It’s followed by more than 1 billion people across the world, but despite being a loving and peaceful religion Islam is often seen as a controversial faith. Learn the truth with 10 common misunderstandings about Islam.
Islam is one of the world’s largest religions yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. For various reasons – be they political, economic, biased media or fear of the “other” – mistruths and misconceptions have been spread about Islam. The key to understanding Islam and Muslims is to resist stereotypes and examine each situation according to Islamic teachings and authentic sources.
10Misunderstanding: Most Muslims are Arabs
Less than 20% of the world´s Muslims are Arabs. In fact, 62% of Muslims live across Indonesia, Pakistan, India and China.
09Misunderstanding: Muslim men have 4 wives
The Quran set a limit of 4 wives at a time when polygyny was widespread. Today polygamy makes up about 5% of Islamic marriages.
08Misunderstanding: Muslim are taking Over the West
There are only 7 million Muslims in the US only 25% of them are white or black converts. Europe has 38 million Muslims – just 5% of its population.
07Misunderstanding: Muslims Warship Muhammad
Islam decrees that it is blasphemy to warship anyone or thing other than Allah. Muslims do have a deep respect for Muhammad and believe he was sinless.
06Misunderstanding: Misunderstanding: You can Never Leave Islam
The Quran says a person can leave Islam, return to it, and leave it again if they wish. But in countries like Egypt, nearly 70% of people support executing those who leave Islam.
05Misunderstanding: Islam Oppresses Women
Muslim feminists say Islam is fair, allowing women their own property and income. But some Islamic States discriminate against women e.g. in divorce and sexual abuse laws.
04Misunderstanding: Muslims Hate Jesus
Jesus features heaving in the Quran as a miracle worker and important Prophet. Jesus is seen as an ideal person by Muslims – but they don´t believe he was the San of Gad.
03Misunderstanding: Muhammad Married An Underage Girl
An Islamic saying suggests Muhammad´s wife Aisha was 6 years old when they married. However, historians estimate that she may have been as old as 19.
02Misunderstanding: Jihad is Holy War
Jihad means “exerted effort” and mainly refers to the struggle for sell-improvement. One type of jihad is “by the sword”, but Muhammad says this is the least important one.
01Misunderstanding: Muslims are Terrorists
The majority of Muslims condemn terrorism, with 62% saying it is never acceptable. Since 9/11, of the 20.000 terror attack by extremist Muslims most have been in Islamic countries and had Muslim victims.
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