Every religion imparts moral values to its followers and guides them to live in harmony with others and nature. All religions emphasize on universal human values of love, duty, forgiveness and charity. The Islam religion is no exception to this universal relevance of life and living. However, it makes me sad at times, that there is much misconception about Islam and Muslims. It is very unfortunate that Islam hasn’t been recognized for the values it intends to promote and its contribution to the welfare of mankind. Today many people around the world associate Islam and Muslims to fundamentalism, violence and terrorism.
Islam, Muslims and even the Quran itself have become a subject of major global concern among international media and religious groups, particularly after the September 11, 2001 attack. Islam had come in for greater scrutiny than ever before, with several books and articles being written on it. While some writers were optimistic and sought constructive debate and understanding, many others saw Islam as a distinct civilization that would eventually clash with the western civilization. Misinformation and misconception of Islam was again evident, which gave a distorted picture of Islam. This distorted picture is very much evident and growing by the day. Swiss author and journalist Roger Du Pasquier says that the west had never really known Islam. He points out that there are traces of grotesque distortions of Islam still prevailing in the minds of many Europeans. Many westerners interpret Islam by three attributes of fanaticism, fatalism and polygamy. Most Europeans imagine that Allah refers to the divinity of the Muslims and not their God, like that of Christians and Jews.
It is sad that there is so much of misconception in the western world about Islam, despite the fact that Islam and Christianity share much in common. Together with Judaism, the three are collectively referred to as ‘Abrahamic religions’, as they trace their religion to Abraham. Abraham is referred to as Prophet Ibrahim in Islam, and is considered a friend of the God and father of prophets while Christians attribute the descent of Jesus to Prophet Abraham (www.whyIslam.org). Both religions consider their respective God, Jesus or Allah, to be loving and forgiving, and to have a special relationship with humans. Both Christians and Muslims believe in the concept of heaven and hell, prayer, fasting and alms giving (Collins). It should be noted here that Jesus is mentioned in several versus of Quran and Prophet Mohamed is believed to have met many Christians during his lifetime.
Among the most prominent misconceptions of Islam prevailing among the non-Muslims include that all Muslims are Arabs, Islam is intolerant to other religions and was spread by sword, women and children have no rights and that Jihad means fighting for the sake of God. However, the biggest misconception is perhaps the belief that ‘Muslims are terrorists’, which may be attributed to stereotyping and public image given by the media. Whenever a group of people attack another group, it is labeled as a hate crime; but when a Muslim individual or group cause the hurt, it is called ‘terrorism’. The media has portrayed Islam as a cult that is associated with violence and killings (Jamie). Very few non-Muslims realize that there are verses in Quran that is against the concept of terrorism. The Quran recommends ‘fighting in the way of Allah, those that fight you’, without exceeding the limits; because God does not love transgressors. Quran says “You seek peace, if they seek peace”, which means not to attack or kill innocent people for no reason. There is no instance in Islam or Quran where killing of innocents is justified.
It is really paining that the state of contemporary Islam is not what it should actually be. Islam require to get its rightful place and regard in the world order. I think all Muslims have a sacred duty in ensuring that these misconceptions are removed and the right beliefs of Islam are promoted and propagated both among the non-Muslims and certain sections of Muslims, too. The concept of Jihad in particular need to be taught and emphasized and the perception of Muslims all around the world need to change radically. I eagerly look forward to the day when Islam is regarded as a more moderate, tolerant and a harmony promoting religion than a radical one; and Muslims all over the world are seen and received with brotherhood than suspicion. That day would be the day when Islam is rightly understood and restored to its rightful place.
Works Cited
Why Islam.org. Place of Abraham in Islam, Christianity, Judaism. 2011. Web. 16 October2012
McLean, Collins. The differences and similarities between Christianity and Islam. 2007. Web. 17 October 2012
Frater, Jamie. Top ten misconceptions about Islam 2007. Web. 17 October 2012
