INTRO: The balance of media is in favour of the non-Muslims, due to which alot of misconceptions about Islam have been presented to the world. Media has been used as a weapon to present a corrupted, manipulated image of Islam, showing it as a violent,intolerant and backward religion.
To debunk these lies with proper justification, arguments and examples, this post has been written.
This post is divided into 2 parts.
(i) On Violence
(ii) On Modernism, Worldly Issues, Education & Respect for Women____________________________________________
PART 1: ON VIOLENCE
This is the major misconception propagated against Islam, and has been addressed in more detail.
WHAT NON-MUSLIMS PROPAGATE ABOUT VIOLENCE IN ISLAM:
I have often seen non-Muslims in the media using the following verses of the Quran to indicate that Muslims are violent and show no tolerance towards non-Muslims, labelling them as the reason for lack of world peace:
1. The infidels are your sworn enemies (4:101)
2. Prophet, make war on the infidels (66: 9)
3. Never be a helper to the disbelievers (28:86)
DEBUNKING THEIR MANIPULATION:
Let us analayze the actual Arabic expression in these verses.
"Al-Kaferrin" or "Al-la-dhina Kafaru." are the words which are used for the non-Muslims in the Quran. The use of "Al-" or "Al-la-dhina" limits the verse (and also the commandment) to:
1. A specific time and place in history
2. A specific group of people who were obstacles to the establishment of Islam in its early stages.
Had the intentions of the Quran been to extend the application of these verses in perpetuity, it would have used the expression "Man Kafar" rather than "Al-Kafereen" or "Al-La-dhina Kafaru".
"Man Kafar," literally means any one who does not believe in God; while "Al-Kafereen," - the infidels - refers to a specific group of people who fought Prophet Muhammad in the early stages of Islam.
RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE & PEACE AS INSTRUCTED IN ISLAM:
Islam is a religion of love, mercy and tolerance. Naturally, religious tolerance is of utmost value in Islam. Muslims are commanded to respect the rights of non-Muslims and grant them complete freedom of practising their religion. They are not to be forced into accepting Islam.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES FROM THE MUSLIMS:
It is worth mentioning that the non-Muslims living in an Islamic State during the Arab time were called "zimmies" (protected people), because they lived in peace under the protection of the Islamic State.
During prophethood, the non-believers had full liberty to practice their religion. Their scriptures, holy places and areas of worship were respected. No synagogue or churches were destroyed. There was permission to establish new areas of worship. They were even allowed to have their own courts and laws for decisions on civil cases. Islam even allowed them to maintain activities that were against Islam laws (e.g. drinking, gambling etc).
The conquest of Makkah is another example to debunk any accusations of violence on Islam. It is a story in itself, but keeping it extremely short, the deadliest foes of Islam, who for nearly twenty one years, injured, insulted and prosecuted the prophet Muhammad PBUH, were forgiven without any penalty and there was no bloodshed.
Almost all Muslim conquests followed this pattern. Another popular one is Salahuddin's conquest of Jerusalem, where the non-Muslims were granted general forgiveness.
(Perhaps it is worth mentioning briefly that in the non-Muslim conquests of Jerusalem and Spain, the Muslims were massacred and executed brutally).
QURANIC VERSES ON THE ISSUE:
There are numerous verses in the Quran to support the above mentioned arguments. Selected verses are given below.
"Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error...."
(2:256)
"But if they turn away from you, (O Prophet remember that) your only duty is a clear delivery of the Message (entrusted to you)."
(16:82)
"(Say to everyone of them,) 'Whatever good betides you is from God and whatever evil betides you is from your own self and that We have (O Prophet) sent you to mankind only as a messenger and all sufficing is God as witness. Whoso obeys the Messenger, he indeed obeys God. And for those who turn away, We have not sent you as a keeper."
(4:79, 80)
"And tell my servants that they should speak in a most kindly manner (unto those who do not share their beliefs). Verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men; for verily; Satan is mans foe .... Hence, We have not sent you (Unto men O Prophet) with power to determine their Faith."
(17:53,54)
"(O Prophet) 'We have not sent you except to be a mercy to all mankind:" Declare, "Verily, what is revealed to me is this, your God is the only One God, so is it not up to you to bow down to Him?' But if they turn away then say, "I have delivered the Truth in a manner clear to one and all, and I know not whether the promised hour (of Judgment) is near or far."
(21:107,109)
"And so, (O Prophet!) exhort them your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them to believe."
(88:21,22)
"He it is Who has sent forth His Messenger with the (task of spreading) Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to the end that tie make it prevail over every (false) religion, and none can bear witness to the Truth as God does."
(48:28)
"(Three Messengers to their people)Said (the Messengers), "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you, but we are not bound to more than clearly deliver the Message entrusted to us.' "
(36:16,17)
"Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso guided himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his own loss. You certainly are not their keeper."
(39:41)
"And whoso takes for patrons others besides God, over them does God keep a watch. Mark, you are not a keeper over them. But if they turn aside from you (do not get disheartened), for We have not sent you to be a keeper over them; your task is but to preach...."
(42:6,48)
"Obey God then and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away (no blame shall attach to our Messenger), for the duty of Our Messenger is just to deliver the message."
(64:12)
"And they ask, "When shall the promise be fulfilled if you speak the Truth?" Say, "The knowledge of it is verily with God alone, and verily I am but a plain warner." "
(67:25,26)
The following verses further show that Islam did not forbid friendship with non-Muslims of the time, unless they had been obstacles to the establishment of Islam in early stages.
"Allah forbids you not (from having friendship), 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."
(60:8)
"Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong."
(60:9)
AHADITH OF THE PROPHET PBUH ON THE ISSUE:
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH also strictly advised religious tolerance and kindness towards non-Muslim.
"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 (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment."
(Abu Dawud)
"Whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise."
(Bukhari, Muslim)
"Whoever hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys God."
(Bukhari)
"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 a Judgement."
(Bukhari)
"Beware on the Day of Judgement; I shall mysefl be complainant 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."
(Al-Mawardi)
___________________________
PART 2: ON MODERNISM, WORLDLY ISSUES, EDUCATION AND RESPECT FOR WOMEN:
Most people in the media call Islam a "backward" religion that needs reformation and moderation to survive in a highly advanced world like today. However, their arguments do not make sense and they are meant only to distort the image of Islam.
Consider, for example, the general pattern of their manipulation:
"XYZ is a Muslim and he is bad; backward; does not educate his children in anything except religion; does not treat his wife fairly and so on.
So as XYZ is bad and he is a Muslim, & so Muslims are bad"
HOWEVER, there lies a flaw in such an argument. In a case like above, the conclusion should be that XYZ is a bad Muslim, not that Muslims are bad! It is the person who is to blame for these points, not the religion, as Islam infact opposes the way XYZ is living his life. Islam is against devoting one's life only to religion with no room to spare for other matters. It is also against illiteracy and disrespect for women.
Alot can be said on these issues, but for the purpose of brevity, they shall be shortly described.
Islam has never been opposed to scientific modernization. Infact, no religion has stressed upon the importance of worldly education and learning more than Islam has done. Islam enforces education for BOTH MEN and WOMEN. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said "Acquiring education is compulsory for every Muslim man and women" (MANY other ahadith conveying a similar message can be found. They are not included in the post for brevity.)
Practically, Islam is one of the founders of modern scientific world. It was the religion to cause an intellectual and educational movement, shifting the Greek trend of theoretical science to practical science. Muslims excelled in all fields of science and arts. Countless names like Jabar bin Hayan, Prince Khalid bin Yazeed, Ibn-ul-Haitam, Alberuni, Bu Ali Sina, Abul Qasim Zahrawi, Ibn-ul Nafees etc. can be found in Islamic history. Their scientific work was driven by motivation from Islam.
(In contrast, the Inquisition Department of the Church has been notorious for torturing and executing various scientists if found guilty for "heresy". Several great names, including the physics pioneer Galileo, were punished for making scientific theories and research. Isn't it quite ironic that nobody speaks of these points before raising fingers on Muslims.)
Women have a special value in Islam. It was indeed with the coming of Islam that the position of women was raised to an honourable one in the society. Islam came as a liberator and benefactor of women. Islam teaches that women should be held in honour and their rights recognized in marriage, property and inheritance.
Dr. Annie Bessant, in her book, "The Life and Teachings of Muhammad" says:
"I often think that women are more free in Islam than in Christianity. Women are more respected by Islam than by the faith that teaches monogamy."
In the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said
"You should be kind and most considerate towards your women."
Another well-known hadith says:
"The best among you is the one who is best towards his wife."
(Various ahadith can also be found regarding the position and respect of women as mothers and as daughters, and are not included in the post for brevity.)
THE ABSOLUTE VERDICT:
The image of Islam presented by the biased International media is corrupted and manipulated. In practice, Islam is quite different.
It is clear in the light of the above arguments that Islam is not violent or non-tolerant. It is indeed a religion of peace, love and mercy.
We also conclude that anyone who mistreats his wife, does not educate his children and chooses to remain backward may be a bad Muslim, but that wouldn't mean that all Muslims are bad or that these actions are in accordance with Islamic teachings.
To debunk these lies with proper justification, arguments and examples, this post has been written.
This post is divided into 2 parts.
(i) On Violence
(ii) On Modernism, Worldly Issues, Education & Respect for Women____________________________________________
PART 1: ON VIOLENCE
This is the major misconception propagated against Islam, and has been addressed in more detail.
WHAT NON-MUSLIMS PROPAGATE ABOUT VIOLENCE IN ISLAM:
I have often seen non-Muslims in the media using the following verses of the Quran to indicate that Muslims are violent and show no tolerance towards non-Muslims, labelling them as the reason for lack of world peace:
1. The infidels are your sworn enemies (4:101)
2. Prophet, make war on the infidels (66: 9)
3. Never be a helper to the disbelievers (28:86)
DEBUNKING THEIR MANIPULATION:
Let us analayze the actual Arabic expression in these verses.
"Al-Kaferrin" or "Al-la-dhina Kafaru." are the words which are used for the non-Muslims in the Quran. The use of "Al-" or "Al-la-dhina" limits the verse (and also the commandment) to:
1. A specific time and place in history
2. A specific group of people who were obstacles to the establishment of Islam in its early stages.
Had the intentions of the Quran been to extend the application of these verses in perpetuity, it would have used the expression "Man Kafar" rather than "Al-Kafereen" or "Al-La-dhina Kafaru".
"Man Kafar," literally means any one who does not believe in God; while "Al-Kafereen," - the infidels - refers to a specific group of people who fought Prophet Muhammad in the early stages of Islam.
RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE & PEACE AS INSTRUCTED IN ISLAM:
Islam is a religion of love, mercy and tolerance. Naturally, religious tolerance is of utmost value in Islam. Muslims are commanded to respect the rights of non-Muslims and grant them complete freedom of practising their religion. They are not to be forced into accepting Islam.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES FROM THE MUSLIMS:
It is worth mentioning that the non-Muslims living in an Islamic State during the Arab time were called "zimmies" (protected people), because they lived in peace under the protection of the Islamic State.
During prophethood, the non-believers had full liberty to practice their religion. Their scriptures, holy places and areas of worship were respected. No synagogue or churches were destroyed. There was permission to establish new areas of worship. They were even allowed to have their own courts and laws for decisions on civil cases. Islam even allowed them to maintain activities that were against Islam laws (e.g. drinking, gambling etc).
The conquest of Makkah is another example to debunk any accusations of violence on Islam. It is a story in itself, but keeping it extremely short, the deadliest foes of Islam, who for nearly twenty one years, injured, insulted and prosecuted the prophet Muhammad PBUH, were forgiven without any penalty and there was no bloodshed.
Almost all Muslim conquests followed this pattern. Another popular one is Salahuddin's conquest of Jerusalem, where the non-Muslims were granted general forgiveness.
(Perhaps it is worth mentioning briefly that in the non-Muslim conquests of Jerusalem and Spain, the Muslims were massacred and executed brutally).
QURANIC VERSES ON THE ISSUE:
There are numerous verses in the Quran to support the above mentioned arguments. Selected verses are given below.
"Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error...."
(2:256)
"But if they turn away from you, (O Prophet remember that) your only duty is a clear delivery of the Message (entrusted to you)."
(16:82)
"(Say to everyone of them,) 'Whatever good betides you is from God and whatever evil betides you is from your own self and that We have (O Prophet) sent you to mankind only as a messenger and all sufficing is God as witness. Whoso obeys the Messenger, he indeed obeys God. And for those who turn away, We have not sent you as a keeper."
(4:79, 80)
"And tell my servants that they should speak in a most kindly manner (unto those who do not share their beliefs). Verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men; for verily; Satan is mans foe .... Hence, We have not sent you (Unto men O Prophet) with power to determine their Faith."
(17:53,54)
"(O Prophet) 'We have not sent you except to be a mercy to all mankind:" Declare, "Verily, what is revealed to me is this, your God is the only One God, so is it not up to you to bow down to Him?' But if they turn away then say, "I have delivered the Truth in a manner clear to one and all, and I know not whether the promised hour (of Judgment) is near or far."
(21:107,109)
"And so, (O Prophet!) exhort them your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them to believe."
(88:21,22)
"He it is Who has sent forth His Messenger with the (task of spreading) Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to the end that tie make it prevail over every (false) religion, and none can bear witness to the Truth as God does."
(48:28)
"(Three Messengers to their people)Said (the Messengers), "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you, but we are not bound to more than clearly deliver the Message entrusted to us.' "
(36:16,17)
"Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso guided himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his own loss. You certainly are not their keeper."
(39:41)
"And whoso takes for patrons others besides God, over them does God keep a watch. Mark, you are not a keeper over them. But if they turn aside from you (do not get disheartened), for We have not sent you to be a keeper over them; your task is but to preach...."
(42:6,48)
"Obey God then and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away (no blame shall attach to our Messenger), for the duty of Our Messenger is just to deliver the message."
(64:12)
"And they ask, "When shall the promise be fulfilled if you speak the Truth?" Say, "The knowledge of it is verily with God alone, and verily I am but a plain warner." "
(67:25,26)
The following verses further show that Islam did not forbid friendship with non-Muslims of the time, unless they had been obstacles to the establishment of Islam in early stages.
"Allah forbids you not (from having friendship), 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."
(60:8)
"Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong."
(60:9)
AHADITH OF THE PROPHET PBUH ON THE ISSUE:
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH also strictly advised religious tolerance and kindness towards non-Muslim.
"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 (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment."
(Abu Dawud)
"Whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise."
(Bukhari, Muslim)
"Whoever hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys God."
(Bukhari)
"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 a Judgement."
(Bukhari)
"Beware on the Day of Judgement; I shall mysefl be complainant 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."
(Al-Mawardi)
___________________________
PART 2: ON MODERNISM, WORLDLY ISSUES, EDUCATION AND RESPECT FOR WOMEN:
Most people in the media call Islam a "backward" religion that needs reformation and moderation to survive in a highly advanced world like today. However, their arguments do not make sense and they are meant only to distort the image of Islam.
Consider, for example, the general pattern of their manipulation:
"XYZ is a Muslim and he is bad; backward; does not educate his children in anything except religion; does not treat his wife fairly and so on.
So as XYZ is bad and he is a Muslim, & so Muslims are bad"
HOWEVER, there lies a flaw in such an argument. In a case like above, the conclusion should be that XYZ is a bad Muslim, not that Muslims are bad! It is the person who is to blame for these points, not the religion, as Islam infact opposes the way XYZ is living his life. Islam is against devoting one's life only to religion with no room to spare for other matters. It is also against illiteracy and disrespect for women.
Alot can be said on these issues, but for the purpose of brevity, they shall be shortly described.
Islam has never been opposed to scientific modernization. Infact, no religion has stressed upon the importance of worldly education and learning more than Islam has done. Islam enforces education for BOTH MEN and WOMEN. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said "Acquiring education is compulsory for every Muslim man and women" (MANY other ahadith conveying a similar message can be found. They are not included in the post for brevity.)
Practically, Islam is one of the founders of modern scientific world. It was the religion to cause an intellectual and educational movement, shifting the Greek trend of theoretical science to practical science. Muslims excelled in all fields of science and arts. Countless names like Jabar bin Hayan, Prince Khalid bin Yazeed, Ibn-ul-Haitam, Alberuni, Bu Ali Sina, Abul Qasim Zahrawi, Ibn-ul Nafees etc. can be found in Islamic history. Their scientific work was driven by motivation from Islam.
(In contrast, the Inquisition Department of the Church has been notorious for torturing and executing various scientists if found guilty for "heresy". Several great names, including the physics pioneer Galileo, were punished for making scientific theories and research. Isn't it quite ironic that nobody speaks of these points before raising fingers on Muslims.)
Women have a special value in Islam. It was indeed with the coming of Islam that the position of women was raised to an honourable one in the society. Islam came as a liberator and benefactor of women. Islam teaches that women should be held in honour and their rights recognized in marriage, property and inheritance.
Dr. Annie Bessant, in her book, "The Life and Teachings of Muhammad" says:
"I often think that women are more free in Islam than in Christianity. Women are more respected by Islam than by the faith that teaches monogamy."
In the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said
"You should be kind and most considerate towards your women."
Another well-known hadith says:
"The best among you is the one who is best towards his wife."
(Various ahadith can also be found regarding the position and respect of women as mothers and as daughters, and are not included in the post for brevity.)
THE ABSOLUTE VERDICT:
The image of Islam presented by the biased International media is corrupted and manipulated. In practice, Islam is quite different.
It is clear in the light of the above arguments that Islam is not violent or non-tolerant. It is indeed a religion of peace, love and mercy.
We also conclude that anyone who mistreats his wife, does not educate his children and chooses to remain backward may be a bad Muslim, but that wouldn't mean that all Muslims are bad or that these actions are in accordance with Islamic teachings.
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