Misconceptions and media portrayal of Islam

From: inteligencialtda

This article explores common misconceptions about Islam, focusing on how the religion is often portrayed in media and how these portrayals can lead to misunderstandings.

Islam as a Comprehensive Code of Life

Islam is presented as a complete code of life, encompassing all aspects of human existence, from personal behavior to societal structures [01:44:06]. This includes:

• No Separation of Secular and Spiritual: In Islam, there is no separation between the secular (earthly) and the heavenly (spiritual) [01:05:00]. Ethics, spirituality, religion, and faith are all intertwined [01:05:16].
• Consistent Values: A Muslim is expected to maintain the same values and character whether inside or outside a mosque [01:05:39], as a husband, wife, citizen, or in any professional role [01:05:56].
• Guiding Principles: Religious principles are meant to govern politics, ensuring actions are undertaken with values like honesty and truthfulness [01:06:29]. Not deceiving others is a religious precept that transcends any area of life [01:06:39].
• Code for Everything: Islam provides rules for various aspects of life, including business, hygiene, and relationships, drawing from the Quran and the biography of Prophet Muhammad [01:33:50].

Addressing Misconceptions

Theocracy vs. Values

Some people mistakenly label Islam as theocratic [01:17:11]. However, Islamic principles are seen as values that govern a Muslim’s life at all times, rather than a direct mixture of religion and politics [01:17:22]. A Muslim is expected to maintain their values in traffic, negotiations, or while traveling [01:17:54].

Role of Women in Islam

A common accusation against Islam is that it treats women as inferior beings [01:50:01]. However, Islamic teachings emphasize equality between men and women, stating that all human beings are created male and female, and the most preferred in the eyes of God are the most God-fearing [01:50:26].

• Equal Obligations with Accommodations: Obligations like prayer are equal for both men and women, but Islam makes accommodations for women’s natural characteristics, such as menstruation, during which they are not obliged to pray [01:51:14].
• Distinct Roles, Not Superiority: The Quran provides assignments for each individual and character, emphasizing organizational roles within society and family [01:52:19]. The husband’s primary role is to be the protector and financial provider for the family [01:54:29], while the woman’s greatest duty is as an educator, serving as the foundation of society and family [01:54:53]. These roles do not imply superiority of one over the other; both are essential [01:56:09].
• Freedom and Mutual Agreement: Women have the right to work and are not forced to do so [01:55:12]. Couples can mutually agree to exchange roles, such as the wife managing a business and the husband focusing on childcare, as long as it benefits the family unit [01:55:46]. Decisions within a marriage should be made through agreement, as both husband and wife are partners in the “company” of marriage [01:57:19].
• Media Distortions: The media often misrepresents the roles, for example, by suggesting that a woman can be stoned while a man can do as he pleases. This is incorrect, as rules against coveting, lying, and illicit acts apply equally to men and women [01:33:09].

Media Portrayal and its Impact

The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception of Islam, often contributing to misconceptions.

• Sensationalism and Misinformation: When discussing topics like crimes related to drugs and alcohol, it is noted that alcohol is considered the “mother of all evils” in the Islamic view, contributing to car accidents and domestic violence [01:26:02]. The media, however, might simplify or distort these connections [01:25:38].
• Planned Misinformation: There is a perception that some media portrayals are strategically planned to attack religion and create division [03:05:54]. The use of terms like “Islamic terrorist” is seen as an attack on the religion itself, rather than correctly labeling the individual as a criminal [03:03:18].
• Lack of Direct Observation: International news agencies might spread information without having direct correspondents in the exact location, leading to inaccurate reporting [03:07:27].

Terrorism and Islam

The association of terrorism with Islam is a major misconception that is addressed:

• Terrorism as an Individual Choice: Terrorism is defined as an individual choice and an ideology, not an inherent part of religion [03:01:31]. Terrorists from any religion (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, atheist) are simply fanatic groups who commit atrocities based on their own ideology of aggression [03:01:59].
• Misattributing Actions: Often, individuals commit acts due to personal problems (e.g., drug use, relationship issues) and these acts are then wrongly attributed to their religion, especially Islam [03:04:11]. The media might portray such incidents as “Islamic attacks” even when the individual was not practicing their faith [03:04:29].
• Absence of Religious Mandate for Suicide: A person claiming to “die for Allah” while being on drugs and not praying contradicts Islamic teachings, which prohibit suicidal acts [03:04:47].
• Deconstruction of Identity: The constant association of Islam with terrorism is seen as a deliberate attempt to deconstruct the identity of Muslims [03:05:22].

Importance of Knowledge and Skepticism

To combat these misconceptions, the importance of seeking true knowledge and maintaining skepticism is highlighted:

• Conviction through Knowledge: Islamic religion does not accept belief without conviction, and conviction derives from knowledge [03:32:15]. The first revealed verse of the Quran emphasizes acquiring knowledge [03:36:01].
• Identifying Truth: Knowledge helps individuals identify, compare, and determine what is coherent for them, rather than simply following what is presented as truth [03:16:09]. This extends to various aspects, from whether cloning is allowed to the appropriate use of tools [03:16:15].
• Skepticism Towards Information: Individuals are encouraged to be skeptical of information presented as true, especially from reputable sources, and to verify facts themselves [03:08:09]. It’s important to “listen to me, and do not listen about me” [02:43:41], meaning to hear directly from sources rather than relying on secondhand accounts.
• Consequences of Ignorance: Those who sin unknowingly will continue in error, whereas recognizing one’s sin allows for repentance and a return to the correct path [03:13:11]. Denying essential religious laws, however, can lead to ceasing to be a Muslim [03:44:06].
• Unity of Monotheistic Religions: From an Islamic perspective, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are not seen as three different religions, but rather one fundamental monotheistic religion with different stages and updates [03:33:51]. The commonality in beliefs, such as the prohibition of pork and alcohol in their original forms, is highlighted [03:35:04].

Specific Practices and Their Rationale

Islam offers clear guidelines for various aspects of life, with underlying reasons often rooted in health, social welfare, or spiritual discipline.

Dietary Laws

• Pork: Pork and its derivatives are prohibited due to being considered harmful to human health [01:24:55]. This prohibition has existed since the beginning of humanity’s creation [01:26:56].
• Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited due to their harmful effects on society, contributing to accidents, domestic violence, and other social problems [01:25:26]. This prohibition extends to handling, transporting, or selling alcoholic products, even in non-Muslim majority countries [01:28:33].

Dress Code

• Modesty: Both men and women are required to wear modest clothing that is not tight or transparent, and does not define the body [01:30:07]. Men must cover from the navel to the knee, while women must cover their entire body except for the face and hands [01:30:47]. This promotes fidelity and mutual respect, preventing coveting and temptation [01:32:35].
• Practicality: Traditional Arab clothing, including the use of head coverings (like the keffiyeh), also serves practical purposes such as protection from sun and sandstorms in desert environments [02:52:05].

Marriage and Relationships

Islamic principles guide marriage and relationships to ensure stability and happiness:

• Conviction-Based Marriage: Arranged marriages are not encouraged in Islam, as individuals have the freedom to marry whom they choose, provided there is a minimum convergence of values and ethics [02:00:36].
• Respect Over Love: Respect is considered paramount in a relationship, even above love, as it fosters healthy and lasting unions [02:01:46].
• Phased Relationship Development: Physical contact, such as kissing, is reserved for after the marriage contract is finalized [02:20:01]. The emphasis is on getting to know a person’s character, values, and family before emotional or physical attachment, to prevent later regret [02:04:15]. This rational approach aims to ensure long-term compatibility beyond initial passion [02:11:00].
• Marriage as a Partnership: Marriage is viewed as a partnership between two individuals and their families [02:02:51]. It’s important for prospective spouses to consider roles as parents and family members, not just as a couple [02:14:53].
• Divorce: Divorce is permissible within Islam but is governed by rules and parameters to ensure no one is harmed [02:20:12].
• Interfaith Marriage: A Muslim man can marry a Christian or Jewish woman, as their religions share a common monotheistic foundation [02:59:41]. The Muslim husband is obligated to guarantee his wife’s right to practice her religion [02:13:00]. A Muslim woman, however, can only marry a Muslim man [02:26:27], ensuring shared spiritual harmony in the marriage [02:27:45].

Prayer and Rituals

• Five Daily Prayers: Muslims are required to pray five times a day, at specific times from dawn to dusk [03:11:10]. These prayers involve ritualistic movements and recitations from the Quran in Arabic, always facing Mecca [03:16:15].
• Purpose of Prayer: The movements in prayer, such as prostration (placing the forehead on the ground), symbolize humility, self-control, and the recognition of God’s superiority [03:18:50]. It’s a training in humility, simplicity, and ego control [03:20:50].

Charity (Zakat)

• Social Responsibility: Muslims are obliged to pay Zakat, an annual net profit of 2.5% paid by the wealthy to the poor [01:16:50]. This practice is meant to strengthen social ties and foster responsibility within the community [01:19:01]. It addresses social problems by promoting social inclusion and reducing feelings of resentment among the needy [01:21:46].

Fasting (Ramadan)

• Spiritual and Social Function: Fasting during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, based on the lunar cycle) from dawn to sunset [01:47:00] has both spiritual and social functions. It allows individuals to experience hunger firsthand, making them more empathetic and prone to helping those in need [01:47:33].

Historical Coexistence

Historically, Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together peacefully for centuries under Islamic rule, particularly in places like Palestine [02:41:00]. Synagogues and churches were preserved by Muslims during Islamic empires [02:42:29]. The conflicts, such as the one in Palestine, are attributed to specific historical events (e.g., the creation of Israel in 1948), not inherent religious animosity [02:42:51].

Conclusion

Islam, as a comprehensive code of life, emphasizes ethical behavior, social responsibility, and spiritual growth, all derived from knowledge and conviction. Many negative portrayals and misconceptions surrounding Islam, particularly concerning gender roles and terrorism, are often rooted in a misunderstanding of its core principles or are influenced by media representations that may be biased or misinformed. The faith encourages seeking true knowledge and critical thinking to overcome these barriers.