The religion of Islam has been under intense focus and discussions in recent times mainly because of terrorist related activities around the world, and recently, because of the cartoon controversy.

1. MISCONCEPTIONS
ABOUT ISLAM

2. BABAR CHAUDHRY STUDENT OPINION
The religion of Islam has been under intense focus and discussions in recent times mainly because
of terrorist related activities around the world, and recently, because of the cartoon controversy.
While freedom of speech remains a core value in democracy it must carry intrinsic responsibilities
and restrains to avoid violation of rights and hurting the feelings of others. Having been
associated with Arrahman Arraheem Network and being a student of Babar Chaudhry I have
been able to learn the true spirit and the real message of Islam by reading and understanding
the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). With this knowledge I want to respond
to some misconceptions that emerge when media reports terrorist incidents associating it with
Islam and Muslims.

5. Islam religion of Peace: The word ‘Islam’ means total submission to the will of God (Allah) to attain
peace in one’s life. A Muslim chooses to live in peace and shares peace with others around him.
So by ‘definition’ a true Muslim can never be a fanatic since Islam teaches a person to first
become a good human being who is humble, kind, compassionate, balanced, tolerant,
forgiving, thankful, and respects the rights of people of all faiths and beliefs. Islam envisions a
society based on human rights ie rights of parents, women, children, neighbors, elderly and
disabled. It provides security of life, property, wealth, privacy and honor. The Holy Quran in
Chapter 5 Verse 32 (5:32) goes to the extent that “.. whoever kills a person.. it is as if he has killed
the entire humanity, and whoever saves life of one person it is as if he has saved the entire
humanity”. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was very emphatic in stating, ‘A Muslim is one from
whose hands and speech others are safe’.

7. Same Message, Same Respect: Islam is guidance for ‘entire mankind’. It propagates
the same message God revealed to all Prophets and Messengers throughout history
including Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon Job, Joseph, Moses,
Aaron, Zachariah, John, Jesus, Elias, Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, Lot and the final Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon them) (4:163, 6:84-86). A Muslim believes and
respects all Prophets without making distinction in their teachings (3:84). Ridiculing
any Prophet causes the same pain to a Muslim as deriding Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). Furthermore, Islam reveres Mother Mary as ‘the most exalted
among the women of the world” (3:42).
No Compulsion: Islam forbids compulsion or coercion in religion. The right path is
clearly differentiated from the wrong, and it is at the discretion of the individual to
renounce evil and follow what is pious (2:256). When Islamic revelation began in 610
CE, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the first one to demonstrate them through his
character and behavior. Later, Islam spread from Damascus – then under Roman
Empire – to Persia and then to Egypt because of the just and inspirational dealings
of Muslims ensuring ‘justice even for the enemies’ (5:8). Those who did not accept
Islam were allowed to worship according to their beliefs with complete protection
and security.

8. Respect for Parents: The basic unit of any nation is a family.
Without peace in the family there can be no peace, love or
compassion in society. Islam lays strong emphasis on respect
for elders and parents; “..be good to your parents and if
one or both reach old age, do not say a word of disrespect,
nor rebuke them, but speak to them with respect”.(17:23).
One often hears the word ‘fundamentalist’ attributed
negatively towards Muslims. Our Prophet Mohammad
(pbuh), God forbid, followed the fundamentals which Quran
teaches but was neither a terrorist nor an extremist. Hence a
Muslim observing the basic character teachings of Islam in
true spirit, can never be a negative person. Rather, he will
always emerge as a role-model and an asset for any society
in the world.

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Arrahman-Arraheem.com

10. Thank You