On September 11, 2001 I
was a freshman in high school and was sitting in my English class watching the towers
fall on that fateful day, and I remember asking my principal if we were under
attack, he said he did not know. Several days later I made a comment of bigotry
towards Arabs and Muslims and was immediately corrected and discipline by said
principal. 2 years later, I watched a countdown on the television for a war in
Iraq. A year later (roughly) I watched a man get his head cut off by a radical
Muslim. I graduated high school in 2005 and joined the US Army as an airborne
infantryman. By the time I left the army I had deployed to Baqubah, Iraq (same
city and sector coincidentally) twice for a total of 26 months. Since I have
been a civilian (October 2010) I have accrued a much different mindset than
what had been inserted into my young and fickle brain. I had been desensitized
and essentially brainwashed to view Iraqis as animals rather than living and
breathing human beings. My investigation into Islam has still been biased a bit
against the religion, along with every other religion, and I now go into it
with a much more open mind than ever before.
The
intent of this paper is to not only address preconceived notions and
misconceptions, but delve into the text of the Quran and discuss how, when, and
why the text has been taken out of context.
“America's
2.5 million Muslims make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to
the Pew Research Center. Many Muslim students face discrimination and some
cases have warranted investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office
of Civil Rights. Muslim groups have reported widespread bias as well” (Shah, 2011). With America being
land of the free and the founding being centered on flight of religious
persecution, the world needs an extensive review of not only Islam, but all
religious beliefs. Though ignorance may be bliss, willful ignorance is just a
shame. The first step to combating a problem is to recognize there is one.
First
and foremost, the biggest shock to most people is how closely related Islam is
to Christianity and Judaism. Some may know they were essentially the same, but
after reading sections of the Quran, especially sections of Joseph, Moses,
Mary, and Jesus it was beyond shocking. The biggest surprise to Christians have
to be that Muslims acknowledge that Jesus existed and walked the earth, but few
never know they acknowledge the virgin birth, that he was a prophet of God, or
that he even performed miracles. Miracles such as: speaking while in the cradle
(Quran 3:46), healing the blind and the leper (3:49), or raised the dead
(3:49)!
“He will
speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the
righteous. (46) She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath
touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He
decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is. (47) And He will teach
him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel, (48) And will make
him a messenger unto the Children of Israel, (saying): Lo! I come unto you with
a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a
bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who
was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I
announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein
verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers” (Quran Explorer , 2006)
Within
the previous 3 verses from the Quran the virgin birth of Jesus, acknowledgement
of Judaism and the future Christian texts, and the miracles performed by Jesus.
It is unclear at what point the religions turned into a rivalry and escalated
to a point where one religion’s followers essentially HATE each other,
(probably since the religion’s birth) which is ironic because no modern
religion (that I know of) teaches to hate fellow man. Especially when
considering the simple fact that both religions share the same God and ancestry
of the human race through Abraham. If these beliefs, books, and prophets were
indeed put into human’s consciousness then the way religions have evolved
(primarily in the Western world) is just further evidence that mankind has
flubbed up more things than they have gotten right. Islam, Christianity,
Judaism, and all other mainstream religious fundamentals seem to hover around a
main theme; love.
The most important thing to discuss and put forth is,
though Islam may be misunderstood by the majority of the Western world, the
religion itself is used as a scapegoat for treacherous acts across the globe.
In the words of Swiss journalist and author, Roger Du Pasquier:
“The
West, whether Christian or dechristianised, has never really known Islam. Ever
since they watched it appear on the world stage, Christians never ceased to
insult and slander it in order to find justification for waging war on it. It
has been subjected to grotesque distortions the traces of which still endure in
the European mind. Even today there are many Westerners for whom Islam can be
reduced to three ideas: fanaticism, fatalism and polygamy. Of course, there
does exist a more cultivated public whose ideas about Islam are less deformed;
there are still precious few who know that the word islam signifies nothing
other than ‘submission to God’. One symptom of this ignorance is the fact that
in the imagination of most Europeans, Allah refers to the divinity of the
Muslims, not the God of the Christians and Jews; they are all surprised to
hear, when one takes the trouble to explain things to them, that ‘Allah’ means ‘God’,
and that even Arab Christians know him by no other name” (Collection of Muslims and Christians, 2011).
The
mainstream media is very quick to the punch of identifying horrible acts as
radical Muslims, and unfortunately this has led to the overall assumption that
all Muslims are terrorists. And a study in 2001 is only evidence to back the
notion that Western media is notorious for this.
American
newspapers depicted Muslims more negatively after September 11, 2001, and significantly
changed in their representation of Muslims a year before September 11 and a
year after the terrorist attack. “The study drew a random sample of ten Sunday
issues of each newspaper (e.g., five issues prior to September 11 and five
issues after the tragic event) and analyzed the editorial content of each
selected issue” (Melina Trevino, 2010). The analysis
revealed that all three newspapers represented Muslims more negatively after
September 11; however they did not change their portrayal of Islam. Each
newspaper had selected more unfavorable terms than favorable and neutral terms
combined for both periods. The dominant negative terms labelled Muslims as
terrorists, extremists, fundamentalists, radicals, and fanatics.
Globalization
seems to be making a difference in the political culture of Islam and what
Americans are familiar with when it comes to Islam in the Western tradition.
Professor Sulayman Nyang from Howard University commented on this in an
interview with Neil Conan.
“I
think one of the root causes of present political malice and predicament is the
nature of political culture in the Muslim world and the manner in which
globalization is making some of these contradictions come to the fore. Muslims
living in the West… would be very much distraught by the fact that the manner
in which they understand Islam and the manner in which they would like to
practice Islam in a democratic society is radically different from the state of
affairs in the Muslim world” (Professor AZIZAH AL-HIBRI, 2001).
This is interesting
because it implies that Muslims in America practice Islam in a different way.
One can only assume the many reasons it is this way is due to not only
misunderstanding of the religion, but also the misinterpretations radical
Muslims have taken. However, a large majority of Muslims do not agree with the
tactics used by radicals and view their actions with disgust.
“…the
terrorist elements… were trying to destroy not only the normalcy in American
society by terrorizing all of us, but more significantly they tried to drive a
wedge between American Muslims and Arab-Americans and the rest of the society.
And I think that's more sinister and more destructive because what happens then
is you have an alien group that is not committed to the democratic process, and
they have grievances against systems that are authoritarian and tyrannical in
their part of the world, if they are actually from that part of the world,
trying to interfere with the lives of Americans and, therefore, trying to get
some kind of sympathy from people who may--in my view, very misguided. And I
think that is the clearest danger, creating a climate of terror and at the same
time undermining, conceptually, the pluralistic lifestyle of Americans” (Professor AZIZAH AL-HIBRI, 2001).
To admit that the radicals are winning their objective to
alienate a people is a bitter drink many do not want to swallow; however, it is
necessary to look at if the human species plans to evolve into something better
than it is already. Without digressing too much, America has a bullying problem
(argument is worldwide, but discussing an in school issue here) and with an
alienated group of people, in this case Muslims, children raised to view them
not only differently but also as a lesser people will cause a much more polar
culture climate and be a heavy obstacle to overcome (i.e. sexism and racism in
America).
Without
speaking for countries outside of the United States, (and while speaking for
several Americans) many people seem to have the notion that radical Muslims
want to cut off your head, and moderate Muslims want a radical Muslim to cut
off your head. Radical Muslims that have been interviewed share the belief that
they are fighting because of Western oppression and killings of Muslims across
the globe. Israeli tactics in Gaza seems to be overlooked by many, as the angle
and twist of the story is these are “bad people.” (I also think it is important
to notate here that when I was attending basic training we were not told to
call them terrorists, but rather bad guys). Majority of Americans get their
news from televised media stations, without going into more than what is
necessary and without digressing too much, it is important to understand that 6
companies own about 96% of the Western media: Vivendi Universal, AOL Time
Warner, Walt Disney Co., News Corporation, Viacom, and Bertelsmann AG. This
information is only for the reader to comprehend how narrow his or her consumption
of media really is. Time and time again satirical informative news show host,
Jon Stewart, has segmented news clips of anchors across the nation reading
their teleprompters with near strict scripting. Again, the main point of this
paragraph is to attempt to broaden the mind of the reader, which only goes to
show that environment one is raised in is a huge factor of thoughts, beliefs,
and even actions. However, at this point huge corporations strictly will not
allow a media company to grow and compromise the order they have put in place.
With this structured media outlet being strained, this is where common
misconceptions are birthed.
A common idea by most Westerners of a Muslim man is a
dark olive skinned turbaned man, with a long beard, and a rolled up rug that he
sporadically throws down and stops everything to mumble something in Arabic. In
all actuality, Arabs only make up about 15% of the Muslim population, with East
Asia coming in first at 69% and Africa at 27%. Though the majority of Arabs are
Muslim (75%), the rest are mainly Christians and Jews (Collection of Muslims and Christians, 2011). With 1.6 Billion
Muslims in the world, Arabs only make a small percentage. Many countries
declare Islam as the state religion, but only Iran has developed their
government as a theocracy, in which the Supreme Leader is viewed as the highest
religious and political leader over its complex structure. It is also important
to keep in mind that Iranians do not like to be called Arab, as they are
Persian. This is a quick way to offend an Iranian. It is improbable to
comprehend with so many countries sharing the same religion, why there is so
much cross boundary and sectarian violence. Especially when the Quran itself says,
“God does not forbid you, with regards to those who fight you not for religion
nor drive you away out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them,
for god loves those who are just” (Quran Explorer , 2006).
This brings us to the next very common misconception of
Islam, religious intolerance. As stated
earlier in the paper, the God of Islam is the same God as the one within
Judaism and Christianity; one God, one maker of the world, one merciful God,
and one owner of judgment. Many people would go to think that Muslims hate Jews
and Christians and vice versa. Without speaking for any party out right, this
only tends to happen within the radical views of the religions. Unfortunately,
radicals exist, not only within Islam, but also Christianity, Judaism, and
other organizations outside of religions, and these radical views tend to be
frowned upon by the majority of the population. The Quran says;
“And
fight in the Way of Allâh[] those who fight you, but transgress not the limits.
Truly, Allâh likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the first one that was
revealed in connection with Jihâd, but it was supplemented by another
(V.9:36)]. (190) And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from
where they have turned you out... And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-Al-Harâm
(the sanctuary at Makkah),[] unless they (first) fight you there. But if they
attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. (191)
But if they cease, then Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (192) And fight
them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along
with Allâh) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allâh (Alone). But if
they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zâlimûn (the polytheists,
and wrong-doers.)” (QuranExplorer).
This passage is used by
many people across the globe when discussing Islam and its misconceptions. Many
people who are hatefully against Islam and view it as the radicalized religion
that is portrayed on Western media news stations (such as Fox News), point to
the phrase, “kill them wherever you find them.” However, what follows after
that short phrase is directions from God to Muhammad on how and where to fight
those that were persecuting Muslims after they fled to Medina. It is also
important to notate that the enemies of Islam at this point were not
Christians, but rather polytheists, as God recognizes Christians and Jews as
people of the book. However, most, if not all radical Muslims certainly turn to
this passage to justify their actions as well. Another passage from the Quran
suggests peace over war. “If they incline to peace, make peace with them, and
put your trust in God” (Longman 352). Religious tolerance is directly implied
as well, in Sura 109.
“Say: O
ye that reject Faith! (1) I worship not that which ye worship, (2) Nor will ye
worship that which I worship. (3) And I will not worship that which ye have
been wont to worship, (4) Nor will ye worship that which I worship. (5) To you
be your Way, and to me mine. (6)”(Quranexplorer).
Passages of peace among
men are found more than once in the Quran and usually followed by a statement
saying that God is all-knowing and merciful.
This is a perfect time to segway to the next common
misconception and quite possibly the most twisted and contorted concept within
Islam, jihad. Islamic jihad is a concept that comes from the Quran and
unfortunately has been twisted many radical Muslims across the world to commit
violent acts of terror against innocent people in every corner of the world.
These non-Islamic acts have quite possibly been the biggest form of distorting
the image of Islam, combine this with Western media and the image is
misrepresented even more. In order to gain a clear and concise understanding of
what jihad is and means, one must rely on the legitimate scripture and look
beyond one line of passage. There are a few questions many non-Muslims have
when referring to jihad. What is the Quranic definition? What is “the cause of
God?” Do Islamic suicide bombers go to heaven as they are lead to believe?
First, there is a literal
definition of jihad, “striving to achieve a goal”, and then there is the
Quranic definition, ““striving with one’s self and one’s money in the cause of
God.” The definition from the Quran is represented in a few different passages,
for reference, “jahadu” is the verb form of jihad (Collection of Muslims and Christians, 2011).
“The
true believers are those who believe in God and His messenger, then attain the
status of having no doubt whatsoever, and strive (jahadu) with their money and
their lives in the cause of God. These are the truthful ones.” 49:15
“Those who believe, and emigrate, and strive (jahadu) in the
cause of God with their money and their lives, are far greater in rank in the
sight of God. These are the winners.” 9:20
“As for
the messenger and those who believed with him, they eagerly strive (jahadu)
with their money and their lives. These have deserved all the good things; they
are the winners” (Quran Explorer , 2006).
As one can see, the
violence of jihad implied by Western media and the ignorance of those unclear
about Islam, these scriptures do not implicate the call for violence,
especially toward innocent people. Next, the investigation into the phrase
“cause of God” must be explored. The strive, or struggle, to uphold God’s
commandments and prohibitions is quite simply “the cause of God.” Therefore, a
jihad in the cause of God is a struggle to live the 5 pillars of Islam and the
struggle to uphold God’s way and law. (An interesting correlation could be made
from the struggle and wrestling with God’s law and prohibitions to Gilgamesh
wrestling Enkidu. Though this paper is not the correct time to do so, further
investigation could lead to interesting conclusions.) Since the concept of
jihad has been distorted so negatively, it is important to implement positive
reconciliation for the word, using passages from the Quran for evidence. The
true “cause of God” does not allow unlawful killing, violence, or illegal acts.
In the Quran and Hebrew bible, god does not advocate sin. In fact, "God
never advocates sin. Are you saying about God what you do not know?" (7:28).
"......
You shall not kill - God has made life sacred - except in the course of
justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand."
6:151
"You
shall not kill any person - for God has made life sacred - except in the course
of justice. ....." 17:33
The ban to kill any
innocent soul has always been the law of God, not only in the Quran but also in
all previous scripture.
"......,
we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who
had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered
all the people.” 5:32
With Quranic evidence the
killing of innocent people is referred to as a gross sin and the Quran
blatantly calls for Muslims to not persecute those who have a different religion.
The Quran commands complete freedom, respect, and joint co-existence must be implemented
with those of other religions. The Quran also commands Muslims to treat non-Muslims
with kindness and hospitality:
"God
does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of
religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be
equitable towards them. God loves the equitable" (Quran Explorer , 2006).
(I was fortunate enough
to witness this type of hospitality in both of my deployments. Every house we
entered we were given chai and bread, even though we were implementing a
military police state in their own country. This was a big culture shock.)
Islamic
hospitality and kindness is unparalleled in Western culture. Whether it be to
strangers, or especially family, the majority of Muslims embrace those God has
created, everyone. The attacks across the globe in the name of Islam, jihad,
and God, are a direct violation of the Quran and the commandments of God, as
the Muslims view God.
By avoiding common mistakes committed by humans across
the globe of stereotyping a group of people by the few bad apples in the world,
the cohesion and love that God speaks of in the Quran and old scriptures this
world might become a better place. However, environment plays a huge role, but
unfortunately ignorance has been playing a larger roll. Fear of something
different than what one is used to seem to take the reins in most people’s
lives. Though this paper touched on only a few preconceived notions and
misconceptions of Muslims, the points that were touched on were the most
relevant to current events and to the audience that may read into this beyond
the classroom. In theory, though man has written both the Bible, texts within
Judaism, and the Quran, the inspiration was directly from one monotheistic God,
the same God. Therefore, it is beyond a shadow of a doubt there will be
similarities within all texts.
Author’s discourse: After
investigating and exploring the texts within the Quran it helped me learn a
great deal more not only about one Islam, but also Christianity. I was raised
by a father who was a Baptist preacher, believe me he would absolutely refuse
to read this paper, and I would refuse to have any sort of debate with him
about the parallels between Islam and Christianity. Before the start of this
paper I had a much different view of the words Islam, Muslim, and jihad. At
first I was reluctant to delve into this topic, but I am certainly glad I did,
and I am certainly glad Arabic and Islamic literature is being instructed on,
as I am sure it will only help to close any type of misunderstood cultural
gaps.
Works Cited
Collection of Muslims and Christians. (2011).
Retrieved 11 13, 2014, from Answering Islam: http://www.answering-islam.org/
Melina Trevino, A. K. (2010). Islam through editorial
lenses: How American elite newspapers portrayed Muslims before and after
September 11, 2001. Journal of Arab
and Muslim Media Research, 3-17.
Professor AZIZAH AL-HIBRI, P. S. (2001, September
26). Analysis: American Muslims discuss common misconceptions about Islam. (N.
Conan, Interviewer)
Quran Explorer . (2006, September 22). Retrieved 11
11, 2014, from Quran Explorer: http://www.quranexplorer.com/Quran/Default.aspx
Shah, N. (2011). Combating Anti-Muslim Bias. Education Digest: Essential Readings
Condensed for Quick Review, 32-35.
