Since western society has been scrutinizing Islam and Muslim countries for some time now (well, really since the beginning of Islam), it’s understandable that we are and will continue to be on the defense. Why wouldn’t we be when they are saying blasphemous things about our beloved Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa sallam), our scholars, our rulings, our Book, and most of all our Allah (theirs too ofcourse).
However, at times like this, its important that we take a step back and really analyze what exactly is being said about Islam and Muslims so that we are able to defend ourselves. Here are some things that have been in the news/media regarding Islam (I didn’t attach exact articles because most of these things are common knowledge nowadays):
– Muhammad had multiple wives including a nine year old (implying pedophilia, etc)
– Muhammad was antisemetic (they’re referring to the Jewish tribes in Madina at the time)
– Islam calls for the oppression of women, slavery, and the killing of infidels and general non-muslims.
Okay, so I started to get angry so I won’t continue on with more of these insane accusations…but you get the idea. For a Muslim that follows the Qur’an and the Sunnah (sayings, actions, and everything he approved of) of the Prophet (saw), these above statements obviously ring COMPLETELY untrue… Islam came to ABOLISH the oppression of women, slavery, and injustice to any living being (including animals, and plants). It is in fact western society that continues to call for the oppression and objectification of women [fashion, gentlemen’s clubs (a clear oxymoron), mental enslavement (the media), etc].
As muslims, we have to realize that we live with western society and therefore, will be affected and influenced by the world around us…there is only one world and we are in it too. We have to get rid of the belief that muslims/muslim countries are impenetrable…we are humans and by default will be influenced by others. Here I will list some of the issues that MANY muslims are dealing with around the world:
– Homosexuality, brothels, prostitution, drugs and alcohol abuse, suicide, and yes even transvestites (gender changes)
– Domestic violence (sometimes in the name of Islam), oppression of women, homelessness, injustice to the poor and needy
Surprising as it may be, these issues are infact true…. Muslims around the world are affected by social issues that many of us are oblivious to. And so we must remember that with every stereotype/lie, there stems a bit of truth…im not saying we listen to the scrutiny nowadays, but we need to realize that muslims DO infact face social issues as well. After realizing and doing some research in these areas, we need to develop plans and organizations for the purpose of assisting muslims afflicted with these issues. It’s really up to us, not non-muslims, to provide foreign aid to our troubled brothers and sisters. And even though guidance comes from Allah, we must do our part as a follower of Islam. We need to refrain from being judgmental and instead be GRATEFUL to Allah that we have been given a good family and an uncomplicated life…compared to others of course.
Islam Guides Me 