Common misconceptions about Islam - help needed
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peace all,
Two new misconceptions have been added
http//www.misconceptions-about-islam.com/concubines-sex-slaves.htm
http//www.misconceptions-about-islam.com/muhammad-married-young-girl.htmReview appreciated.
Peace
Excellent. The latter seems to be the newest. I was going to mention this to you as a topic as it comes up a lot. However, why do you not also say the Quran uses the term man and woman rather than boy or girl? Does the story of Aisha mentions her playing with her dolls (I seem to remember this somewhere, but I may be wrong).
Excellent site, I use it frequently. Once a feedback tool is delivered it will be even better.
I wonder how long it will be until someone mentions, "but is says this in the hadith".
What will you do then?
Roshan
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In inheritance there are two misconceptions apart from the share of the female
- Non Muslim relatives do not inherit.
- Daughter/s who do not have a brother cannot inherit all the inheritance (here, the Islamic Law gives the uncles the remaining share, in clear violation of the definiton of the kilala, who is defined as some one without children, and which is the only case where brothers can inherit).
These could have been the social customs of those times long before the Koran came down. These were not the issue the pagans objected to about the Koran. Many of the laws of Medina are similar to the ones the pagans practiced and probably reflected the socail conditions then. We must learn from them and try to be as just and fair as possible.
5.46-4846. And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him We sent him the Gospel therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah, Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel, To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah. it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;
Now we know the Gospel has no theocratic laws yet the Koran calls it a Law. I think the Koran is talking about the religious Laws, like the Trinity and other religious beliefs. These are not from the Gospel when read as a whole. How else would the people judge by the Gospel if its meant to be theocratic laws, there ain't none there.
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peace,
Yes, the ahadith mention her playing with dolls/toys, however this doesn't really give anything definite, and it becomes moot with the clear criteria in AQ. Interestingly, it was later discovered that many traditional tafsirs say the same thing too, i.e. post puberty. Some of those tafsirs also contradict themselves in other parts with reference to this point. No surprise there.
The terms man and woman are not as clear cut and it does not always use these terms. Since the criteria of AQ is clear, including this extra aspect was felt unnecessary. It was considered to include whenever waiting periods are mentioned they are always in reference to menstruation or their equivalent and also no sex during menses etc, all implying this is the norm, but again, the criteria in AQ is clear, so felt this extra info was unnecessary.
Yes, feedback by email is going to be done, when the site is publicised/launched.
What will you do then?
The site is primarily for non-Muslims. We are not really interested in using this site to engage with Muslims. That will be for another project in the pipeline.
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The site is primarily for non-Muslims. We are not really interested in using this site to engage with Muslims. That will be for another project in the pipeline.
Peace
Be careful not to underestimate the knowledge of 'non-Muslims'. Some are aware of some hadith.
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Peace Wakas, everyone,
Another misconception is that the qur'aan has 114 chapters whereas it has been shown how chapter 9 is continuation of chapter 8 and that the qur'aan actually has 113 chapters only.
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Peace Wakas,
I am a little confused by what you mean by "non-Muslims". Is the following what you mean by "non-Muslims"?
Non-Muslims = anybody other than Muslims (e.g. muslims, Christians, Jews etc.)
If that is true then a small minority of non-Muslims, i.e. "muslims" might not have the misconception but the majority of "non-Muslims", e.g. Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists etc. have the misconception that the qur'aan has 114 chapters.
Am I missing something here?
I would also request you to change the word "Muslims" and "Islam" to "muslims" and "islam" in the misconceptions page. For example
Gold and silver are banned for Muslims ----> this is not a misconception because gold and silver are actually banned for "Muslims" according to the pagan religion by the name of "Islam", but they are not banned for "muslims" according to "islam". The title should thus be changed to
Misconception Gold and silver are banned for "muslims".
Similarly,
Dogs are not allowed to be kept by Muslims ----> this is not a misconception because dogs are actually not allowed to be kept by "Muslims" according to the pagan religion known as "Islam", but they are allowed to be kept by "muslims" according to "islam". The title should thus be changed to
Misconception Dogs are not allowed to be kept by "muslims".
Etc. etc. etc.
The body of these misconceptions should also be changed accordingly. The title of the main website should also be changed to Common Misconceptions about "islam" and "muslims", instead of Common Misconceptions about Islam and Muslims.
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Do we worship Muhammad or Allah
It depends whether you reject hadeeths as they contradict the Quran or reject the Quranic verses against hadeeths
How can they force marriage on their children?
I'm sure hadeeths can answer that. 6 year old Aisha?
Why are honor killings allowed?
Because according to hadeeths, fornicators are stoned till they die
Why do men have to grow a beard?
Because of hadeeths and idolising the Prophet Mohammed
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Done
http//www.misconceptions-about-islam.com/more.htm
feedback?The major delay has been getting content, especially the "wife beating" article, but this is now done and the Arabic info within it is being checked over.
It is likely there will be a links section, thus any suggestions for links/books to basic/introductory info on islam/quran welcome. Remember, the site is primarily for non-Muslims.
The accompanying site that will be more aesthetically pleasing and based on content management system software will be quite flexible in look, thus if anyone wishes to suggest pics/background, even design artwork, comic book strips, for certain misconception pages etc feel free. Also, promotional/slideshow presentation videos etc.
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Salaam,
I had an friend who told me what he really thought of Islam & Muslims one day.
His misconceptions were;
Mohammad was a Paedophile
You're all terrorists
You hate Dogs
You can't be married to non-Muslims
A bunch of dumb Arabs wrote The Qur'an
It's a desert religion for desert people
You have to bring your children up Muslim
You have to go to the Mosque
You can't make songs about Islam
I haven't seen him since! voodoo -
peace all,
Almost a year after this thread was started, not one response was given to any of the misconceptions listed.
But it is always better to light a candle than to curse the darkness is it not? ;D
An initial draft for the following misconceptions have now been done
Misconception Death for apostasy
Misconception Stoning to death allowed
Misconception Must be "Muslim" or you will go to Hell
Misconception No freedom of religion
Misconception Women confined to houses
Misconception Statues/images forbidden
Misconception A man and woman cannot be alone together
Misconception Religion and science/reason/knowledge are not compatible
Misconception Alcohol is forbidden
Misconception Islam and The Quran promotes a clash of civilisations
Misconception Islam promotes honour killings of women
Misconception Allah is the God for Muslims
Misconception Forced marriage is allowed in Islam
Misconception Muslims reject Jesus
Misconception Muhammad was the founder of Islam
Misconception All Muslims are Arabs
Misconception Islam was spread by the sword
Misconception Islam and The Quran promotes fighting, war and terrorism
Misconception Two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness
Misconception Women receive less than men in issues of inheritance
Misconception Males/Females are required to be circumcised
Misconception Martyrs will receive 72 virgins in paradise
Misconception Woman/Eve created from the rib of Man/Adam
Misconception Islam and The Quran promotes suicide bombing
Misconception Muslim men have to grow a beard
Misconception Gold and silver are banned for Muslims
Misconception Islam and The Quran promotes 'jihad' or 'holy war'
Misconception Islam and The Quran promotes slavery
Misconception In Islam homosexuals must be put to death
Misconception Polygamy - Muslim men can have as many wives as they wishThe following remain unfinished, thus if anyone wishes to write something, feel free
women are required to cover up
wife beating is allowed
women have no rights in Islam
the punishment for theft is cutting off the thief's handsThe site will be catered to misconceptions about islam from non-Muslims, not misconceptions about Islam from traditional Muslims, although some content will overlap. If anyone can think of other misconceptions, feel free to mention them.
Site launch will be with or without the unifinished ones above, in mid April, GW.
"Misconception In Islam homosexuals must be put to death" - google the following as it helps define homosexuality in it's proper quranic sense. "andrea dworkin" - wiki that one and go to her relationship. (or should i post the link?) google "swedish homosexual brain science".
These two provide a solution to the assumed scriptural silence on lesbianism.
"Misconception Statues/images forbidden" - yes they are, it is related to quran 2101102 in the arabic term of what is translated as magic.
"Misconception Martyrs will receive 72 virgins in paradise" - that's the lowest number, the rest of us will get more.
"Misconception Islam and The Quran promotes 'jihad' or 'holy war'" - we must fight against oppression, otherwise quran 4738 the god will remove us with another.
"Misconception Muslim men have to grow a beard" - we are apes... we shouldn't lie. I also understand that clean facial hair helps with bronchial hygiene.
"Misconception Two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness" - only when promoting more women in courts... women don't like being alone.
"Misconception Islam was spread by the sword" - well if you want to spread butter and only have a sword, well you would need to spread islam with it. And it was in the early days. Though the bread didn't get to the mouths of people until after the ummayyads fell. And then everyone was so eager to eat after the forced starvation.
"Misconception All Muslims are Arabs" - inshallah, inshallah. We shall all one day be arabs, and speak arabic.
"Misconception Stoning to death allowed" - it's called guns
"Misconception A man and woman cannot be alone together" - aye they get married or let him drink her milk.
"Misconception Allah is the God for Muslims" - the god always answers our prayers.
"Misconception Women confined to houses" - these days it's women confined out of houses.
"Misconception Islam promotes honour killings of women" - euthenasia, involuntary and voluntary.
"Misconception Alcohol is forbidden" - you've had too much, you should go home.
"Misconception Must be "Muslim" or you will go to Hell" - hell on earth for sure.
"Misconception Males/Females are required to be circumcised" - if you don't then they'll always be connected to their mothers wombs.
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FAR, the site is primarily based on solid Quranic references and logic.
Therefore, the points you bring up are irrelevant as they are not based on these things. I recommend reading the forum rules
http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=8177.0All further posts not on topic will be deleted.
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Misconception Islam is a religion
Selam Wakas
I am starting to believe more and more that Islam is not a religion but what the artice above states it is 'one who surrenders or makes peace'. I am also coming to a conclusion that what is important in Islam is not our rituals but our intentions and commitments for the benefit of mankind to live in peace and prosperity. I may be corrected but this is my thoughts.
Peace
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Selam Wakas
I am starting to believe more and more that Islam is not a religion but what the artice above states it is 'one who surrenders or makes peace'. I am also coming to a conclusion that what is important in Islam is not our rituals but our intentions and commitments for the benefit of mankind to live in peace and prosperity. I may be corrected but this is my thoughts.
Peace
Islam itself is not a religion, however religions have been made based on Islam.
