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Religion See other Religion Articles Title: Top 10 Myths About Islam Top 10 Myths About Islam note from me, MG–Many thanks to my good friend RH for sending Islam is a widely-misunderstood religion. Those who are unfamiliar with the faith often have misunderstandings about its teachings and practices. Common misconceptions include that Muslims worship a moon-god, that Islam is oppressive against women, or that Islam is a faith that promotes violence. Here we bust these myths and expose the true teachings of Islam. 1. Muslims worship a moon-god Some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Allah is an “Arab god,” a “moon god,” or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language. The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that “There is only One God,” the Creator, the Sustainer — known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty. 2. Muslims don’t believe in Jesus In the Qur’an, stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called ‘Isa in Arabic) are abundant. The Qur’an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, and the miracles he performed by God’s permission. There is even a chapter of the Qur’an named after his mother, Mary (Miriam in Arabic). However, Muslims believe that Jesus was a fully human prophet and not in any way divine himself. 3. Most Muslims are Arabs While Islam is often associated with Arabs, they make up only 15% of the world’s Muslim population. The country with the largest population of Muslims is Indonesia. Muslims make up 1/5 of the world’s population, with large numbers found in Asia (69%), Africa (27%), Europe (3%) and other parts of the world. 4. Islam oppresses women Most of the ill-treatment that women receive in the Muslim world is based on local culture and traditions, without any basis in the faith of Islam. In fact, practices such as forced marriage, spousal abuse, and restricted movement directly contradict Islamic law governing family behavior and personal freedom. 5. Muslims are violent, terrorist extremists Terrorism cannot be justified under any valid interpretation of the Islamic faith. The entire Qur’an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings. Muslim leaders and scholars do speak out against terrorism in all its forms, and offer explanations of misinterpreted or twisted teachings. 6. Islam is intolerant of other faiths Throughout the Qur’an, Muslims are reminded that they are not the only ones who worship God. Jews and Christians are called “People of the Book,” meaning people who have received previous revelations from the One Almighty God that we all worship. The Qur’an also commands Muslims to protect from harm not only mosques, but also monasteries, synagogues, and churches — because “God is worshipped therein.” 7. Islam promotes “jihad” to spread Islam by the sword and kill all unbelievers The word Jihad stems from an Arabic word which means “to strive.” Other related words include “effort,” “labor,” and “fatigue.” Essentially Jihad is an effort to practice religion in the face of oppression and persecution. The effort may come in fighting the evil in your own heart, or in standing up to a dictator. Military effort is included as an option, but as a last resort and not “to spread Islam by the sword.” 8. The Quran was written by Muhammad and copied from Christian and Jewish sources The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of two decades, calling people to worship One Almighty God and to live their lives according to this faith. The Qur’an contains stories of Biblical prophets, because these prophets also preached the message of God. Stories are not merely copied, but the oral traditions are referred to in a way that focuses on the examples and teachings that we can learn from them. 9. Islamic prayer is just a ritualized performance with no heartfelt meaning Prayer is a time to stand before God and express faith, give thanks for blessings, and seek guidance and forgiveness. During Islamic prayer, one is modest, submissive and respectful to God. By bowing and prostrating ourselves to the ground, we express our utmost humility before the Almighty. 10. The crescent moon is a universal symbol of Islam The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, Islamic caravans and armies flew simple solid-colored flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes. The crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years, and wasn’t affiliated with Islam at all until the Ottoman Empire placed it on their flag. Suggested Reading Introduction to Islam Basic Beliefs of Islam Introductory Books on Islam Related Articles Islamic Beliefs & Worship Introduction to Islam Religion in Turkey – Tenets of Islam Summary – Crossroads to Islam: The Origins of the Arab Religion and the Ara… Saudi Arabia – Sunni Islam SOURCE Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 5.
#1. To: Max (#0)
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Since you broached the subject.... Biblical/Pentateuch Intolerance: I see so many religionists rant and rave about how Atheists are “not tolerant of believers and have no respect for their faith”. To non believers this claim is absurd. For intolerance of various religions is the foundation of Judaism, Christianity, Muslim and many other orthodox communities. Matter of fact, the Bible and Pentateuch commands religious intolerance in MANY verses, even to the point of KILLING people for their beliefs. Here then, are a few choice verses that show just how intolerant these religionists are of other believers and nonbelievers. We shall start with the two verses that helped to inflict one of the biggest mass murders in history, the Inquisition. Woman with “familiar spirits” must be stoned to death. Leviticus 20:27 “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Exodus 22:18 Kill those who are not Christian or Jewish : You must kill those who worship another god. Exodus 22:20 Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16 Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7 Kill anyone who refuses to listen to a priest. Deuteronomy 17:12-13 Kill any false prophets. Deuteronomy 18:20 Any city that doesn’t receive the followers of Jesus will be destroyed in a manner even more savage than that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Mark 6:11 Jude reminds us that God destroys those who don’t believe in him. Jude 5 Ignorance is bliss. Christians should not practice free inquiry nor socialize with non Christians: Don’t associate with non-Christians. Don’t receive them into your house or even exchange greeting with them. 2 John 1:10 Shun those who disagree with your religious views. Romans 16:17 Paul, knowing that their faith would crumble if subjected to free and critical inquiry, tells his followers to avoid philosophy. Colossians 2:8 Judge other religions for not following Christ: Whoever denies “that Jesus is the Christ” is a liar and an anti-Christ. 1 John 2:22 Christians are “of God;” everyone else is wicked. 1 John 5:19 The non-Christian is “a deceiver and an anti-Christ” 2 John 1:7 Anyone who doesn’t share Paul’s beliefs has “an evil heart.” Hebrews 3:12 False Jews are members of “the synagogue of Satan.” Revelations 2:9, 3:9 Here are my two personal favorites: Everyone will have to worship Jesus -- whether they want to or not. Philippians 2:10 A Christian can not be accused of any wrongdoing. Romans 8:33
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