered sacred, whether the person is Muslim or not. Racism, sexism and prejudice of any sort are unacceptable in Islam. The Qur’an speaks of human equality in the following terms:
“O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Qur’an 49:13)
The right to life is the most basic of human rights; the Qur’an equates the unjust killing of a single person to killing all of humankind: “And whoever kills a soul, should be as though he has killed all of humankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)
Dealing equitably and protecting the rights of every individual is the cornerstone of a Muslim society. God further states in the Qur’an: “O you who believe! Stand up firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not hatred of a people invite you to act inequitably; act justly, that is nearer to piety, and be conscious of (your duty to) God, surely God is aware of all that you do.” (Qur’an 5:8).
