How to Stop Viewing Islam As a Bad Religion

Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion with over 1.8 billion adherents[1] that believe in the one and only God ("God" in Arabic: "Allāh") (May He be praised and exalted) and that the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honor Him and grant Him peace) is His final prophet and messenger.

Regrettably, there are various misconceptions about Islam and Muslims spread by unreputable sources that decontextualize information with an anti-Muslim bias. For example, numerous self-proclaimed extremists and terrorists claim to be Muslim while defying Islamic law. Additionally, some believe that Islam is misogynistic, which is also false as Islam wholeheartedly supports women's rights and was early in establishing them.

All anti-Muslim lies are explainable and this article strives to refute as many as possible using textual evidence and discussing seemingly controversial information.

According to a The Huffington Post opinion article, "Terrorism and Islamophobia are two sides of the same coin of hate; they feed off each other. The distorted views of the 'other' held by both terrorists and Islamophobes, along with their extremist ideologies and convictions, are linked in a vicious cycle that is affecting world peace and security."[2]

Part 1
Part 1 of 5:

Separating Faith from Extremism

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    Learn the etymology of the word Islām (Arabic: إسلام). The triliteral root is س لا م, which means "peace" and "submission (to God)". Islam's teachings are centered around peacefulness. Violence and conflicts are to be avoided as much as possible.
    • Note that Arabic is read from right to left, contrary to English.
    • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path" [10:25][3] as well as '[And] "Peace," a word from a Merciful Lord. [36:58]'.[4]
      • These verses refers to Heaven, which Muslims strive to attain.[5]
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    Know that it is pivotal for Muslims to respect their neighbors.[6]
    • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful." [4:36][7]
    • "Abdullah bin Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: "The companion who is the best to Allah is the one who is best to his companion. And the neighbor that is the best to Allah is the one that is best to his neighbor." [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1944, Grade: Sahih][8]
    • 'Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) said "Gabriel continued to recommend me about treating the neighbors Kindly and politely so much so that I thought he would order me to make them as my heirs."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 6014][9]
    • 'Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (or insult) his neighbor; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should entertain his guest generously.' [Sahih al-Bukhari 6475][10]
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    Understand that Islam commands people to respect one another, regardless of faith. Islam emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of different faiths.[11] [12]
    • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):
      • "You only worship, besides Allah, idols, and you produce a falsehood. Indeed, those you worship besides Allah do not possess for you [the power of] provision. So seek from Allah provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned." And if you [people] deny [the message] - already nations before you have denied. And there is not upon the Messenger except [the duty of] clear notification." [29:17–18]
      • "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." [60:8][13]
      • "Would you not fight a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them? But Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers." [9:13][14]
      • "Except those who believe and do righteous deeds and remember Allah very much, and defend themselves after they are wronged. And the wrongdoers will soon know to which place they are going to return." [26:227][15]
      • In Surah Al-Kafirun (#109):[16]
        • Say, "O disbelievers,
        • I do not worship what you worship.
        • Nor are you worshippers of what I worship.
        • Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship.
        • Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship.
        • For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."
      • Non-Muslims cannot be forced into Islam as their faith must be sincere, as stated in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." [2:256][17]
      • "Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors." [5:32][18]
    • Muhammad taught not to give a hard time towards others for their religious beliefs. He let non-Muslims practice their own religion as long as the non-Muslims agreed to pay extra taxes called Jizyah and agreed to live in peace with the Muslims. He didn't ever force anyone to become a Muslim
    • The following ahadith (sayings of the Prophet) exist:
      • "Narrated `Abdullah: During some of the Ghazawat of the Prophet (ﷺ) a woman was found killed. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) disapproved the killing of women and children." [Sahih al-Bukhari 3014][19]
      • 'The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever killed a Mu'ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling)."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 6914][20]
      • 'Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims, shall not smell the smell of Paradise though its smell is perceived from a distance of forty years."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 3166][21]
      • "Narrated A number of Companions of the Prophet: Safwan reported from a number of Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on the authority of their fathers who were relatives of each other. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Beware, if anyone wrongs a contracting man, or diminishes his right, or forces him to work beyond his capacity, or takes from him anything without his consent, I shall plead for him on the Day of Judgment." [Sunan Abi Dawud 3052, Grade: Sahih][22]
      • 'Narrated Buraidah: from his father who said: "Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) dispatched a commander of an army he would exhort him personally; that he should have Taqwa of Allah, and regarding those of the Muslims who are with him; that he should be good to them. He would say: 'Fight in the Name of Allah and in Allah's curse. Fight those who disbelieve in Allah and fight, do not be treacherous, nor mutilate, nor kill a child."' [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1408, Grade: Sahih][23]
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    Understand that Islam only allows fighting to protect people and the religion against harm and oppression. The necessity of fighting is to be analyzed and peaceful alternatives are preferred whenever possible.
    • جهاد‎ (Jihad) means striving or struggling.
    • Several types of jihad exist, including:
      • Jihad al-nafs (jihad against one’s self): Improving one's Islamic faith.
      • Jihad al-Shaytaan (jihad against Satan): Patience and the avoidance of Satan's temptations to commit sinful actions.
    • The conditions for combative jihad include:[24]
      • Muslims must not initiate the fighting. If they are being wronged and oppressed, then the opposite side has initiated it.
        • In the past, when empires such as the Persian Empire existed, Muslims also established an empire. It was either conquer or be conquered. There was still much religious freedom in Muslim-conquered lands.[25] This is termed as "offensive jihad".[26]
      • Peaceful alternatives are attempted before physical combat.
      • No harming the innocent (non-combatants that are women, children, and elderly).
      • No mutilation.
      • No rape.
      • No abuse of captives.
      • The end goal is justice.
      • Halting the fighting if they surrender.
    • The Qur'an contains verses on this matter—often misunderstood, taken out of context by haters of Islam, or quotations altered to omit mentions of conditions, surrendering, and peace (interpretation of the meaning):
      • "Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.
        And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al-Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.
        And if they cease, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
        [2:190-192][27]
      • "Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory." [22:39][28]
      • "For the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking bounty from Allah and [His] approval and supporting Allah and His Messenger, [there is also a share]. Those are the truthful." [59:8][29]
      • "Then, indeed your Lord, to those who emigrated after they had been compelled [to renounce their religion] and thereafter fought [for the cause of Allah ] and were patient - indeed, your Lord, after that, is Forgiving and Merciful" [16:110][30]
      • "And (recall) when the disbelievers were conspiring against you to hold you as a captive, or to kill you, or to expel you. They were planning, and Allah was planning, and Allah is the best planner." [8:30][31]
      • "Except for those who take refuge with a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty or those who come to you, their hearts strained at [the prospect of] fighting you or fighting their own people. And if Allah had willed, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. So if they remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a cause [for fighting] against them." [4:90][32]
      • "And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing." [8:61][33]
    • Linguistic evidence:
      • الَّذِينَ means "those who". Specifically, this refers to the oppressors of the Muslims.
      • الْفِتْنَةُ (al-fitna) in this context means "persecution". Several translators such as Arthur John Arberry, Marmaduke Pickthall, and Muhammad Habib Shakir translated it as such.[34]
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    Know that extremists and terrorists are sinful and misleading hypocrites. ISIS and other so-called "Islamic" groups disregard the plethora of Islamic evidence condemning their actions. They do not tolerate other faiths, and their self-proclaimed jihad is unwarranted. They quote directly from the Qur'an and cherrypick verses without referring to scholars. The overwhelming majority, if not all Muslims wholeheartedly oppose extremism and terrorism—especially in the name of Islam.
    • Terrorist organizations which claim to be Islamic, such as ISIS, murder more Muslims than non-Muslims. They are the true enemies of Islam, and humanity as a whole.[35] [36]
      • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "But whoever kills a believer intentionally - his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment." [4:93][37]
    • The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh has denounced ISIS, saying: "They cannot be considered as followers of Islam. Rather, they are an extension of Kharijites, who rose in revolt against the Islamic caliphate for the first time by labeling Muslims as infidels and permitting their bloodletting."[38] ISIS has performed attacks on the Muslims in Saudi Arabia.[39] [40] [41] [42] Additionally, they destroyed the historical, centuries-old (over 800 years) Al-Nuri Mosque,[43] [44] [45] along with other mosques and historical monuments and sites (such as Palmyra[46] [47] ). Muslims and non-Muslims alike are sorrowful of the loss of these historical treasures.[48]
    • "Letter to Baghdadi is an open letter to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as a theological refutation of the practices of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. It is signed by numerous Muslim theologians, lawmakers and community leaders."[49]
    • Remarkably, the Qur'an denounces hypocrisy (interpretation of the meaning): "And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?" [63:4][50]
    • Suicide, including bombings, are, without exception, prohibited (interpretation of the meaning):[51] "O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]'. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful." [4:29][52]
    • The Prophet Muhammad expressed multiple prophecies regarding this:[53]
      • 'Narrated `Ali: I relate the traditions of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) to you for I would rather fall from the sky than attribute something to him falsely. But when I tell you a thing which is between you and me, then no doubt, war is guile. I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "In the last days of this world there will appear some young foolish people who will use (in their claim) the best speech of all people (i.e. the Qur'an) and they will abandon Islam as an arrow going through the game. Their belief will not go beyond their throats (i.e. they will have practically no belief), so wherever you meet them, kill them, for he who kills them shall get a reward on the Day of Resurrection."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 3611][54]
      • "Abu Dharr reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Verily there would arise from my Ummah after me or soon after me a group (of people) who would recite the Qur'an, but it would not go beyond their throats, and they would pass clean through their religion just as the arrow passes through the prey, and they would never come back to it. They would be the worst among the creation and the creatures. Ibn Samit (one of the narrators) said: I met Rafi' b. 'Amr Ghifari, the brother of Al-Hakam Ghifari and I said: What is this hadith that I heard from Abu Dharr, i. e. so and so? and then I narrated that hadith to him and said: I heard it from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)." [Sahih Muslim 1067][55]
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    Understand the divided scholarly opinions of apostasy (leaving Islam). There are different opinions regarding leaving Islam and opinions regarding consequences. Here is an unbiased overview:
    • In support of this:
      • A hadith reads: "Narrated `Ikrima: `Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn `Abbas, who said, "Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Don't punish (anybody) with Allah's Punishment.' No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.' " [Sahih al-Bukhari 3017][56] . Supporters state that this punishment, which only applies to adults[57] in an Islamic theocratic nation[58] , exists for various reasons (quoted from IslamQA.info):[59]
      • "This punishment is a deterrent to anyone who wants to enter Islam just to follow the crowd or for hypocritical purposes. This will motivate him to examine the matter thoroughly and not to proceed unless he understands the consequences of that in this world and in the Hereafter. The one who announces his Islam has agreed to adhere to all the rulings of Islam of his own free will and consent, one of which rulings is that he is to be executed if he apostatizes from the faith.
      • The one who announces his Islam has joined the jamaa’ah (main body) of the Muslims, and whoever joins the main body of the Muslims is required to be completely loyal and to support it and protect it against anything that may lead to fitnah or destroy it or cause division. Apostasy from Islam means forsaking the jamaa’ah and its divine order, and has a harmful effect on it. Execution is the greatest deterrent that will prevent people from committing such a crime.
      • Those Muslims who are weak in faith and others who are against Islam may think that the apostate has only left Islam because of what he has found out about its real nature, because if it were the truth then he would never have turned away from it. So they learn from him all the doubts, lies and fabrications which are aimed at extinguishing the light of Islam and putting people off from it. In this case executing the apostate is obligatory, in order to protect the true religion from the defamation of the liars and to protect the faith of its adherents and remove obstacles from the path of those who are entering the faith.
      • We also say that the death penalty exists in the modern laws of man to protect the system from disorder in some situation and to protect society against certain crimes which may cause its disintegration, such as drugs etc. If execution can serve as a deterrent to protect man-made systems, then it is more appropriate that the true religion of Allaah, which Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it [cf. Fussilat 41:42], and which is all goodness, happiness and tranquility in this world and in the Hereafter should punish those who commit acts of aggression against it and seek to extinguish its light and defame its image, and who fabricate lies against it to justify their apostasy and deviation." End quote.
      • It is debated whether the punishment should be applied all the time. Some say that it is only when someone lies about Islam and encourages others to leave it, spreading hate.[60]
      • Nonetheless, an ethnocentric external critique (where one judges by their cultural/religious beliefs) is used to criticize Islam due to this. Such arguments are not based objectively, rather, they are subjective. It is not a universalist external critique (i.e. wrong to everybody such as rape).[61]
    • In opposition to this, opposers argue that "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." [2:256][62] contradicts the matn of the hadith. Thus, the hadith is invalid according to opposers.
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    See that religious extremism is also found in other religions. Throughout history, religious extremism has been utilized as a means to attain political power and to take control of land. For instance, the Christian holy wars during the Middle Ages, or the antisemitic rhetoric that led to the Holocaust during World War II. The manipulation of religious teachings for one’s own gain has occurred throughout the ages, though this does not mean it is justified.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 5:

Recognizing Correspondence Between the Two Sexes

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    Learn about notable women in Islamic history. There are a vast number of prominent women in Islamic history. A few are:
    • Khadija bint Khuwaylid was the Prophet's first wife. She was a well-respected businesswoman and elite individual. The Prophet was 25 years old and married Khadija when she was 40 years old—after declining multiple marriage proposals and proposed to Muhammad.[63] [64]
      • 'Narrated `Ali: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "Mary, the daughter of `Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadija is the best amongst the women (of this nation)."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 3432][65]
    • Nusaybah bint Ka'ab was a companion (sahabi) of the Prophet and early convert to Islam. It is said that she protected the Prophet during the Battle of Uhud. After sustaining many wounds, she fell unconscious. Upon waking up approximately a day later, her first question was "Did the Prophet survive?"
    • Maryam bint Imran was the mother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus). After giving birth to Isa, her people accused her of unchastity. Isa then spoke and defended her, which was a miracle from Allah. Surah #19, Surah Maryam tells this story.[66] Allah highlights Maryam's piety in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):
      • "And [mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds." [3:42][67]
    • Fatima al-Fihri, a Muslim woman, founded the first university (University of Al Quaraouiyine) in 859 CE.[68]
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    Realize that Islam commands Muslims to respect their parents, especially mothers. Mothers carry children for nine months and endure great difficulties such as nausea, gestational diabetes[69] , fatigue, and pains (such as muscle cramps and birth pains).[70]
    • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):
      • 'And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims."' [46:15][71]
      • And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.
        And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small."
        [17:23-24][72]
      • "And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do." [29:8][73]
      • "And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination."
        "But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do."
        [31:14-15][74]
      • The ahadith state:
        • 'Abu Huraira reported that a person said: Allah's Messenger, who amongst the people is most deserving of my good treatment? He said: Your mother, again your mother, again your mother, then your father, then your nearest relatives according to the order (of nearness)."' [Sahih Muslim 2548 b][75]
        • 'It was narrated from Mu'awiyah bin Jahimah As-Sulami, that Jahimah came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight (in Jihad) and I have come to ask your advice." He said: "Do you have a mother?" He said: "Yes." He said: "Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet."' [Sunan an-Nasa' 3104, Grade: Sahih][76]
        • 'Narrated Asma': "My mother who was a Mushrikah (pagan, etc.), came with her father during the period of peace pact between the Muslims and the Quraish infidels. I went to seek the advice of the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "My mother has arrived and she is hoping (for my favor)." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Yes, be good to your mother."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 3104][77]
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    Understand that men and women both have rights in Islam. Islam does not advocate for complete equality—instead, justice between the two, each having their own rights and entitlements.[78]
    • For example, a man may marry up to four wives, must attend the Friday communal prayers, and cannot wear gold or silk. Oppositely, women cannot marry more than one husband, Friday communal prayers are optional for them, and they are permitted to wear gold and silk.
    • Gender separation in Islam is primarily practiced by the majority of Muslims in mosques (although some mosques such as Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām have minimal separation). Outside of mosque worship, males and females are free to communicate in public environments (generally meaning that at least one other person is around). Unrelated Muslims of the opposite sex are prohibited from meeting in private without others around (this can open cans of worms—e.g. sexual assault allegations and rape). Gender separation in all public spaces is not a part of Islam.
    • In Islam, women are not prohibited from receiving an education, driving, and having jobs. Women in the Prophet's time rode camels and horses, which are equivalent to cars today.[79] [80]
    • Most religious rulings apply to both men and women. Women must, if able to, pray, fast, perform Hajj, and give charity—just like men. In fact, their husband must financially support them, even if they have a job. Additionally, women can keep 100% of their wealth for themselves and do not have to spend any of it.
    • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):
      • 'But when she delivered her, she said, "My Lord, I have delivered a female." And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, "And the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allah ]."' [3:36][81]
      • 'And their Lord responded to them, "Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another. So those who emigrated or were evicted from their homes or were harmed in My cause or fought or were killed - I will surely remove from them their misdeeds, and I will surely admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow as a reward from Allah, and Allah has with Him the best reward."' [3:195][82]
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    Compare the position of females in Islam to those after. In the Jahiliyyah (Age of Ignorance) before the advent the Prophet Muhammad (where much of mankind deviated from the path of Islam), females were discriminated and treated as property.
    • Having a daughter was shameful. Therefore, newborn girls were buried alive. Islam illegalized this.
      • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):
        "And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.
        He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.
        [16:58-59][83]
      • Allah tells us that on the Day of Judgement, the following will occur while those murdered girls are present (interpretation of the meaning):
        • "And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked
          For what sin she was killed"
          [81:8-9][84]
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    Recognize that Islam provided women with rights over 1,000 years prior to Western civilization.[85]
    • Wife selling was a common English custom, which began in the late 17th century and persisted until the early 20th century.[86] . Allah prohibits the trade and inheriting women like objects as explained in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good." [4:19][87]
    • Islam early, if not first, in establishing inheritance rights for women. Women get a slightly-smaller share, but this is justified because:[88]
      • The closest living male relative must support her, financially, in addition to others including his own family and any other unmarried female relatives he may have. Therefore, the man is at a loss here and this equates to the female's share.
      • Women are free to keep their money and spend it for themselves. They do not have to give it to anyone, except for zakat (charity) if they possess the minimum required qualifying quantity.
    • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):
      • "And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing." [4:32][89]
      • "And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed." [4:124][90]
      • "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do." [16:97][91]
      • "Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward." [33:35][92]
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    Know that Muslim men must respect their wives, and vice versa. Islam stresses the importance of men treating their wives with the utmost honor. Additionally, women must respect their husbands and protect their wealth. The Prophet Muhammad would help out by performing chores and tasks around the household.[93]
    • Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):
      • "And We created you in pairs" [78:8][94]
      • "O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good." [4:19][95]
      • "And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things." [2:231][96]
    • 'Hisham said, "I asked 'A'isha, 'What did the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do in his house?' She replied, 'He did what one of you would do in his house. He mended sandals and patched garments and sewed."' [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Muhammad al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 3, Grade: Sahih][97]
    • 'Narrated Al-Aswad: I asked `Aisha what did the Prophet (ﷺ) use to do at home. She replied. "He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for the prayer, he would get up for prayer."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 6039[98] ,
    • 'I asked `Aisha what did the Prophet (ﷺ) use to do at home. She replied. "He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for the prayer, he would get up for prayer."' [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Muhammad al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 1, Grade: Sahih][99]
    • 'Narrated 'Aishah: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The best of you is the best to his wives, and I am the best of you to my wives, and when your companion dies, leave him alone."' [Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 1, Book 46, Hadith 3895, Grade: Sahih][100]
    • 'Narrated Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "You will be rewarded for whatever you spend for Allah's sake even if it were a morsel which you put in your wife's mouth." '[Sahih al-Bukhari 56][101]
    • The following was stated, among other information, in the Prophet's farewell sermon: "...I advise you to take good care of your women..."[102]
    • "Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The woman is like a rib; if you try to straighten her, she will break. So if you want to get benefit from her, do so while she still has some crookedness."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 5184][103] Simply put, this hadith utilizes symbolism to instruct men not to try to change the nature of a woman—be accepting of her.[104]
    • 'Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best women are the riders of the camels and the righteous among the women of Quraish. They are the kindest women to their children in their childhood and the more careful women of the property of their husbands."' [Sahih al-Bukhari 5082][105]
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    Be aware that Muslim women who dress modestly are not oppressed.
    • In the Qur'an, Allah commands both men and women to observe the hijab (interpretation of the meaning):
      • Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
        And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed."
        [24:30-31][106]
      • "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." [33:59][107]
      • "O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember." [7:26][108]
    • The hijab allows women to be free of being seen as sexual objects as they are in the West. Additionally, they are not obligated to conform to beauty standards by the means of fashion trends and beauty standards—including via risky plastic surgeries and harmful diets. Various styles, patterns, and colors are available for headscarves. Some Muslim women may choose to wear a plain headscarf while another would wear the exact opposite. Some may simply cover their head and body while others will wear the niqab (face veil) and variants thereof.[109] [110] [111]
    • Secondary benefits exist, such as the protection of skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation.[112] The skin of females is approximately 20 to 30% thinner than the skin of males.[113] Wherefore, it is likely that Allah (SWT) prescribed covering the majority of the skin due to his wisdom—the effects of the Sun's rays unknown in the 7th century. It is probable that there are further reasons for this, currently unknown to humanity.
    • Islam instructs women to cover themselves to an extent because they are valuable and dear human beings, just like you would cover your money in your wallet.[114]
    • Women are not required to cover their faces (e.g. with a niqab or burqa). If they do, this should be a personal choice. Also, covering the face is forbidden in the state of Ihram during Hajj.[115] [116]
    • It is inappropriate to demean women and men, labelling them oppressed for preferring to dress modestly and observe the hijab. Stating that they are oppressed also implies that they cannot speak for themselves.
    • "Ethnocentrism is judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture."[117]
    • Read wikiHow's article on How to Understand Why Women Wear the Hijab.
    • Other faiths have a form of head coverings or veils, including, but not limited to: Amish, Caodai nuns, Catholics, Druze, Hindus, Jain, Mennonites, Orthodox Jewish, Sabians, Sikhs, Taoists, Zoroastrians, etc. Mary, mother of Isa/Jesus (may Allah be pleased with her) is portrayed by Christians wearing a head covering over her head. The headscarf is not exclusive to Islam.[118] [119] Anyone, including a non-Muslim, is free to wear a head-covering if they wish.
      • The Bible (which Muslims believe has been corrupted, changed, and/or lost[120] [121] ) reads: "For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man." [1 Corinthians 11:6–7][122]
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    Understand that domestic violence is prohibited in Islam, including "wife beating". The idea that "wife beating" is permissible in Islam stems from the following translation and similar variants thereof of 4:34 in the Qur'an: "Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand."
    • Supporting view: A man is permitted to use minimal physical force when he fears a rebellion. For instance, if the wife is physically harming him or their children, he is permitted to use physical force as a last resort—to inform the wife that she has transgressed upon his rights. This includes using a siwaak, and no more. A siwaak is a small stick or twig used for cleaning the teeth.[123] It is lighter in mass and smaller than a conventional toothbrush. The physical force must not be excessively harsh, cause pain, or humiliating.
    • Opposing view: The other view declares that the Arabic word اضْرِبُوهُنَّ (iḍ'ribūhn) has been misinterpreted as "strike them", but truly means "go away".[124]
      • Verses including 4:101[125] and 5:106[126] contain the Arabic word ضَرَبْتُمْ (darabtum), which originates from the same triliteral root ض ر ب. The utilization in the aforementioned verses means "you travel".
      • In 28:15,[127] where Prophet Musa struck a man (with his fist) to eliminate a fight between two men, a different word, فَوَكَزَهُ (fawakazahu) is used.
      • 'It was narrated that 'Aishah said: "The Messenger of Allah never beat any of his servants, or wives, and his hand never hit anything."' [Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 3, Book 9, Hadith 1984 — Grade: Sahih][128]
      • Laleh Bakhtiar, PhD, translates the verse as follows: "Men are supporters of wives because God has given some of them an advantage over others and because they spend of their wealth. So the ones who are in accord with morality are the ones who are morally obligated, the ones who guard the unseen of what God has kept safe. But those whose resistance you fear, then admonish them and abandon them in their sleeping place, then go away from them; and if they obey you, surely look not for any way against them; truly God is Lofty, Great."[129] [130]
    • Both viewpoints are correct—whether followed simultaneously or individually. They both state that physical force is not recommended, but permitted if needed as a last resort. The latter emphasizes that no physical force may be used when reprimanding and only in self-defense. At most, the Prophet said permitted light non-painful force yet it was discouraged (فَاضْرِبُوهُنَّ ضَرْبًا غَيْرَ مُبَرِّحٍ fadribuhunna darban ghayra mubarrih; literal translation: "beat them, a beating without severity/pain").[131]
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    Understand the Prophet Muhammad's marriage to Aisha. Islam haters are swift in bashing the Prophet Muhammad due to this hadith without seeking explanations from an Islamic perspective: "Narrated `Aisha: that the Prophet (ﷺ) married her when she was six years old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she remained with him for nine years (i.e., till his death)." [Sahih al-Bukhari 5133][132] Nonetheless, there are explanations for this. Historically, lifespans were shorter, and therefore, got married earlier. Societal norms differed (just as the age of consent currently differs from country to country) and girls commenced and completed puberty earlier due to their increased proximity to the equator—hence her maturity.[133] [134] [135] This is also true in hotter climates, according to studies.[136]
    • The definition of a child, according to Encyclopædia Britannica, is "a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority". Legal age of majority differs between jurisdictions and time periods.[137] The definition of pedophilia according to Oxford is "Sexual feelings directed toward children."[138] She was not considered a child because she had experienced puberty. In Islam, accountability and adulthood begins at puberty or age 15 (whichever is experienced first).[139] In history, the age of adulthood has always changed. In most jurisdictions, that is the age of 18. Legally, today, in those jurisdictions, a 40-year-old man can marry an 18-year-old female. If the age of adulthood changes 100 years later from 18 to 20, then would the man be considered a pedophile? What makes age 18 better than age 16, 14, or puberty?[140]
    • Aisha's father, Abu Bakr initially engaged his daughter Aisha to Jubayr ibn Mut'im, but this was later cancelled and Muhammad was engaged to her instead.[141]
    • There are ahadith proving that she did indeed experience puberty (menstrual cycle). One cannot deny these while accepting the aforementioned ahadith as this is cherrypicking authentic sources. They are:
      • Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to lean on my lap and recite Qur'an while I was in menses. [Sahih al-Bukhari 297][142]
      • Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) married me when I was seven or six. When we came to Medina, some women came. according to Bishr's version: Umm Ruman came to me when I was swinging. They took me, made me prepared and decorated me. I was then brought to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he took up cohabitation with me when I was nine. She halted me at the door, and I burst into laughter. Abu Dawud said: That is to say: I menstruated, and I was brought in a house, and there were some women of the Ansari in it. They said: With good luck and blessing. The tradition of one of them has been included in the other. [Sunan Abi Dawud 4933, Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)][143]
      • "Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to embrace me during my menses. He also used to put his head out of the mosque while he was in I`tikaf, and I would wash it during my menses." [Sahih al-Bukhari 2030, 2031][144]
    • When judging historical events, it is important to understand the historical context. Historical context is defined as: Historical context is about events, and generally accepted values and attitudes, that shaped the actions of people in the past. It’s useful to think about historical context, because it makes you aware that the present is also shaped by events, values and attitudes. The point of comparing the past and the present is not to judge the past, but to better understand the present. The past connects to the present, and historical context is part of understanding how.[145]
    • Aisha was smart and intelligent and narrated 2,210 ahadith.[146] [147] [148]
    • The Prophet's enemies at his time never discredited him because of his marriage to Aisha.[149]
    • Marriage among the young was acceptable in European history:
      • Five centuries after the Prophet Muhammad (in the 13th century), King John Lackland of England who was 33 years old married Isabella of Angoulême who was 12 to 14 years old.[150] [151]
      • Lady Margaret Beaufort gave birth to Henry Tudor at the age of 13.[152] [153] [154]
      • Joan of France, Duchess of Berry was betrothed in a marriage contract at the age of 8 days old. She married when she was 12 years old (in the year 1476).[155]
      • Richard of Shrewsbury, 1st Duke of York (4 years old) married Anne de Mowbray, 8th Countess of Norfolk (6 years old) in the year 1477.[156]
      • In William Shakespeare's 16th century Romeo and Juliet story, Juliet is 13 years old.[157] [158]
    • To learn more about this matter, you can read the paper titled "Understanding Aisha’s Age: An Interdisciplinary Approach" written by reverts at the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research.
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    Learn why polygyny is permitted in Islam. Allah says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): "And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]." [4:3][159] . Men may take up to four wives at a time provided that they financially support them all (a requirement for Muslim men on their wife/ves) and treat them fairly. The reasoning behind this is that it prevents extramarital sex, solves the issue of the larger female to male population count ratio, allows divorced and widowed (often older) women to remarry with a higher chance of success, and controls sexually transmitted infections and diseases.[160]
    • Non-Islamic societies permit premarital sexual relations which allow people to have unlimited sexual partners. How is controlled polygny worse?
    • Other religions such as Christianity permit polygyny. The Bible (which Muslims believe has been corrupted, changed, and/or lost[161] [162] ) reads: "Solomon he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines…" (Source: 1 Kings 11:3)[163] [164]
    • Nikah mut'ah (temporary marriage) is haram (forbidden) because it is alike to prostitution. Both involve temporary payments. The intention upon entering a marriage in Islam is that it is permanent. Though divorces are permissible, the couple cannot intend to divorce at the start of a marriage. One hadith, of many that prohibit nikah mut'ah states: "Sabra al-Juhani reported on the authority of his father that while he was with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) he said: O people, I had permitted you to contract temporary marriage with women, but Allah has forbidden it (now) until the Day of Resurrection. So he who has any (woman with this type of marriage contract) he should let her off, and do not take back anything you have given to them (as dower)." [Sahih Muslim 1406 d][165] [166] [167] [168] [169] [170] [171]
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    Understand that rape is forbidden in Islam. The perpetrators, whether they be male or female, not victims, are punished for performing this crime.
    • "Malik related to me from Ibn Shihab that Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan gave a judgment that the rapist had to pay the raped woman her bride- price. Yahya said that he heard Malik say, "What is done in our community about the man who rapes a woman, virgin or non-virgin, if she is free, is that he must pay the bride-price of the like of her. If she is a slave, he must pay what he has diminished of her worth. The hadd-punishment in such cases is applied to the rapist, and there is no punishment applied to the raped woman. If the rapist is a slave, that is against his master unless he wishes to surrender him." [Muwatta Malik Book 36, Hadith 14][172]
    • "Narrated Wa'il ibn Hujr: When a woman went out in the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) for prayer, a man attacked her and overpowered (raped) her. She shouted and he went off, and when a man came by, she said: That (man) did such and such to me. And when a company of the Emigrants came by, she said: That man did such and such to me. They went and seized the man whom they thought had had intercourse with her and brought him to her. She said: Yes, this is he. Then they brought him to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). When he (the Prophet) was about to pass sentence, the man who (actually) had assaulted her stood up and said: Messenger of Allah, I am the man who did it to her. He (the Prophet) said to her: Go away, for Allah has forgiven you. But he told the man some good words (Abu Dawud said: meaning the man who was seized), and of the man who had had intercourse with her, he said: Stone him to death. He also said: He has repented to such an extent that if the people of Medina had repented similarly, it would have been accepted from them.Abu Dawud said: Asbat bin Nasr has also transmitted it from Simak." [Sunan Abi Dawud 4379, Grade: Hasan][173]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 5:

Recognizing Equality of All Races

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    Understand that Islam preaches equality between all races.[174]
    • The Qur'an states (interpretation of the meaning): "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." [49:13][175]
    • "And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge." [30:22]
    • The Prophet said:
      • At his Last Sermon: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone."[176]
      • "O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no favor of an Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin, nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?" [Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal 22978, Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)]
      • "No one is better than anyone else except by religion or good deeds. It is enough evil for a man to be profane, vulgar, greedy, or cowardly." [Shu’ab al-Imān 4767, Grade: Sahih]
      • "Behold! Verily, you have no virtue over one with white skin or black skin, except by favor of righteousness." [Musnad Aḥmad 20885, Grade: Hasan (Al-Albani)]
      • The Prophet (ṣ) would rebuke his companions if they ever denigrated people because of their race, lineage, or status. In one well-known incident, he sternly criticized his companion Abu Dharr for disrespecting Bilal because he was of African descent and had dark skin color.
        Abu Umamah reported: Abu Dharr reproached Bilal about his mother, saying, “O son of a black woman!” Bilal went to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and he told him what he said. The Prophet became angry and then Abu Dharr came, although he was unaware of what Bilal told him. The Prophet turned away from him and Abu Dharr asked, “O Messenger of Allah, have you turned away because of something you have been told?”
        The Prophet said:
        Have you reproached Bilal about his mother? By the one who revealed the Book to Muhammad, none is more virtuous over another except by righteous deeds. You have none but an insignificant amount. [Shu’ab al-Imān 4760, Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)][177]
    • Islamophobes will quote false narrations to mislead others. Please refer to the following citation for more information: [178] .
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    Understand Islam's stance on slavery. Today, slavery is illegal in all Muslim countries. It did, however, exist in the past and during the Prophet's time. The argument that the Prophet had slaves is common among Christian apologists, yet they disregard the fact that some Christians quoted the Bible to justify their slavery of the Africans in America (refer to citations for more details). Nonetheless, the Islamic concept of slavery is drastically different from the Western concept (e.g. punishments and abuse) as it enjoins kindness and there are conditions.[179] [180] [181]
    • Chapter 90 of the Qur'an, which is composed of 20 short verses, states that the righteous path freeing a slave (verse 13).[182] [183] [184]
    • "Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous."[185]
    • Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah says, 'I will be against three persons on the Day of Resurrection: -1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves treacherous. -2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price, -3. And one who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages.' " [Sahih al-Bukhari 2227][186]
    • "Narrated Al-Ma'rur: At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He replied, "I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names." The Prophet said to me, 'O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his mother with bad names You still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them.' "[Sahih al-Bukhari 2227][187]
    • "Ma'rur b. Suwaid reported: I saw Abu Dharr wearing clothes, and his slave wearing similar ones. I asked him about it, and he narrated that he had abused a person during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon. him) and he reproached him for his mother. That person came to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) and made mention of that to him. Thereupon Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) said: You are a person who has (remnants of) Ignorance in him. Your slaves are brothers of yours. Allah has placed them in your hand, and he who has his brother under him, he should feed him with what he eats, and dress him with what he dresses himself, and do not burden them beyond their capacities, and if you burden them, (beyond their capacities), then help them." [Sahih Muslim 1661 c][188]
    • "Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: It is essential to feed the slave, clothe him (properly) and not burden him with work which is beyond his power." [Sahih Muslim 1662][189]
    • "Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When the slave of anyone amongst you prepares food for him and he serves him after having sat close to (and undergoing the hardship of) heat and smoke, he should make him (the slave) sit along with him and make him eat (along with him), and if the food seems to run short, then he should spare some portion for him (from his own share) - (another narrator) Dawud said:" i. e. a morsel or two". 4097" [Sahih Muslim 1663][190]
    • Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "None of you should say, 'My slave ('abdi)' or 'my slavegirl (amati)' All of you are slaves of Allah and all of your women are slaves of Allah. Rather you should say, 'My boy (ghulami)', my slavegirl (jariyyati)', 'my lad (fatayi)' or 'my girl (fatati).'" [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 209, Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)][191]
    • The Prophet freed as many as 63 slaves. His wife Aisha, freed as many as 67. Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf freed as many as 30,000.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 5:

Connecting with Muslim Communities

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    Differentiate cultural beliefs from Islam. Muslims practice their faiths in very different cultural contexts. Muslims living in Indonesia, the country with the largest population of Muslims[192] [193] , have a distinct culture from those living in Iran (located in West Asia) or the former Soviet Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) with a secular legacy when hearing about incidents such as "honor" killings or womens' subjugation, try to understand how various social, political, cultural, sectarian, and religious factors influenced those negative events.
    • Muslim-majority and Islamic nations are all of different economic and political statuses. For example, the Persian Gulf Arab countries (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Oman) and Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan (both located in Central Asia) are wealthy and, for the most part, well off. However, the cultures and political systems in all the countries vary.
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    Take a minute to walk in another religion’s shoes. By putting aside your own religious beliefs and preconceptions, and opening yourself up to understanding another perspective, there is an opportunity for acceptance rather than hate. This does not mean that you need to change your religious affiliation, but rather to know that many people of all faiths are often searching for the same meaning and purpose as yourself.
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    Visit a mosque (masjid), which is a Muslim place of worship. Traditionally, Muslims attend a mosque by removing their shoes when entering, and engaging in prayer five times throughout the day (which some opt to perform at the mosque), in addition to the Friday prayer that is compulsory for men. The prayer is led by the local mosque’s leader, the Imam.[194]
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    Meet and develop friendships with people who are Muslim. Some cities have very diverse religious communities, and make it easier to have interfaith friendships, while other cities may not. Be open-minded about opportunities to learn from people of different religious backgrounds. Listen to their own perspectives on the events occurring across the globe, and learn about their own experiences with their faith.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 5:

Understanding Islam

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    Take note that over 1.8 billion individuals practice Islam. Islam is the second-largest religion after Christianity and is the fastest-growing religion. The majority of Muslims (62%) live in the Asia-Pacific region of the world, but there are many throughout the world.[195] Logically, if all were violent terrorists, then the world would be in ruins as of now.
    • Terrorism often has political, not religious, motives. People usually commit terrorism because they hold extreme views, not because of their religion.[196]
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    Learn about the three levels/dimensions of Islam and their sub-pillars—Islam, Iman, and Ihsan.[197]
    • The five pillars of Islam are:[198]
      • Shahada — the declaration of faith
      • Salah — five obligatory daily prayers, some may opt to pray the additional prayers to attain additional rewards from Allah.
      • Zakah — alms-giving/charity
      • Sawm — fasting during the month of Ramadan (if medically able to do so)
      • Hajj — pilgrimage to Mecca (if physically, medically, and financially able to do so)
    • Iman: The belief in:[199] :
      • Allah (God)
      • His Angels
      • His Books
        • The four books are the: Torah, Zabur, Injil (Gospel of Jesus), and Qur'an.
        • "Muslims accept the original unaltered Torah (as revealed to Moses) and the original unaltered Bible (the Gospel of Jesus/Injil, as revealed to Jesus), in addition to the aforementioned scriptures, since they were revealed by God. But none of these scriptures exist today in their original form or in their entirety. Therefore, Muslims follow the subsequent, final and preserved revelation of God, the Qur’an."[200]
      • the Day of Judgement
      • predestination (qadar) — a scholarly explanation
    • Ihsan — a qualitative level/dimension that embodies excellence, perfection, and righteousness
  3. Image titled Stop Viewing Islam As a Bad Religion Step 27
    3
    Learn about non-controversial aspects of Islam to get a full picture of what Islam truly is. For example, consult trusted resources with the intention of bettering your understanding of. For example, learn about Allah (SWT), his prophets that he has informed us of (such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus), and the afterlife. Read wikiHow's article on How to Learn About Islam.
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References

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