1. If I am a Muslim, it DOES NOT mean that I AM a TERRORIST.
This thinking is the most common now a days ever since 9/11. Just because it is believed that Osama Bin Laden knocked over the world trade towers, it does not mean that everyone who is a Muslim is a terrorist. In fact, Islam is known to be the religion of peace and harmony.
2. Islam does NOT oppress WOMEN.
Ladies seen on television screens around the globe wearing hi’jabs and working are NOT being “oppressed.” It is the countries around the world that have made such laws which make the women oppressed. Infact, Islam gives equality and justice to women. Women are allowed to own their property and belongings and do NOT have to support the family financially. That is the job of the MALE. Islam gives freedom to all.
3. Islam was NOT spread by violence.
It is believed that Islam was spread by people running around with guns and forcing others to believe in the faith. However, one must realize that ISLAM is the religion of peace and harmony. It is forbidden in Islam to force anyone to do ANYTHING against their will. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) spread the beautiful religion by his good deeds towards fellow residents and by properly guiding others to the right path.
4. All Muslims DO NOT marry FOUR wives.
It is allowed for men to have 4 four wives at a time. This does definitely not mean that all Muslims marry 4 wives. If one has enough money and will to support all 4 four wives equally, then he is more than welcome to have 4 wives. However, if one is treated better than other, than this matrimony is not allowed. Conclusively, it is better to have 1 happy wife than 4 satisfied ones 
5. Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) did not “found” Islam and Muslims do not worship him.
Muslims worship the one and only GOD like every other christian or Jew. The god of Moses, Abraham, Jesus and Mohammed. The god is known by ALLAH. Prophet Muhammed was not the “founder.” He is just the last messenger sent by Allah to guide the people in a long line of other Prophets like Moses, Abraham and Jesus. After him, there will not be another messenger.
These are the 5 most biggest misconceptions about Islam and Muslims in the modern era.
I must disagree with you on No. 5. Muslims do not worship one God in three persons. Muslims reject Jesus Christ as true God and true man. Muslims do not worship the Trinity, which includes the Holy Spirit.
Of course, you are right on No. 1
I think your article was very enlightening, and as a Christian, I have learned to be tolerant of everyone. I have a few friend that are Muslim and we will occasionally discuss our different “Good Book”; and while we do not always agree, I respect his words, but I expect the same respect in return. Unfortunately 9/11 has made the wrong impression regarding Muslims and Islam. It is up to the young Muslim community to prove that concept to be incorrect and false.
Great article.
I forgot, as a friend of someone who married a Muslim and travels back and forth to his homeland, man and woman are to respect one another, even thou through out the world, Men just want to be in charge, to be seen taking care of his family. Again I enjoyed this article
in these times of muddled communications it is important to make these things clear
Great article. Very informative and thought provoking.
It is not often that a generalization is correct. Nice job.
I take exception to number 2. You state “Women are allowed…” While it is true that many countries, including the United States, for some time did not permit women to own property and manage their own money, I am highly suspicious of any society which defends itself by starting sentences with “Women are allowed…” This implies to me that women do not have full franchise as self-actualizing adults.
1- Until the Muslim leadership actively disavows terrorism you will wear the mantle of terrorists around your neck. I am talking about the Saudi’s no longer supporting hamas etc etc etc.
2-Islam does oppress women in the western sense of the word. Your women are not free to interact in society this is oppression.
3-I hate to break it to you but your beloved Mohamed Spread Islam through the death of people that would not convert. It wasn’t all peace and good deeds.
4- we never said they did but they can. I have no problem with this.
5. Mohamed is the seal of the prophets. Again I have no problem with this either. And the Muslims do believe in the virgin birth of Jesus the primary difference is they do not worship him as a God they consider him implanted in Marries womb but not the “son” of Allah. This is pretty much a semantic argument in my opinion.
I appreciate your article the only reason I am pointing out the flaws in it is I believe we have to approach things honestly if we ever want to work out our differences. I have a lot of respect for you, I am only giving my opinion because I feel it will further the conversation. Please keep talking, let me know where I am wrong together we can find common ground. You are not my enemy and I am not yours.
I enjoy learning, and only through articles like this do I become aware of some different viewpoints, both in the article, and the commentary the article sparks.
I found this very interesting and informative, but I wish you developed it a bit more.
Very helpful article Zain — in helping us infidels understand Islam better.
I love your explanation of equal rites — and that a man can have up to four wives. Although it is better to have one happy one, as opposed to four satisfied ones.
A purposful article.
Can’t agree with no 3. I’m not singling out Islam here, but at some time or other ALL religions have been spread by violence.
hey thanks guys
i will try and update the loose ends asap
thanks for the feedback.
You have clearly designated what is the job of the male.But it clearly indicates that a women is to know her place in your scheme of things. And that she is not free to express her life outside the general customs as dictated. In my mind that is a subtle oppression. Clearly religion breeds disagreements which lead to war. Better to live and let live and to do others no harm.
BradONeill you realize that until you will come out vocally and denounce Irish terrorism that you and every other Irish person will wear the mantle of terrorists around our necks. And we have been doing it for a hell of a lot longer than the muslim world too.
I think people need to differentiate between society and religion – they are inter-related ideas but are not the same thing. Just because a society enforces regulations and laws about what women can or cannot do, “does not” mean that this is necessarily a reflection of the literary meaning and values in the Quran or Allah’s intentions.
#1 Some terrorists are muslims, but this does not mean all muslims are terrorists. Hilary is a cat lover, but this does not mean that all cat lovers are Hilary.
#2 We just have to accept that there is a black sheep in every religion, culture or society. The muslims that oppress women are the black sheep, but similarly there are oppressors in every culture, religion or society. The media sensationalizes instances where there are muslim individuals who oppress women. Why? to prove their claim, to prove this misconception that islam is blah blah blah. But hey, have you ever thought that there is violence and oppression that occurs in Vietnam, China, Europe and by Christians, Jews…but hey the media and society isnt interested in “there is a vietnamese (using this just as an example, i am from vietnamese background) man who hit a lady” . People would not be as interested or it would not capture as much attention as…”muslim man that hit his wife”
Point being is that, whether or not there is violence in Islam or Islam was spread because of violence or Terrorism, these people who engage in such activities are simply not a representation of the the religion Islam nor is guided by the words of Allah.
Also, if you want to know the truth of Islam, its best to ask someone that is Muslim. It doesnt make sense that people ask a non-muslim about what its like to be a muslim or about islamic doctrines
=)
Great