The Misperceptions About Muslim's and Islam

In Canada, even though there is a general lack of knowledge about religions other than
Christianity -such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism or Sikhism - the mistrust and fears
about Islam exceed any hostility felt against any of these religions.

Judaism and Christianity have their own historical issues, but Islam, even though it is viewed
as one of the Abrahamic religions, does not fare well in the public's perception.

This negative perception has increased since the terrorist attacks of Sept.11, 2001, and even
though this was the action of a few Muslims, all Muslims have been tarnished because of it. It
has been further exacerbated by the rhetoric and actions of the American government. The
rhetoric of the "Axis of Evil" with attacks on Muslim majority countries such as Iraq and
Afghanistan has conflated Islam, Muslims and politics.

It would be dishonest not to acknowledge that some Muslims are adding to the stereotyping, but
the blanket blaming of all Muslims is hard to overcome. As comparisons, the recent incidents of
polygamous Mormons, or the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests, or the abuse of
aboriginal children in residential schools, has not led to any condemnation of all Mormons or
all Christians or all Catholics. This same sane approach is missing for Muslims.

One of the misperceptions is that Islam is a religion of violence. But Islam is not the only
religion that teaches that war is sometimes necessary and justified. Other religions also
openly discuss war. In the Old Testament, there is mention of righteous anger and God tells
Jews to wage war against the Canaanites. The Catholic church had St. Augustine of Hippo, who
initiated the theory of the "Just War" in the fourth century, and Hinduism's great Song of the
God, the Bhagavad Gita, is about duties that include making war when it is necessary.

All religions agree that peace should be pursued first and that there are limitations and
conditions to wage wars, but some wars are seen as just and necessary. Islam has strict
directions that women and children must be protected and trees, fields and crops must not be
damaged in a battle.

Unfortunately, it is Islam and Muslims who are seen as violent with the focus on 'jihad.' Both
the West and some Muslims have created such a mess of this that few know the central message of
Islam.

Islam does address the reasons for wars. It is permissible to fight in the defence of one's
country, one's religious community or injustices against the vulnerable. This permission to
fight is always tempered with many limitations, along with the message that to forgive or
desist is better.

As there were several battles between the fledgling community of Muslims and the tribes around
Mecca and Medina, there are passages in the Qur'an about fighting and battles.

The directions are clear about the right to defend oneself but that to go out looking for
fights is not allowed.

"Fight in God's cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression, for
God does not love aggressors ... fight against them until there is no more oppression."

And again.

"Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged ... those who
have been driven from their homelands ... if God had not enabled people to defend themselves
against one another, all monasteries and churches and synagogues and mosques - in all of which
God's name is abundantly extolled - would surely have been destroyed."

As for those who died in battle the Qur'an states: "Do not think of those who have been slain
in God's cause as dead. Nay, they are alive! With their Sustainer have they their sustenance
... no fear need they have nor shall they grieve ... "

Please note that there is no mention of virgins awaiting suicide bombers.

This permission to fight is seen as specific to the context of seventh century Arabia, but the
principles are applicable for all times. What is often forgotten is that fighting is against
oppression and aggression of others. It is not to be initiated merely because a people or a
country decides to do so.

It bears repeating that, over the centuries, too many countries and peoples have used religion
to justify wars for political or economic gains, but this has nothing to do with the faith
itself. What is occurring now also has more to do with material greed, power and
totalitarianism than with wars of defence or wars against injustices. For example, Laura Bush's
comment after Sept. 11, 2001, that the United States was "freeing Muslim women" in Afghanistan
by attacking the country to oust the Taliban was correctly met with cynicism.

To many of us believers, the message of Islam that we love is expressed in these verses.

"Those who spend freely whether in prosperity or in adversity, who restrain anger, and pardon
all men, verily God loves those who do good."

"Indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will
and resolution in the conduct of affairs."

"The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with the one that is
better, then lo, he with whom you share enmity will become as though he was a bosom friend."

During these times of violence and retaliation, Muslims and non-Muslims need to be reminded of
the Qur'anic verses that demand kindness, restraint and balance.

It degrades Islam if we only focus on battles and wars, and not on living our daily lives with
love and compassion.
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:39:29 -0500 author: Ramabriga