Question for Muslims?

Question

Here's your chance to dispel some misconceptions about your religious beliefs.
Feel free to answer any one of these or all of these.. But Please, I only want to hear from people who understand the Muslim faith (either current or former Muslims). Because I don't want criticism of their beliefs. I want to use this forum to better understand you.

So, feel free to answer any of these questions if you are Muslim
Are all muslims terrorists?
Do all muslims believe you have to convert to the muslim faith or be killed?
Are all Muslims from the same sect or are there more than one sect within the Muslim faith?
What are the basic differences between the Shi-ite, sunni, etc.

Why do women have to wear those facial coverings?

I mean no disrespect here. I'm trying to understand your faith. Especially since I see so many misconceptions in these posts?
Please share because I am sick and tired of seeing the erroneous misconceptions about the Muslim beliefs!

Just so you know, I don't believe a lot of the misconceptions about Muslims, but I am sick and tired of seeing ALL muslims portrayed as terrorists! And I see a LOT of misinformation about your beliefs. I also want a place for reference on this board to refer back to for future questions. Thank you to all who are sharing.

As a Christian, I believe we need to walk in love to all people. That doesn't mean I have to embrace your beliefs. But I do want to see if we can eliminate some of the hatred towards the people of the middle east.

Answer 1

Wow first of all I would like to sincerely thank you for seeking out the truth about Islam insted of listening to the erroneous misconceptions that the media ( and many people!) spread!

I'm a ninteen year old Muslim girl and I would be more than happy to answer your questions!

1- Are all Muslims terrorists?
That's a very disturbing generalization that is based on a small minority of people that the media portrays. No not all Muslims are terrorists and not all terrorists are Muslims! Terrorists are the result of IGNORANCE and not Islam. The countries with the worst terrorist records in the world are not in the Middle East either. They are not even Muslim countries outside the Middle East. They are Columbia and Germany, havens for drug lords and neo-Nazis.

One of the many short comings which has arisen in the West, is judging Islam by the conduct of a minority of its people. Such behaviour is clearly not objective and seeks to distort the reality of Islam. For if such a thing was done (to judge a religion by the conduct of a minority of it's people) then we too could say that all Christianity is about is child molesting and homosexuality. By using the many cases of child abuse and homosexuality by priests, Such a generalisation about Christianity could be made. The same goes with Islam and terrorists.

For too long, have we relied on popular images in the media and in Hollywood films, for answers to these pertinent questions. It is now time to look at the sources of Islam, and its history to determine whether Islam does indeed advocate violence.

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

The Glorious Qur’an says:
“…take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.”
[Al-Qur’an 6:151]

Islam considers all life forms as sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“…if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.”
[Al-Qur’an 5:32]

Such is the value of a single human life, that the Qur’an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all of humanity. Thus, the Qur’an prohibits homicide in clear terms. The taking of a criminal’s life by the state in order to administer justice is required to uphold the rule of law, and the peace and security of the society. Only a proper and competent court can decide whether an individual has forfeited his right to life by disregarding the right to life and peace of other human beings.

ETHICS OF WAR

Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly on the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatant population is concerned such as women, children, the old and the infirm, etc., the instructions of the Prophet are as follows: "Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman"[1]. "Do not kill the monks in monasteries" or "Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship."[2] During a war, the Prophet saw the corpse of a woman lying on the ground and observed: "She was not fighting. How then she came to be killed?" Thus non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state.

JIHAD

While Islam in general is misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the word ‘jihad’. The term ‘jihad’ has been much abused, to conjure up bizarre images of violent Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust during and after the Crusades. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.

The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means to struggle. So jihad is literally an act of struggling. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the greatest jihad is to struggle with the insidious suggestions of one’s own soul. Thus jihad primarily refers to the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to God in all aspects of life.

Secondarily, jihad refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“And why should ye not fight in the cause of God and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? - Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!"
[Al-Qur’an 4:75]

Thus Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive utmost, in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest when she sees injustice and oppression around her. As Martin Luther King Jr. said:

“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”

Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in which God created everything. However, regardless of how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Qur’an never condones the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian population can never be termed as jihad and can never be reconciled with the teachings of Islam.

Muslims are just ordinary people trying to get through life's ups and downs just like everybody else! Muslims do not believe in a God that believes in murder and killing people. Your talking about extremist that are actually upset at US policy within the region. They take a very distorted view of God, the Quran, and the typical beliefs of the Muslim religion. Muslims are sweet, kind, God fearing people. They do not believe in terrorism, death, and killing. It is just as serious a crime for them as it is for the Christian.

2- Do all muslims believe you have to convert to the muslim faith or be killed?

Islam did not come to break the ties between human beings, to spread hatred and enmity, or to encourage bloodshed. Nor did it come to eliminate the freedom of choice in this life, which is secured by God.

Freedom of worship:

This means the freedom to practice any religion or ideology and not to be forced to adopt a certain faith or compelled to convert to Islam. This is based on the verse:

[Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.] (Al-Baqarah 2: 256)

Commenting on the verse, the famous exegete Ibn Katheer states: “Don’t force anyone to embrace Islam as it is clear and self-evident in its proofs and realities and does not need to exert force to be accepted.”

Islam protects the places of worship of non-Muslims, and allows them to observe their religious ceremonies. Allah says:

[To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid;- (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- (for no cause) except that they say, "our Lord is Allah". Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid his (cause);- for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will).] (Al-Hajj 22: 39-40)

non-Muslims under Islamic Shari`ah do possess special rights irrespective of whether they constitute a minority or a majority. Islam makes it clear that Muslims are not allowed under any circumstances to burn holy places or books of non-Muslims or to abuse them.

When Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, established the first Islamic state in Madinah, he extended to religious minorities rights that are guaranteed to them in the Qur'an. The first Islamic State was established in light the Charter of Madinah, a real and actual social contract agreed upon by Muslims, Jews and others, stipulating that they all would be treated as equal citizens of Madinah, giving the non-Muslims right of choosing a legal system they wished their affairs be governed by, be it Islamic or Jewish law or pre-Islamic Arab tribal traditions. This confirms the principle “no compulsion in religion”, freedom of expression and religious practice was open to everyone.

Elaborating on the religious rights granted to non-Muslim minorities, we'd like to cite for you the following:

It was in 622 AC, that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, introduced the Charter of Madinah, which in fact was the first ever written constitution in the history of mankind. It gave the people the right of protection, security, peace and justice; not only to Muslims, but also to the Jews who lived in the City of Madinah, as well as the allies of Jews who were non-Muslims. It recognized Jews as a separate political and ethnic minority, and allowed them to practice their religion quite freely. In fact, Jews were considered on an equal bases as Muslims under the Islamic State.


Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was the main enforcer of human rights. Over a period of 10 years, from where the Islamic calendar begins, he, peace and blessings be upon him, entered into many alliances, many treaties with the Muslims and the non-Muslims, securing peace and tranquility for the Muslims and non-Muslims alike.


Freedom of Religion


One right in particular is the freedom of religion. There is sometimes a misunderstood view, that if any non-Muslim lives under the rule of Islam, he/she would be curtailed in their religious freedom. There is no compulsion in Islam to accept Islam as your faith. It is a misconception to say that Islam is spread by the sword, with forced conversions. That never took place.


Secondly, if you again look at the practice of Prophet Muhammad, he provided excellent facilities for non-Muslims. For instance in his time, the monks of Mount Sinai were given protection. The monasteries were protected, the monks themselves were protected from any attack or persecution. Churches could not be pulled down to be replaced by mosques or to build houses. They were seen as a place of sanctuary and protected by the Islamic state.


The Jews were given a free hand to practice their faith. The interesting right that the Jews and the Christians were given because they were the main minority living under the Islamic state, was their right to have a holiday, the Jews on a Saturday, and the Christians on a Sunday. Interestingly enough, in many Western countries, up till now, Muslims are still struggling to have Friday as their public holiday. Only what they are given now in some Western countries is just an extra hour for lunch so that they can partake in their obligatory Friday Prayer. But under an Islamic state, Shariah stipulates that if a Jewish person or a Christian person wishes to have a holiday, to have time off on their particular religious day, they should be given that.


There also exist the rights of non-Muslim minorities. They would be protected from any external threat from any other nation. But perhaps more importantly for them, they would be protected from more internal threat, persecution and prejudice.

Confirming this is the following statement of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in which he sheds light on the philosophy of human rights in Islam. An Arabic word for non-Muslim is Dhimmi. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them in more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment." Here we have the highest, the most revered and most esteemed Prophet of Islam, himself being the champion for non-Muslim minorities.


Right to follow one's own religious laws


In most Western countries, whatever the law of the land is must be followed without any recognition to one's personal beliefs. However, an Islamic state is much more flexible in this. Non-Muslim minorities, in certain matters of personal law, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance would be able to implement their own religious laws and would not be subject to Shari`ah-law.


Right to consumption of alcohol and pork


Another interesting fact in Islamic history is that although Muslims are prohibited from entering into manufacturing, selling and consuming alcohol, whereas the ruling is not the same with non-Muslim. If there was a non-Muslim minority in an Islamic state who wish to do so, and do not involve Muslims, they would actually be given this right.

This points out that the concept of human rights in Islam has often been given a much negative view. I would urge all readers, Muslims or non-Muslims, to study the concept of human rights in Islam. To research that Islam is in fact not the violator of human rights but rather the champion of it."

Shedding more light on the treatment of non-Muslim minorities through Islamic history, we'd like also to cite the following:

"While on his deathbed, the Second Caliph `Umar ibn al-Khattab dictated a long will consisting of instructions for the next caliph. Here, is the last sentence of that historic document:

"I instruct you on behalf of the people who have been given protection in the name of Allah and His Prophet [i.e. the non-Muslim minorities within the Islamic state known as dhimmis]. Our covenant to them must be fulfilled, we must fight to protect them, and they must not be burdened beyond their capabilities".

At that time Caliph `Umar was lying in pain because of the wounds inflicted on him by a non-Muslim who had stabbed him with a dagger soaked in poison while he was leading the Fajr (Morning) Prayer. It should also be remembered that he was the head of a vast empire ranging from Egypt to Persia. From normal rulers of his time or ours, we could have expected vengeance and swift reaction. From a very forgiving head of state we could have expected an attempt to forget and forgive - and that would be considered noble. But a command to protect the minorities and take care of them?

What is even more remarkable is that for Muslim historians the entire affair was just natural. After all it was the caliph himself who had established the standards by writing the guarantees for the protection of life, property and religion in decree after decree as Muslims opened land after land during his rule. The pattern established here was followed for centuries throughout the Muslim world.

Of course, Caliph `Umar was simply following what he learnt from the Prophet Muhammad himself. That the protection of life, property and religious freedom of minorities is the religious duty of the Islamic state. That he personally would be demanding justice in the Hereafter on behalf of a dhimmi who had been wronged by a Muslim. That there is no compulsion in religion and that Muslims must be just to friends and foe alike.

The result of these teachings was a Muslim rule that set the golden standard for religious tolerance in a world that was not used to the idea. Not only that the Muslim history is so remarkably free of the inquisitions, persecutions, witch hunts, and holocausts that tarnish history of other civilizations, it protected its minorities from persecution by others as well. It protected Jews from Christians and Eastern Christians from Roman Catholics. In Muslim Spain under the Umayyads and in Baghdad under the Abbasid Caliphs, Christians and Jews enjoyed a freedom of religion that they did not allow each other or anyone else.

The path that the Western world took to provide harmony in society was to banish religion from the public square. For this achievement, it thinks that it has earned lecturing rights over the issue. So it may be good to remember that while it has indeed made huge progress in the area of tolerance during the last century (which should be appreciated), it has a long way to go before it can reach the standards established by Islam.

First, while Muslim Personal Law is not recognized in the West, the Personal Law of non-Muslim minorities has always been recognized in the Muslim world. Second, while throughout Europe and America, Muslims are not permitted to make the call to prayer (adhan) on loud speakers, church bells ring freely in the Muslim world. Third, the wide spread of anti-Islamic prejudice in the Western media is both a cause and a consequence of the underlying intolerance. Fourth, hate crimes are a fact of life in the West. As just one small indication, nearly two-dozen incidents of vandalism have taken place against Mosques in the peaceful USA during the last seven years, not to mention hundreds of attacks against individuals.

To simply kill anyone who chooses to follow a religion other than Islam is against the fundamental teachings of the Qur’an. Freedom of conscience is a fundamental principle of the Qur’an that is clearly stated in many Qur'anic verses. I list just a few:

[Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. So can you (Prophet) compel people to believe?] (Yunus 10: 99).

[Say, ‘Now the truth has come from your Lord: Let those who wish to believe in it do so, and let those who wish to reject it do so’] (Al-Kahf 17: 29).

[So (people) respond to your Lord before there comes a Day that cannot, against God’s will, be averted—you will have no refuge on that Day, and no possibility of denying (your sins). If they still turn away (remember that) We have not sent you (Prophet) to be their keeper: your duty is to deliver the message] (Ash-Shura 42: 47-48).

[There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. Allah is all hearing and all knowing] (Al-Baqrah 2: 256).

Even Western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O'Leary wrote:

"History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated."[3]

Muslims ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up until they were finally forced out, the non-Muslims there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and/or Jewish populations.

This is not surprising to a Muslim, for his faith prohibits him from forcing others to see his point of view. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things.”
[Al-Qur’an 2:256]

So, the basic rule in the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims is that there must be coexistence and peace. This situation must be maintained, even if non-Muslims continue to reject Islam for themselves, as long as they do not react in a hostile way.


3- Are all Muslims from the same sect or are there more than one sect within the Muslim faith?
What are the basic differences between the Shi-ite, sunni, etc.

About 84 % of Muslims are Sunni. The word Sunni is based on the word Sunnah which is an Arabic word means the Prophet's tradition. Sunnis believe in Allah as the One Creator and Mohammad is His last and final Messenger. Also, Sunnis believe in the Qur’an and Sunnah as the two main sources of Islam. There are, however, Muslim bunches who deviated from the right path of Islam such as: Shia, Baha'i, Sufi, Ahmadiya, etc. So be cautious in knowing whom you are dealing with.

Islam does not have nearly as many sects and divisions as does Christianity, but there are a few and it is worth knowing something about them. The two biggest are the Sunnis and the Shi'ites, with the Sunnis being the largest of all and representing the vast majority of Muslims. Shi'ites are a minority everywhere except Iran.

After them, the two most influential sects are the Sufis and the Wahhabis. The Sufis represent a mystical tradition in Islam, whereas the Wahhabis are a strict traditionalist tradition which is dominant on the Arabian peninsula, but has little support elsewhere.

Unlike churches, mosques are not denominational. Despite the differences among Muslims, traditional Friday prayer services are largely similar and Muslims of any background are welcome to attend services at any mosque.

Who are the Sunnis?
Sunnis are Muslims who are considered the more "orthodox" believers. Sunnis follow all of the most traditional beliefs and actions.

Who are the Shi'ites?
The term Shi'a is a shortened form of Shi'at Ali, which means "the party of Ali" - and at the time of Ali's death in 661, that is probably all it was: a party or tendency of people who supported Ali's claims to the caliphate. Over time, they became the largest non-Sunni sect in Islam.

Who are the Sufis?
Sufism is important to the development of Islam because it is in this tradition that the more spiritual and mystical aspects were preserved. This stands in contrast to the mainstream of Islam which, through its first centuries, was more concerned with the expansion and organization of the general community.

http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/islam/blfaq_islam_sects.htm

4- Why do women have to wear those facial coverings?

It's called a Hijab. Women are required to wear it to cover their face and hair (covering the face and eyes is nor required by Islamic law).

n a society which shamelessly publicly exposes a woman’s body and intimate requirements where nudity somehow symbolizes the expression of a woman’s freedom and where the most lustful desires of men are fulfilled unchecked – it is little wonder such an introspection leads many Muslim women to the decision to wear hijab

However, generalizations about Islam and Muslims are replete in today’s media and, by extension, in the minds of many Americans who shape their image of the world through the media. Veiled Muslim women are typically unfairly stigmatized. They are regarded on the one hand as suppressed and oppressed, and on the other, as fanatics and fundamentalists. Both depictions are grossly wrong and imprecise. Such portrayals not only misrepresent these women’s strong feelings towards hijab, but also fail to acknowledge their courage and the resulting identity hijab lends to them.

Amongst such misconceptions is also the belief that any Muslim woman who wears hijab is forced to do so. Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the final determination to wear hijab is often not easily reached. Days of meditation, an inevitable fear of consequences and reactions, and ultimately, plenty of courage weigh heavily in reaching the decision. Wearing hijab is a very personal and independent decision, coming from appreciating the wisdom underlying Allah’s command and a sincere wish to please Him.

"I believe hijab is pleasing to Allah, or I wouldn’t wear it. I believe there is something deep down beautiful and dignified about it. It has brought some beautiful and joyous dimension to my life that always amaze me," said Mohja Kahf, assistant professor of English and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in an internet posting.

"To me hijab is a gift from Allah. It gives me the opportunity to become closer to Allah. Also quite importantly, (it provides me) the chance to stand and be recognized as a Muslim," Fariha Khan, 18, of Rockville, Maryland, said.

However, with this recognition comes tremendous responsibility as highly visible representatives of Islam and Muslims. Anywhere covered sisters go, Muslims and non-Muslims alike recognize them as followers of Islam. In a land where misinformation about Islam and Muslims abounds, Muslim sisters have the opportunity to portray Islam in its true light.

But the greatest responsibility related to hijab is the understanding that there is more to hijab than just the scarf; the internalized modesty really matters. This internal moral system gives meaning to the external scarf. This can be perceived from the overall demeanor of any Muslim woman – how she acts, dresses, speaks, and so on. Only when the internalized modesty manifests itself through the external hijab can sisters represent Muslims according to the beautiful example set by the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and followed by his companions.

"Hijab by itself is just a piece of cloth, at some level. I do not think we should take (it) as an exclusive marker of a woman’s moral worth or level of faith. It is the surrounding context – the etiquette, the morals – which make it anything" Kahf said.

Saba M. Baig, 21, is a recent graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was 17 when she seriously started wearing hijab, and feels she is still in the process of learning internal hijab. "My biggest realization was that hijab was not just about wearing a scarf on my head, but more of a (veil) on my heart," said Baig. "Hijab is more than an external covering. That’s the easy part of it all. It has a lot (more) to do with modesty and just the way you present yourself."

"In this life, I couldn’t think of anything better than being a Muslim. Wearing hijab signifies it and reminds me of it. Hijab is important to me and it means everything to me when I wear it," Khan said.

"Unfortunately, it also has its down side: you get discriminated against, treated as though you are oppressed… I wear it for (Allah), and because I want to. Period," said Imaan, a convert to Islam, currently studying in Australia.

Yet, the general society, to some extent defines the image of hijab. "The surrounding context can make it oppressive," explained Kahf. "For example, in social contexts where observing hijab includes (the practice) of separating women from the resources of society including education, mosques, sources of religious and spiritual guidance, economic livelihood, etc., … (hijab) develops oppressive qualities. Or when hijab is literally imposed through punitive sanctions rather than encouraged benignly, this distorts the underlying beauty of hijab and turns it into something ugly.

"I believe hijab is pleasing to Allah, or I wouldn’t wear it. I believe there is something deep down beautiful and dignified about it. It has brought some beautiful and joyous dimension to my life that always amaze me."

"(At the same time,) the surrounding context can make it liberating, as we in the United States often experience. For many of us, in a society which imposes degrees of sexualized nakedness on women, wearing hijab has been a liberating experience. To us hijab has meant non-conformism to unjust systems of thought. We have experienced social sanctions for wearing it, and these experiences are seared in our memories, rather than experiences of being forced to wear it," Kahf concluded.

For many women hijab is a constant reminder that unlike other women they should not have to design their lives and bodies for men. "Before I started covering, I thought of myself based on what others thought of me. I see that too often in girls, their happiness depends on how others view them, especially men. Ever since, my opinion of myself has changed so much; I have gained (a lot of) self-respect. I have realized whether others may think of me as beautiful is not what matters. How beautiful I think of myself and knowing that Allah finds me beautiful makes me feel beautiful," said Baig softly, her eyes glowing.

Furthermore, modest clothing and hijab are precautions to avoid any social violations. Contrary to popular belief, this is not limited to women only. Preceding the verse in the Qur’an about women lowering their gaze comes the following verse,

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do."
[Al-Qur’an 24:30].

In addition, on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa’d, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones (the tongue) and what is between his two legs (the private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him." (Bukhari).

Hijab is not worn for men, to keep their illicit desires in check. Rather, Muslim women wear it for God and their own selves. Islam is a religion of moderation, of balance between extremes. Therefore, it does not expect women alone to uphold the society’s morality and uprightness. Rather, Islam asks men and women to mutually strive to create a healthy social environment where children may grow with positive, beautiful, constructive and practical values and concepts. Men are equally required to be modest and to conduct themselves responsibly in every sphere of their lives.

In fact, in this society, enough emphasis cannot be placed on the necessity for men to keep their gaze lowered, as a concerned brother put it. "Think about it -- what has the potential to cause more damage a sister otherwise modestly dressed but no scarf, or a brother who goes about gawking in the streets, (or) on campus? I cannot exactly quantify it, but guess the latter," he said.

Islam asks men and women to mutually strive to create a healthy social environment where children may grow with positive, beautiful, constructive, and practical values and concepts.

The concept of modesty and hijab in Islam is holistic, and encompasses both men and women. The ultimate goal is to maintain societal stability and to please God.

Since Muslim women are more conspicuous because of their appearance, it is easier for people to associate them with the warped images they see in the print and broadcast media. Hence, stereotypes are perpetuated and often sisters seem "mysterious" to those not acquainted with Muslim women who dress according to Divine instructions. This aura of "mystery" cannot be removed until their lifestyles, beliefs and thought-systems are genuinely explored. And, frankly, this cannot be achieved until one is not afraid to respectfully approach Muslim women – or any Muslim for that matter. So, the next time you see a Muslim, stop and talk to him or her – you’ll feel, God-Willing, as if you’re entering a different world, the world of Islam: full of humility, piety, and of course, modesty!

This information has been written with the objective of briefing you on the true Islamic teachings regarding women laid down by the Quran and prophet Mohammad over 14 centuries ago.

Islam declared women and men equal.

Islam condemned pre-Islamic practices degrading and oppressing women.

The same injunctions and prohibitions of Islam equally apply to both sexes.

Islam gave woman the right of inheritance and the right of individual independent ownership unhampered by father, husband, brother, son or anyone else.

Islam gave women the right to accept or reject a marriage proposal free from pressure, and by mutual agreement to specify in the marriage contract that she has the right to divorce (if she misses that option she has the right to seek court divorce if she deems the marriage to have failed beyond repair).

Islam does not require woman to change her name at marriage.

Islam protects the family and condemns the betrayal of marital fidelity. It recognizes only one type of family: husband and wife united by authentic marriage contract.

“"Heaven is at the feet of mothers"”, is a basic Islamic teaching.

“"The best of you are the kindest to their wives and I am your best to mine"”, is a teaching by prophet Mohammad.

Islam enjoins sounds morality in thinking, behavior and appearance. Dress fashions and social patterns that reduce woman to a sex object and exploit her as such are not acceptable to Islam.

The observance of chastity and moral standards is equally demanded by Islam from both men and women. “"Women are the siblings of men"”, is a saying of Prophet Mohammad.





"I am a Muslim woman who, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear the hijab. And the concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment.

When I cover myself, I make it virtually impossible for people to judge me according to the way I look. I cannot be categorized because of my attractiveness or lack thereof. Compare this to life in today's society: We are constantly sizing one another up on the basis of our clothing, jewelry, hair and makeup. What kind of depth can there be in a world like this? Yes, I have a body, a physical manifestation upon this Earth. But it is the vessel of an intelligent mind and a strong spirit.

It is not for the beholder to leer at or to use in advertisements to sell everything from beer to cars. Because of the superficiality of the world in which we live, external appearances are so stressed that the value of the individual counts for almost nothing.

It is a myth that women in today's society are liberated. What kind of freedom can there be when a woman cannot walk down the street without every aspect of her physical self being "checked out"? When I wear the hijab I feel safe from all of this. I can rest assured that no one is looking at me and making assumptions about my character from the length of my skirt. There is a barrier between me and those who would exploit me. I am first and foremost a human being, equal to any man, and not vulnerable because of my sexuality.

One of the saddest truths of our time is the question of the beauty myth and female self-image. Reading popular teenage magazines, you can instantly find out what kind of body image is "in" or "out." and if you have the "wrong" body type, well, then, you're just going to have to change it, aren't you? After all, there is no way that you can be overweight and still be beautiful. Look at any advertisement. Is a woman being used to sell the product? How old is she? How attractive is she? What is she wearing? More often than not, that woman will be no older than her early 20s, taller, slimmer and more attractive than average, dressed in skimpy clothing.
Why do we allow ourselves to be manipulated like this?

Whether the '90s woman wishes to believe it or not, she is being forced into a mold. She is being coerced into selling herself, into compromising herself. This is why we have 13-year-old girls sticking their fingers down their throats and overweight adolescents hanging themselves. When people ask me if I feel oppressed, I can honestly say no. I made this decision out of my own free will. I like the fact that I am taking control of the way other people perceive me. I enjoy the fact that I don't give anyone anything to look at and that I have released myself from the bondage of the swinging pendulum of the fashion industry and other institutions that exploit females.

My body is my own business. Nobody can tell me how I should look or whether or not I am beautiful. I know that there is more to me than that. I am also able to say "no" comfortably then people ask me if I feel as though my sexuality is being repressed.

I have taken control of my sexuality. I am thankful I will never have to suffer the fate of trying to lose/gain weight or trying to find the exact lipstick shade that will go with my skin colour. I have made choices about what my priorities are and these are not among them. So next time you see me, don't look at me sympathetically. I am not under duress or a male-worshipping female captive from Arabic deserts. I've been liberated." - Sultana Yusufali, Toronto Star Young People's Press

Muslim pre-conceptions and wrongful views about Islam are EVERYWHERE thanks to the way the Media choses to portray Islam and Muslims.


http://www.beconvinced.com is a very good webstie that helps non-muslims understand the true meaning of Islam and can answer any other questions that you may have.

Thanks again for seeking out the turth and trying to understand my faith, I am also sick and tired of seeing the erroneous misconceptions about Islam and Muslims :)

Answer 2

Be a Muslim or be killed: No, who told you that?
Different sects: Yep
All Muslims are terrorists: No one Muslim is a terrorist. You might now be asking how come then we see them terrorize others. Well, because it is The Other Who First Started Terrorization. You may also be wondering about suicide bombers. Simply i tell you this: It is very natural ( reasonably expected) to behave unnaturally in unnatural circumstances ( military occupation, killing, oppression, suppression, etc..). What do you expect from an oppreseed man seeing his family being terrorized every nowand then? Do you expect him to stand motionless with a big grin on his face? Circumstances made The Other think that muslims are terrorists. But you know, killing innocent ones at an airport or some piblic place is surely gratuitous and unacceptable. No one Muslim would do that. God forbids these actions. If you wanna take revenge on those who terrorize you, go to the war zone and fight back. This is what a Muslim friend of mine told me. But I assure you that there is indeed a bit of confusion and chaos. Some say this, and some other ones say oppositely that.

Difference between Sects: Long story. Click on the link below and read the part entitled Denominations.

Answer 3

-No, all Muslims are not terroist. The people you see in Iraq and other countries practicing terrorism make up less than 10% of the billions of Muslims around the world.
-Islam teaches to be tolerant of all faiths and beliefs. Nowhere in Islam does it say to kill people if they don't become Muslim.
-There is only one true Islam. If you believe and follow the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah (teachings, acts, and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), then you are Muslim. As with any other religion people try to create their own beliefs and form sects. This has no basis in Islam. Sunni Muslims follow the Quran and Sunnah and Shiites are trying to do there own thing.
-Muslim women do not have to cover their faces. I don't know if you've ever seen a Muslim women other than in Iraq on TV, but most do not cover theiir faces. Some Muslim women choose to cover their faces because they feel more modest doing so, but it is a personal decision.

Answer 4

- No not all Muslims are terrorists. There are many Muslims around the world that condemn these acts of terrorism in their religion's name.

- I think I already answered this in a previous post, but no. For example, I am agnostic but my mom's family practices Islam. I am still alive so that answers your question.

- There are many interpretations of the Bible--and as many religions within Christianity deriving from the different interpretations. So it stands to reason that the same would go for interpretations of the Qu'oran.

- That I can't tell you. I think my family belongs to neither being Indonesian Muslims.

- I've only seen thos coverings used during prayer, and they're not black but white (or many other colors I've seen). And then only the head is covered but not the face. Men have to wear a wrap around their waist during prayer. It's a respect thing having to do with modesty in God's eyes. Other than that, my family wears whatever else they want to wear every other time.

Answer 5

1) no you do not have to be killed if you dont become muslim.in islam our prophet muhammad(pbuh) says that islam cannot be forced on anyone.

2)not all muslim are terrorist.just like not all christians kill abortion doctors

3)not all muslims are from the same sect.

4)one of the main differences of sunni and shi'ite is that many shi'tes believe that the quran was supposed to be sent down to someone else named ali instead of the prophet muhammed.

and you last quesion.some islamic scholars say women have to wear the face covering because allah commaded it in the quran.but other scholars its ok to leave the face uncovered.so muslim women hav a choice to wear the face veil or not.

but the head veil(that covers the hair,neck,chest and ears) is a must in islam.

Answer 6

don t believe that all muslims are terrorists it s not true at all & im an egyptian muslim & im just like any ordinary girl , go to college , go out with friends & the majority of people have the same normal lifestyle & the terrorists are exception , u can find christian or jewish terrorists it depends on the person not the religion , we respect people from other religions here in egypt we live muslims & christians in peace , we have no problem & sure we don t kill non muslims . about facial covering it depends on the woman some women do that but it s not an obligation at all . there r 2 sects sunni who r the majority & shi-ite sure we got the same religion & there r just few differences like in christianity between sects , if u need to ask me , it ll be my pleasure to answer u , my email is [e-mail].

Answer 7

i m a muslim and i will answer all ur questions
1.no all muslims are not terrorist its just some people who think they r doin the right thing but it god has said that no innocent soul should be killed
2.no,god ttold the prophet that it is only ur duty to tell them about the faith and then it is upto them if the want to choose it or not but no no innocent soul should be kille dno matter which religion they r
3.i cant understand that question email me at [e-mail] with details
4.the shittes went against the prophets son and then they realized what they did was wrong and till this day they punish themeselves
5.they dont have to cover their facethey have to hide their hair the shape of their bodies and their skin colour to non mehram .Non mehram r those people to whom u can get married to and mehram is the one u cant marry
these r all the mehrams ur dad ur step dad ur brother ur stepbrother ur uncle from both sides ur fathere in law and in case of a man the same mom step mom aunts
and there r many again id u have any more questions plz email me i will be more than happy to answer them
i understand i mean alot of people have wrong concepts about islam

Answer 8

I'm pretty sure that the women's clothing generally associated with Islam is actually an old Persian tradition. When the Persians got converted by the Arabs (probably at the point of a sword), the Arabs were quick to absorb this practice. I could be wrong, but I think it's nothing to do with Islam.

Answer 9

Do all muslims believe you have to convert to the muslim faith or be killed?
Again, Muslims believe that we are all born Muslim, you cannot convert to what you already are, you must revert back to Muslim to even begin the process of being allowed into heaven. Yes, Muslims believe that you must according to the quran kill those who do not believe.

Are all Muslims from the same sect or are there more than one sect within the Muslim faith? There are many sects within the Mulim way of worship.

What are the basic differences between the Shi-ite, sunni, etc.
The basic difference between these two major sects of Muslim is that one group believes in leadership from within the descendants of Mohammad. The other group believes that the next leader should be chosen from amongst the ranks of the followers. This is what is causing the fights between the two divisions since Mohammads death, as he left no instructions as to who the next leader was to be. To this day there is no unified leadership within this Religion.

Why do women have to wear those facial coverings? This one I have no idea about. It is tradition and usually explained in terms of Modesty and submission to men.

Answer 10

ok HERES A STEP BY STEP ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION

1) Are all muslims terrorists?
The answer is NO... first of all let me tell you there are 1.7 billion muslims... nowadays you can roughlt find 700 terrorists and dont relate them to Islam or muslims because they are criminals and they are found everywhere. There are around 56 muslim nations and terrorism is found in 4-5 countries!

reference "If you kill one innocent person you kill the whole humanity" (from Quran)


2) Do all muslims believe you have to conver to the muslim faith or be killed?
NO NOT AT ALL... you can follow your own religion. We will not kill you even you are christian or jew... because from God/ALLAH we came and to God/ALLAH shall we return! so Allah is enough to take care of that why didnt you seek the truth!

reference: "there is no compulsion in religion" (Quran)

3) Are all Muslims from the same sect or are there more than one sect within the Muslim faith?
Actually the basic things are same, we follow same God/Allah we seek guidance from one book "The Holy Quran".... not much of a difference.. but its the media which is propagating it a lot to create disturbance.. however they have failed in doing so! We do not like to be called as shiites or sunnis... because of the following saying of prophet

"Until the time of the day of resurrection 70 sects will be created within the Muslim Ummah, 69 of themm will go to hell and 1 will go to HEAVEN--the one which will follow just prophet (PBUH) and one God"


4)What are the basic differences between the shiite , sunni, etc?
Not much of difference.. its not like catholics and protestants... its a different matter... after the death of Prophet one group decided that ALI will be the next caliph and the other group decided that Abu Bakr will be the next caliph.. so they both seperated... and some wars also happened between them...Shiites by mistake killed their own leaders and uptil now they at the 10th of muharram cry for that mishap and beat themselves for that... which is not according to the real teachings of islam... and even now the Shiite islam is hijacked by 12 Imams.. which leads to futher controversy! but all of them are getting back to track as they are getting more educated about Islam!

"prophet said its not allowed to hurt yourself in anyway and he also said not to cry for more than 3 days if anyone dies" these words by prophet have decreased shiites all over the world! thats why today there are 80% muslims and just 20% other sects which are coming to REAL Islam...!

5)Why do women have to wear those facial coverings?
Infact FACIAL COVERINGS ARE not compulsory... I CHALLENGE the WHOLE WORLD to find me JUST 1 verse in QURAN or HADITH which talks about facial coverings...... all you have to do is Cover your body with LOOOSE CLOTHES and HEAD... veiling your face and hands is not compulsory!

Answer 11

Are all muslims terrorists?
ofcourse not i from saudi arabia there r 20 million here and there are 501 tettoset wanted only here 50/20.000.000. and teerosis are dont understand this sura from quran(kill him where u find them) this sura mean kill him f the enemy of islam came to ur home and wanna kill u and this sura in war condetion.

Do all muslims believe you have to convert to the muslim faith or be killed?
killed this is big q and big answer
first i live in very very islamic country and only country in the world judje in shariah law. there r many christian in my country and non-muslim . but maybe kill in war condation only.
What are the basic differences between the Shi-ite, sunni, etc
sunnie like prophet and his friend doin
and shiah and sunna there r no diffrent in quran or sharia but in small details and f u it iis says(shia) the family of prophet muhammed ruler in islam country after muhammed death and sunni says no matter in muhammed family or no his family
Why do women have to wear those facial coverings?

islamic woman hv all the thing she neede and the most important thing the faical waer(hijab) to keep muslam woman PURE andno word here like porn or lesbian....
in islam religon there r no gay and f they they go to presnt
and woman need thing to keep it pure like hijab and many reason go to any islamic offical wep to find ur answer completed
Are all Muslims from the same sect or are there more than one sect within the Muslim faith?
there are one faith but there r little proplem like betweeen shiah and sunni...etc