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Religion

Decent Essays

Misconceptions about Islam – A personal perspective

Islam may be the most misunderstood religion in the United States. The impression that majority of non-Muslim Americans have is usually obtained through the media which typically represent Islamic countries or groups in the middle of a Holy War. These wars are usually waged by Islamic Fundamentalist who use terrorism and other violent acts to get their messages across giving Islam a negative reputation. Because of the lack of understanding of this highly visible religion, many conflicts arise between non-Muslim Americans and the people who live in Muslim worlds. Consequently, this causes problems among our different cultures by creating various political and religious battles that …show more content…

During this passage, Armstrong notes, “that Muhammad’s prophetic predecessors do not spurn him as a pretender, but welcome him into the family. The prophets do not revile or try to convert each other; instead they listen to each other’s insights.” This passage symbolizes the unity and community of prophets, which is central to Muslim idea of God. Indeed, true faith required one to wholly surrender to God and not to an established tradition. Arguably, creating an exclusive relationship with one tradition could become a shirk (a cardinal sin - putting other beings/deities on the same level as God). Other examples of religious tolerance include Muhammad’s speech to the Quraysh after capturing Kabah, during which he quoted the words of God “ behold, we have created you all out of a male or a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of him. Behold God is all-knowing, all aware”. Armstrong points out that the purpose of the tribe is no longer to dominant, exploit or destroy other peoples but to get to know them. Islam recognizes human equality, the acknowledgement of other dins, the need to protect other religions and finally, how all people are equal in the sight of God.

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