Peace,

You are completely right. This is exactly what the Wahabi's and Salafi's did. They portrayed Wahabism and Salafism as orthodox Sunni Islam. The same is true of the Shia, Khomeini ideology which came to be seen as Orthodox Shia Islam. They made you believe that this is how Islam was practiced since the time of the Prophet.

I have to admit I am guilty of propagating in a similar way. I preach Qur'an only Islam as if it is Islam. I make all my arguments based on the Qur'an and only the Qur'an. If I need more information on anything I consult the Qur'an, and if I require further insight I ask for help on these message boards or read the various articles related to the various issues discussed here.

When I speak to people that are not familiar with Islam, I explain Islam based on the Qur'an as well. However, if the discussion does get longer, I do mention that the vast majority of Muslims do not practice Islam based on the Qur'an. They often get confused when I say this, "what do you mean the vast majority of Muslims do not practice Islam based on the Qur'an?" I know... Ironic isint it.

Furthermore, I've also gotten a lot of support from "traditional conservative Muslims" when I debate people who are insulting Islam. I'll be given an argument like "Muslims have to stone their women to death" or some such nonsense. Of course the regular traditional people get all riled up and start barking, however I just ask the person making the argument to find a verse in the Qur'an that asks Muslims to stone anyone for any crime. To which they never have a reply. The traditional Muslims hearing this take heed, and ironically they go and try to find a verse that calls for stoning as a form of capital punishment as well, and naturally come back amazed and shocked that this integral part "shariah" law is not mentioned in the Qur'an.

The question of stoning adulterers is one of the best ways to get a traditional Muslim to begin questioning, and to come and see that the Qur'an does not ask you to grow a beard, does not force to cover your hair (or face), does not ask you to amputate hands for theft, beat your wife, and of course stone adulterers to death. If they believe that these things are non-Islamic, then we have made incredible progress.If they want to truly follow Islam based on the Qur'an, then I am glad to introduce them to that ideology as well, and all the amazing thought provoking things that come with it.

Nicely said.....what a brilliant explanation from a muslim stand point i mean a true muslim that follows the quran.

I really like this article. i am glad that i came across it. I have a question, is going to Muslims houses and knocking at their doors and inviting them to come to the mosque a good way to call people to the oneness of Allah? Or by going to different cities for days, staying in local mosques a good way to spread the religion?