Many people try to judge Islam based on the behavior of some Muslims, especially in the Western world. However, this approach is fundamentally flawed. There’s a common misconception that if a bad incident occurs anywhere in the world and a Muslim is involved, it must be a reflection of Islamic teachings. This is entirely incorrect. In today’s post, I aim to present the true essence of Islam. I will explain why Islam should be understood through its teachings and not through the actions of individuals.

I know many of you might already be well-informed about this topic, but my post is particularly for those who attempt to understand Islam through individuals and hold some misconceptions about it. I also know that my writing may not completely change your perspective, but it will hopefully bring you a step closer to the truth, Insha’Allah (If Allah wills). Some people will never appreciate what I write, regardless of how well I present it, because they have a natural tendency to reject anything that opposes their beliefs. This is human nature, and it’s hard to change, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. This post is especially for those who love the truth and have the courage to accept it. So let’s begin this journey towards Islam with the name of Allah with spreading wisdom. 

As always I seek refuge in Allah Almighty from all kinds of harm and pray that He makes my work easy. I also pray that He considers this effort a means of salvation for us in this world and the hereafter. Whatever is good in my writing is entirely a blessing from Allah Almighty, and any faults are due to Satan (Devil) and my own lack of knowledge. JazakAllah. (Thank you).

Misconceptions about Islam

Islam is the religion chosen by Almighty Allah for all of humanity. Any religion or way of life other than Islam will not be accepted by Allah. Allah Himself mentions in the Holy Quran:

• “إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللّهِ الإِسْلاَمُ”  “Truly, the (recognized) religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” [Quran 3:19]

When our Creator, Allah Almighty, has declared Islam as the only acceptable way of life, how do so many misconceptions about Islam arise? Let’s explore several points to answer this question. Again, I seek help from Allah to make this task easy and beneficial for all of us.

 1. Receiving Information from Incorrect Sources

One of the main reasons for misconceptions about Islam is receiving information from incorrect sources. If someone genuinely wants to understand Islam, they should seek information from places where Islam is presented positively. I agree that to understand a subject thoroughly, one should also look at its negative aspects. However, if you start by learning about Islam from a positive perspective, you will naturally understand its negative aspects later on. You will be able to discern how much of the negative information is true and how much is exaggerated or misunderstood.

Therefore, my recommendation is to start with the Holy Quran and then the Seerah (biography) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These two sources are essential for a comprehensive understanding of Islam. They actually complement each other. While reading the Quran, you might find it challenging to understand Islamic rules and regulations. In such cases, seek help from Muslim scholars, not from non-Muslims. Understanding the Seerah of the Prophet will pose no problems. Always seek advice from Islamic scholars first and then, if necessary, consult other sources.

It’s important to approach these sources with an open heart and mind. Sometimes, preconceived notions can cloud our understanding and prevent us from seeing the truth. By keeping an open mind, you allow yourself to learn and grow.

 2. Lack of Courage to Accept the Truth

Often, people know that something is true and beneficial for them but still fear accepting it. It is like being afraid of an injection that can cure a disease because of the slight pain it causes. The same applies to Islam. Many people know that Islam is true and correct, but they hesitate to accept it as their way of life because it requires them to abstain from certain activities like drinking alcohol or engaging in inappropriate interactions. Despite knowing that these prohibitions are for their own good, they find it difficult to let go of their current lifestyle. Sometimes it happens because of their ego also.

This fear of change is natural. It’s human to resist stepping out of our comfort zones. However, true courage lies in acknowledging what is right and acting upon it, even if it requires sacrifices. Islam teaches that the rewards for such sacrifices are immense, both in this world and in the hereafter.

 3. Propaganda Against Islam

Another major reason for misconceptions about Islam is the propaganda by some non-Muslims. There are malicious individuals who consider Islam and Muslims as their enemies and constantly spread false information. They exaggerate the mistakes of some Muslims and blame Islam for these mistakes. This creates misconceptions among the general public, which is exactly what these people want. They derive a perverse pleasure from this. There are also those who believe that their businesses will suffer if Islam spreads because it promotes ethical business practices and prohibits exploitation.

If you pay attention, you will see that many of the things that are forbidden in Islam have a huge market presence in today’s world. I am not going to provide a list here, but if you do a little research on the subject, you will clearly understand it yourself. For example, just consider that if the number of Muslims in the world were to double, how many customers the businesses selling prohibited items would lose. Think about it and try to understand the matter. I am not writing much more on this topic here. Insha’Allah, I will be launching my newsletter very soon, where I will try to write more in detail on this subject, because it is not safe to write everything everywhere. And you know the reason very well.

Media also plays a significant role in this propaganda. Sensational news sells, and unfortunately, negative news about Islam attracts attention. Positive stories about Muslims living peaceful, productive lives don’t get the same coverage. This biased representation feeds into the misconceptions and prejudices that people hold.

 4. Misunderstanding Islamic Rules and Regulations

I have previously mentioned that one of the reasons for misconceptions about Islam is the misunderstanding of some Islamic rules. This problem is prevalent among many Muslims also. The solution is to understand the context of the Quranic verses or Hadith that seem problematic. Why was the verse revealed? When and where did the Prophet (peace be upon him) say those words? Understand the historical context and application from an Islamic perspective. Then it wouldn’t be that problematic. The same applies to seemingly contradictory verses and Hadith.

Islamic jurisprudence is a deep and intricate field of study. It requires knowledge of the Arabic language, the historical context, and the principles of Islamic law. Without this knowledge, it is easy to misinterpret verses and Hadith. Therefore, it is crucial to seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars who can provide accurate interpretations.

 5. Is Islam Synonymous with Terrorism?

The biggest misconception about Islam is that it is synonymous with terrorism. There is no bigger lie in the world like this. Associating Islam with terrorism is a grave injustice. How can people think of Islam as terrorism when Islam is a religion of peace and humanity? Allah equates the killing of a single person to the killing of all humanity in the Holy Quran:

• “مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًۢا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ اَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْاَرْضِ فَكَاَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيْعًا وَمَنْ اَحْيَاهَا فَكَاَنَّمَاۤ اَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيْعًا”  “Whoever kills a person not in retaliation for a person killed, nor (as a punishment) for spreading disorder on the earth, is as if he has killed all of humanity. And whoever saves a life is as if he has saved all of humanity.” [Quran 5:32]

Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) considered killing a human being one of the greatest sins. He said:

• “The biggest of Al-Kaba’ir (the great sins) are (1) to join others as partners in worship with Allah, (2) to murder a human being, (3) to be undutiful to one’s parents, and (4) to make a false statement, or give a false witness.”[Sahih al-Bukhari, 6871]

There are hundreds of verses and Hadith in Islam that speak against terrorism. Yet, people do not see them because some individuals are always against Islam and Muslims. They do not want people to accept Islam. It is true that some terrorist incidents have involved Muslims, but remember, terrorism has no religion. Those terrorists are only Muslims by name. If they truly followed Islam, they could never commit such heinous acts.

Now tell me are all terrorist activities in the world carried out by Muslims? Ask yourself this question and think. Why is there so much discussion when a Muslim is involved in terrorism but not when someone from another religion is involved? You don’t need to answer me. Just cultivate the courage to understand and accept the truth.

For today I am ending this post here. I hope my writing has been beneficial. If you have gained anything from this post, please pray for me to Allah. Always strive to learn and accept the truth. JazakAllah Khair (Thank you).