Will people stop confusing themselves between religion with culture?

Question

This is so annoying on my behalf. Whenever someone says "Islamic Country", they'll think of Pakistan, Iraq, Middle East that's in chaos right now. They think of the barbaric Pakistani culture. Even though that ain't Islam, since it's in an Islamic Country they assume it is Islam.

Why can't these people look at other Islamic Countries? Like Malaysia, Indonesia, the good Muslims in Britain, heck, the good muslims in the U.S. of A. itself. A religion isn't something that's bound to nationality. A religions value is it's teachings.

If it works that way, where do I think when people say "Christian Country"? Hmmm. The U.S. of A.? Oh, they're barbarians. 50% divorce rate, waging war with Iraq, bomb 20 different countries since 1945. Yep, Christianity must be so barbaric.

That's how you guys sound like when you talk about my religion.

So please, would you stop confusing religion with culture?

Answer 1

You teach them how to differentiate a religion and culture. Go ahead do it now.

Answer 2

I truely agree with you. The biggest thing Muslims get attacked on in Britain are forced marriages. The parents that force their children to marry against thier wishes to someone "back home" usually tend to be South Asian. This is their culture and not religion:

"Muslims [Parents] THINK that forcing their offspring into an unwanted marriage IS the Islamic thing to do - of course the girl will resist and be shy about it, and make a fuss, but it will all die down once it is achieved, and she will learn that her parents were really right all along, and end up accepting it, if not being blissfully happy about it."

Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood, Islam For Today, Forced Marriages Condemned

Or if we look toward the Sunnah the Prophet is reported as saying:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: A virgin girl should be consulted about herself; if she says nothing that indicates her permission, but if she refuses, the authority of the guardian cannot be exercised against her will.
Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 11, Number 2088
A woman without a husband (or divorced or a widow) must not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin must not be married until her permission is sought. They asked the Prophet of Allah (may peace be upon him): How her (virgin's) consent can be solicited? He (peace be upon him) said: That she keeps silence.

Sahih Muslim, Book 008, Number 3303

A virgin came to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) and mentioned that her father had married her against her will, so the Prophet (peace be upon him) allowed her to exercise her choice.

Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 11, Number 2091

Yet these people still get both confused. This is becuase many of them are uneducated both in religion and academically.

Answer 3

I know what you mean, Adia. But the countries themselves do it, too. Take Pakistani for example. It deliberately harms women. The rape law, they say you need four witnesses. Why do they ignore the fact that in the Quran that verse is in relation to a man accusing his wife of committing adultery, then being told to bring four witnesses who saw some of the events and if he can't prove it with factual evidence, to shut up? They ignore that Islam says to stone the rapist and the victim is just that---a victim.

They also think that women are so oppressed in Islam. Well, I've studied Islam for 10 years now, and I can tell you, as a convert of 5 years, I am not oppressed at all. Even in divorce, my ex husband is still to support the children and I as though we were still married. This is what the Quran says, too. We have the right to work if we want to and do with our earnings as we please, as well. We have the right to vote. We have the right to choose our husbands.

These people are dopes who think culture is religion. I could just as easily say that because America supports sex outside of marriage and thinks underage mothers are just fine, that this means that Christianity supports this along with killing your children because "God" said. Look at any news website and there will be at least one case of a mother harming her child.

The point is, all muslims don't view everyone the same, and neither do all christians. I think both should just shut up, agree to disagree, and get on with their lives instead of bickering back and forth like little children.

Answer 4

*applauding"
That was wonderful. It's sad times indeed when people mistakenly believe that all Muslims are out to get them. I just have to remember that Americans are always bound to hate "somebody". Do you remember what Americans did to the Japanese? Look at the fuss over Mexicans. Then there were Communists. Now it's us Muslims. Who will the American people hate next?

Answer 5

a lot of people do the same with judaism. i prefer to call it a religion than a culture. i have to admit though that for example, russian jews and russian others are not the same people. so what are you supposed to say now? obviously i just turned it into a culture.

its just an opinion, usually out of ignorance.

Answer 6

Very well said, and THANK YOU! I have been fighting that battle too. The media makes people that the atrocities committed by *some* cultures is actually Islamic practice when in fact it is not.

Answer 7

OK
....all religion is bad not much good comes of it and if you lived on mars it would be the same...religious people of all faiths will never get along we would be better of with no gods at all

Answer 8

well said.....i am with you 100%.....and will also say look at muslims in India :-)..they are far from barbaric.....

before judging ANY religion,one must know it, understand it......ppl here pass blind judgements, thts downright SILLY, and STUPID.

Answer 9

Thank God , the almighty created someone with a brain...

Answer 10

the tar of christianity's culture is difficult to wash away.