Islamophobia
Muslims in today’s world are seen as an alien, hateful and violent people. The hatred might be historical however, the violence and alienation has been developed by none other than us (Muslims). Anti-Islamic sentiments have been around since the dawn of this great religion, first in Arabia then across the world.
‘Islamophobia’ is a relatively new term taking its roots among the new generation. Muslims are being discriminated against in non-Muslim countries (especially in the West). Even in Muslim countries, Muslims themselves discriminate on the basis of “sects” which is a very sorry sight. However, we have to understand that this Islamophobia is not something that abruptly started spreading. It took years to spread and some effort (made easy by Muslims themselves).
Although Muslims are divided in sects, there is a further division within Muslims which are classified as “moderate” and “extremists / fundamentalists / radicals”, though the rest of the world sees them as one. The reason for that is that Muslims (altogether normally) are hot-blooded. Then there is hypocrisy, Muslims will protest when Palestine is bombed by Israel, but they will be unaware of the massacres in Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan or in any other country carried out by (what the world know as) Islamists.
Theory of Islamists: Most of these ‘Islamists’ believe that infidels must be killed without regard. As time passes by, the definition of infidel for them has changed to “anyone who don’t believe in what they believe”. Hence they will kill regardless of religion or status. The most common word for this act (for them) is ‘Jihad’. These interest groups have their own agenda (which is power obviously) and to fulfill that, they go as far as to distort the Holy Book of Islam and use it in their favor.
Absurd as it seems, it also in total contradictions with the teachings of Islam. The Holy Book clearly lays out guidelines to a perfect and flawless society. Islam stands for peace and the well-being of each and every living creature on earth. But some elements withing Islam have deformed the script with their own interpretations, taking some part of verses and disregarding others all together.
Islam is for tolerance
There should be no compulsion in religion
(Al-Quraa’n chapter 2 verse 257)
This is what the Holy Quraa’n teaches us. As Muslims, we should tolerate each and everyone without judging their actions. History shows that the colonies of Mecca and Medina after the advent of Islam were an emblem of peace and tolerance. While that must be in distant past, a more recent example is that of Jerusalem when it was ruled by Saladin.
What about Jihad and fighting?
If one has read Quraa’n, it is evident that it doesn’t speak of fighting endlessly. Even in times of war Allah (God in Arabic) has commanded Muslims not to be aggressors. The verses about war in Quraa’n are often mistaken for senseless killings, the truth however, is that Allah doesn’t want senseless bloodshed and violence is strictly forbidden.
The verses which permit fighting when read with former context reveal the true picture.
22:40 Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them.
22: 41 Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ — And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated.
(Al-Quraa’n chapter 22 verses 40-41)
Hence, the permission to take up arms is only to those who are either at war and weren’t the aggressors. They can fight if and only if they are being driven out of their homes just because of their difference of belief.
2:191 And fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves NOT the transgressors.
2:192 And kill them wherever you meet them and drive them out from where they have driven you out; for persecution is worse than killing. And fight them not in, and near, the Sacred Mosque until they fight you therein. But if they fight you, then fight them: such is the requital for the disbelievers.
2:193 But if they desist, then surely Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful. (hence show mercy to them)
2:194 And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is freely professed for Allah. But if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors.
(Al-Quraa’n chapter 2 verses 191-194)
Muslims are to fight those who fight them as aggressors (i.e. they can defend themselves). If the enemy seizes to fight, then Muslims aren’t prohibited to fight them. Then there are verses which speak of the ‘infidels’
9:4 Excepting those of the idolaters with whom you have entered into a treaty and who have not subsequently failed you in anything nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill to these the treaty you have made with them till their term. Surely, Allah loves those who are righteous.
9:5 And when the forbidden months have passed, kill the idolaters wherever you find them and take them prisoners, and beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they repent and observe Prayer and pay the Zakat, then leave their way free. Surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.
9:6 And if anyone of the idolaters ask protection of thee, grant him protection so that he may hear the word of Allah; then convey him to his place of security. That is because they are a people who have no knowledge.
(Al-Quraa’n chapter 9 verses 4-6)
Even here Allah is commanding the Muslims to fulfill their treaties with the ‘infidels’ and if they seek protection, it is binding to a Muslim to give them protection. How much more specific can one get to understand that Allah is asking to avoid bloodshed and violence from Muslims, time and again it speaks of making peace, avoiding violence and yet today they are feared the most.
It isn’t Allah, it isn’t Islam and it isn’t Quraa’n that is radical or evil, but the intentions and goals of certain group of people who dub themselves Muslims. Equally responsible are those moderates (Muslims) who do not come forward to challenge these destructive individuals who have mutilated the image of a great religion, Islam.
Epimetheus 
Excellent. I have also added you to my blogroll. Looks as if you are off to an auspicious start, though challenges lie ahead for you as well as all of us who feel compelled to challenge those who have claimed the mantel of religious orthodoxy. With your permission, I would like to re-post this article on my site.
Sure Christian, you can re-post it. My goal is to clear the misconceptions about Islam found today in the West and in the East (with other religions). Islam is never extreme, it never was, I pray my posts will reach more innocent souls who are in the dark about Islam
When I heard about 9/11 attacks, I could not believe. I tried to understand why it happened and who did it. It never crossed to my mind that my life and that of other Muslims would change to the worse. I was not happy, of course.
I saw the video clip of Palestinians living in the rubble of their towns burning US flags and chanting against America. It struck me. I always respected the US and after some thought I realized that the frustration over the occupation and US support of “Israel” had led those Palestinians to be jubilant over their ‘supposed’ enemy’s misery.
May peace conquer.
I understand your efforts here. i am sometimes embarrassed by “Christianity” and want to clarify to outsiders what I consider the truth. I will sometimes even say I am not a Christian but I do follow and trust in Jesus. However there are some vital issues that cannot be ignored or made to look innocent by either of us. I am currently reading the Quran to decide for myself.
I’m glad you took the initiative to see the other side. May God give you guidance on what you are seeking.
{[“You are right that not many Muslims raise their voice against evil, it is partly due to the fact that they are ignorant and illiterate and partly because they don’t care. I am trying what ever it is I can do to show them that it is hurting the cause of Islam even more. This article was equally meant for Muslims as it was for the non-Muslims.”}]
I have added you blog to my blogroll, for I believe in truth, and if truth to be heard all sides need to be told. I hope and pray that your voice to be hears by your fellow Muslims as well as others. I pray that politics stay out of your writings .For Politics are the easy way all views can be distorted.
“peace be on to you”
” Make no mistake, the most dangerous creation of Society is a man who has nothing to lose. I still didn’t see you denouncing the inhumane actions of Israel, you didn’t denounce the fact that Israel should give up its nuclear weapons. Clearly you are biased”, My Friend i thought you said this:”But that again is a ‘political interests’ debate. This is about religion, “, so lets keep it there! i am not political wiser, nor i claim to be my thoughts are ALL about the TRUTH, A woman is about to be hang in Iran, and where is the moderate Muslim crying out or standing up? You SAY :”There is NO state in this world I would say ‘Islamic’, ” ‘ than where is the true ISLAM? You are not talking to one that is estrange from Islam. In this debate we are talking about Islam and its influences, and not west VS. east.
My attempt here is to try and show it to my fellow Muslims(if they think that way), that they are on the wrong path and non-Muslims that Islam doesn’t allow violence at all. in Over 48 years of my life you are the only one that I encountered. So I pray that your Motives are pure and Your Heart is Solid, and may God truly open your Heart to the truth.”, there is no such thing as ‘radical Muslim’ because they aren’t Muslim at all.”, Really? than why is it they all Scream Allah Akbar before blowing the Bus or the air plain…
“peace be on to you”
If you want to see true Islam you will have to do an ‘unbiased’ study of Islam. I do admit that Islam is being ‘used’ for terrible purposes, which is the wrong way. You are right that not many Muslims raise their voice against evil, it is partly due to the fact that they are ignorant and illiterate and partly because they don’t care. I am trying what ever it is I can do to show them that it is hurting the cause of Islam even more. This article was equally meant for Muslims as it was for the non-Muslims.
Thank you for your prayers, I just have one request for you, please do not spread falsehood about a religion without completely researching on it. Please read the Qura’an completely and then make an opinion about it. Thanks
I had planned to not comment because I have yet to decide if your site is part of the Islamic Apologists that seeks to deceive uneducated Muslims and non-Muslims or are sincere yet incorrect in your understanding of the true nature of Islam, an incorrect understanding that is true for the majority of Muslims.
But your comment above forced my response: “please do not spread falsehood about a religion without completely researching on it. Please read the Qura’an completely and then make an opinion about it.”
It is not just the Qu’ran that is the essence of Islam. The actions of Mohammad and sayings are equal, perhaps greater, that forms the ideology/theology of Islam. In addition, the interpretation of his teachings, Hadith, are the “official” guides to proper behavior. The best record for free can be found here: http://hadithsahihbukhari.com and is downloadable.
Sahih al-Bukhari (Arabic: صحيح البخاري), as it is commonly referred to, is one of the SIX canonical hadith collections of Islam. These prophetic traditions, or hadith, were collected by the Persian Muslim scholar Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari, after being transmitted orally for generations. Muslims view this as their most trusted collection of hadith and it is considered the most authentic book after the Qur’an.
Taken together, and with much study, a far different interpretation of Islam emerges than you present. There is no radical Islam. There is Islam and there is non-practicing or weak Islam that the majority practice.
I look forward to reviewing the rest of your entries, but hope you will allow correction of errors and perhaps a reform Islam will emerge that really does have as its essence much of what you write.
Paul
“if Palestinians are ‘allowed’ freedom and aren’t concentrated in a small piece of land, none of this violence will ever happen.” So if I don’t given to your demands i should be blown away?”Again, ONE, no bomber is a Muslim”, tell that to the Victims of 9/11.”But that again is a ‘political interests’ debate. This is about religion”, yes you are absolutely right it is about religion and if you re-read my reply and comments I am talking about religion. ” Any other ambiguity you would like me to clear for you?” and why is it that each time some one disagrees with ones point of view , there is ambiguity? (I was born in Iran and as Christian born in Islamic Country I know first hand the Islamic justice and cruelty of Islam unforced by Muslims. As wrong As you might be I respect your opinions and believes, and as long as there is no cry out from moderate Muslims against radical Muslims in a public forum , every thing said is rhetoric .and as far as authentic version of the Quraanic translation, I will add the translation you mention to the 5 translations i’m already reading. And Finally to answer to all Of your statement that “You are again ‘missing’ the point”, the ambiguity is totally cleared. thank you for enlightening me.
“peace be on to you”
So you will like it when people are wronged, and you will not stand for what is right? Make no mistake, the most dangerous creation of Society is a man who has nothing to lose. I still didn’t see you denouncing the inhumane actions of Israel, you didn’t denounce the fact that Israel should give up its nuclear weapons. Clearly you are biased
The victims of 9/11? I tell it to everyone, I never saw you saying what is going on in Pakistan is wrong! does Pakistan deserve it? Every day there is a 9/11 in Pakistan, we know what they are. They are just some interest groups and NO ONE in Pakistan classifies them as Muslims.
Islamic Justice in Iran? You have got to be kidding me. There is NO state in this world I would say ‘Islamic’, If you have had read the Qura’an you yourself will find the difference between the text of the Holy book and the actions of state. What you are doing there is ‘generalizing’, there is no such thing as ‘radical Muslim’ because they aren’t Muslim at all. Islam is a moderate religion which is misunderstood even by Muslims.
My attempt here is to try and show it to my fellow Muslims(if they think that way), that they are on the wrong path and non-Muslims that Islam doesn’t allow violence at all.
disintegrating Iraq? really?So in your view Saddam Housain was good for Iraq? And Israel being Rocked continually and homicide bomber blowing up buses and restaurants field with innocent its ok? Now you say I made up the quotations the following link is where i quote the verses from, http://prophetofdoom.net/Qurans.Islam
“peace be on to you”
Again, ONE, no bomber is a Muslim. Two, it was the same Saddam Housain who recieved all the kickbacks and weapons when things were going good! Isn’t that what you say is being a hypocritical. Me, I didn’t like Saddam Housain a bit. Islam clearly denounces monarchy and dictatorship. But if its in the interest of the west it will clearly do anything to keep it going right? Besides, Saddam wasn’t the reason for invading Iraq, where are the WMD’s?
By the way, the weapons these Talibans have in Afghanistan, aren’t those the same they were provided with against the war with USSR?
You are again ‘missing’ the point, if Palestinians are ‘allowed’ freedom and aren’t concentrated in a small piece of land, none of this violence will ever happen. But that again is a ‘political interests’ debate. This is about religion, and I will request you to get an authentic version of the Quraanic translation, what you have there is clearly altered. May be you should start with http://www.quranexplorer.com
I would appreciate if you quote from there as I am using the International version of the Bible to get references from. Let us focus on Islam here. Any other ambiguity you would like me to clear for you?
Dinopak, you say”. But there are enough reasons provided by the west to these stupid ignorant shameless people to blow themselves up.”, so according to you since the West has given ENOUGH REASONS, it is justified for HOMICIDE BOMBING and killing westerns? Now I am confused? with one breath you call them
( not their Actions)”stupid ignorant shameless” and within the same breath you say its OK what they are doing BECAUSE the WEST HAS GIVEN THEM enough reasons. One have to take a stand, If your goal is to change the worlds view about Islam you must take a firm stand on right and wrong, and stop playing both side of the fence, for eventually you will be stuck on the top of the fence.
“peace be on to you”
Again, you are ‘failing’ to understand the point. I am not at all JUSTIFYING their behavior, my attempt is to clear the name of my religion, what they are doing is horrible, but aren’t you being biased by just seeing one side of the picture here.
Do you think it is right for the Palestinians to be confined in what is just like a concentration camp? Can you honestly justify the situation of Iraq? Clearly you are seeing what ‘others’ do wrong but you are not going to admit your mistakes.
Dinopak, first of all let me correct your following statement:{You are mad at a Palestinian burning an American flag,}, I am not now or ever MAD at Palestinian for burning American Flag. I used that celebration time that People of Palestine did when 9/11 happened as an example of how the Islam works as a whole. Secondly If my child choke to death by swallowing a part of toy made by china, should i therefor declare “Jehad on China?And than you say the followings: “I stand for what is right and that is what my religion preaches. And that is what you must understand that the version of religion you are hearing is from a guy who just happens to speak Arabic and didn’t even see a Gate to a place called ‘school’ isn’t real. There is no MIXED message in the Quraa’n it states straightforward that violence isn’t the way. But there are enough reasons provided by the west to these stupid ignorant shameless people to blow themselves up.”Please tell me through your Post not once you Denounce and condom “USAMA BEN LADEN” by name nor did you denounce “Alqada for its smearing Islam by their action? This is your Denouncement “I firmly denounce any activity which hurts any other human being.”are you kidding?
Qur’an 3:10 “As for those who deny [Islam], neither their wealth nor their children will help them in the least against Allah. They shall be faggots for the fire of Hell. Qur’an 3:11 “The punishment of Allah is severe. So tell the unbelieving infidels: ‘You will surely be vanquished, seized by Allah, and driven to Hell. How bad a preparation.’
“peace be on to you”
It is amazing how Choking on a toy and killing someone can be comparable to you. You say Usama Ben Laden or Alqaida I denounce Every group that carries its own terrorizing agenda, not just me every Muslim who knows his / her religion denounces Usama Ben Laden or Alqaida or Taliban or any other group. I thought I made it clear to you but apparently you needed specifications. By the way I still didn’t get ‘ANY’ denouncing from you on the fact that ‘Should Israel be allowed nuclear weapons’ and that the ‘massacre should continue in Palestine’ or ‘was it justified disintegrating Iraq and saying “SORRY”‘.
I do not know where you get your translations. Let me ‘re-quote’ to you the verses you just quoted.
[3:10] Those who disbelieve — their possessions and their children shall not avail them at all against Allah; and it is they that are the fuel of the Fire.
And where did you ‘make up’ 3:11 from?
[3:11] Their case is like the case of the people of Pharaoh and those before them; they rejected Our Signs; so Allah punished them for their sins, and Allah is severe in punishing.
So where does it say that it is OK to kill people? It is obvious from the verses that God (Allah) is telling about the ‘rewards’ of such people in the ‘AFTERLIFE’. I wonder when the bible says “you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people” (Chronicles 19:10) you see it the same way. Just like the Bible talks about the ‘Wrath of the Lord’ same is the case here, it is to WARN the disbelievers, not kill them!
I read your post above. And I am baffled by the contradiction in your writings.
It is very clever to brand the any voice that stand in opposition of your views as “phobia” or “Dumb” or they “don’t understand”, so forth and so on. It is OK, for that is the tactic which is very clever. All I want to know is where were the “Muslims which are classified as “moderate”” when the towers fell by the hand of so called “Muslims which are classified as “extremists / fundamentalists / radicals”, why there was no out cry? why there was no condemnation, but instead there was dancing and American flag burning in the streets of “Palestine” ?, You also mention ” that Muslims (altogether normally) are hot-blooded.”, Please , please , please next time when A homicide Bomber blows a Air plain In the Name of “Allah” stand and Publicly denounce these Crazy’s , For the flame of hatred and crazy ideology will be snuffed if enough people from the same religion stand in opposite of it. for if One does not speak out, one shows agreement, even if one does not participate in the wrongdoing . ” peace be on to you”
wdednh, I do understand how you are feeling, infact, I wasn’t jubilant about what happened on 9/11 either, some of my family members lived near ground zero and we were all worried. My intention is not to defend those elements who carry out these horrific acts. Even Muslims died in 9/11 incident. All I am saying that is NOT Islam what they say. I firmly denounce any activity which hurts any other human being. What you must understand is that these groups, they find reasons to carry out their agenda, which is to gain power. Reasons that I will put forward to you.
Its funny you mentioned Palestine and burning of American flag. You are mad at a Palestinian burning an American flag, perhaps you should know how it might feel when your own child is slaughtered in front of your own eyes by a state of the art war machine which says ‘Made in America’. Or when undeclared nuclear warheads (upto 200) reside just across the border without America even noticing it. On the other hand Iranian nuclear program is a pain that has to be dealt with. Or perhaps when you go to war on a country on a rumor that it ‘MIGHT’ have WMD’s that’s justified right? Did you know that the MOST civil casualties from the ‘war on terror’ are taken by Pakistan and not America?
I stand for what is right and that is what my religion preaches. And that is what you must understand that the version of religion you are hearing is from a guy who just happens to speak Arabic and didn’t even see a Gate to a place called ‘school’ isn’t real. There is no MIXED message in the Quraa’n it states straightforward that violence isn’t the way. But there are enough reasons provided by the west to these stupid ignorant shameless people to blow themselves up.
A short comment: There is no “phobia” involved. The only case of actual phobia I’ve ever seen is the recent one of Juan Williams, who allowed as to being “worried” at the sight of a certain type of Arab – which led to his being fired.
For me, it’s not “phobia”. It’s “intense dislike”. And if someone wants to fault me for intensely disliking people who revel in head-chopping; who delight in blowing themselves up among crowds of innocents; who think it’s grand to keep their women essentially wrapped in duct tape, and inside all the time; who think it’s right and proper to pray daily for the destruction of Israel, well, let them fault.
There is a sense of fear among most people in the west. I have seen, read and heard people talking about how Islam is going to take over ‘violently’, what the world will look like after ‘Islam’ take over, they go as far as to say that Quraa’n is a world domination constitution. How dumb is that? I just felt the need to show them that Islam is not responsible for the acts of certain groups or individuals.
Thank you for your input, much appreciated.