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One common misconception about Muslims is that we are violent terrorists when in fact Islam does not allow the murder of innocent people. The Koran even mentions, "Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors." Yes indeed it may be true that jihad or holy wars were practiced during Islam's revelation as it is sometimes used for religion's expansion and defense purposes. But we should know that most of the time, Islam spread because of negotiations, exposure, and preaching (Hossain, 2004).
Another misconception is that all Arabs are Muslims. Muslims, in fact, are composed of various ethnicities, of which on 18% are Arabs. There are Muslims from Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Indian subcontinent to name a few (ibid).
Women belonging in the Muslim community are also believed by many as greatly oppressed. Media's portrayal of women as insignificant and subject to cruelty and abuse is heavily misaligned. In fact, since more than 1,400 years women were considered full by the Islamic law -- having the right to vote, own properties, initiate divorce, earn money, inherit, and receive equal pay among many other rights recognized by the community. Many people also believe that the hijab (the cloth worn around the head of Muslim women) is seen as a way to keep women hidden and inferior to men., Truth is, wearing hijab is voluntary and that it signifies a woman's motivation to represent the value of modesty -- so that people will focus on her values and personality rather than her physical appearance (ibid).
Hossain (2004) further adds that Muhammad is considered by most non-Muslims as the founder of the Islam religion. This is categorically not true because Islam was already sent even before Muhammad came to existence. Muhammad is a respected Muslim, a messenger of God, but nothing any more than that. Hence, to call Islam "Muhammadism" is tricky because Buddhism is called as such because Buddha founded the religion...
By detailing the beliefs and practices, I felt the sense of identity that the community provides.
Indeed, the Muslim community goes through difficult circumstances largely owing to past events and societal portrayal but the unity and foundations of the community help each and every member such as myself to combat, surpass, and live through everyday life challenges.
References
Adherents (2005). Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents. Retrieved from http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html on October 17, 2009.
Dilley, R. (2001). A community under siege. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1548054.stm on October 17, 2009.
El-Hadi, N. (2005). Islam and the Nature of the Universe. Retrieved from http://www.islamonline.net/english/introducingislam/belief/Allah/article04.shtml on October 17, 2009.
Henslin, J. (1993). Sociology. A Down-to-Earth Approach. Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon.
Hossain, S. (2004). Islam Behind the Stereotypes. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/hossain_01.htm on October 17, 2009.
The Columbia Encyclopedia (2007). Islam. Retrieved from http://www.bartleby.com/65/is/Islam.html on October 17, 2009.
