10 biggest Misconceptions about Muslims

10 biggest Misconceptions about Muslims  

1. Muslims live in the Middle East.

   Most of the Muslims (one billion) live in Asia, predominately in south and southeast Asia. More than 300 million Muslims live in Sub-Saharan Africa as well.

The four largest Muslim populations are in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, each home to more than 100 million Muslims.

The Middle East is a vague and often negative term which does not accurately reflect where Muslims live.

The majority of people who live in north Africa, the Arabian peninsula, and southwest Asia are Muslims, but they constitute only about 20% of all Muslims.

2. Muslims are Arabs.

The Arab is a person who speaks Arabic as his or her native language, and only twenty percent of Muslims fall into this category. Millions of Arabs are Christians! There are about 300 million Arabic speakers in the world today. Arabic is the majority language of twenty-three nations. Turkish, Iranian, Indonesian, Pakistani and other Muslims may feel hurt if you assume they are Arab.

3. Muslims don’t believe in Jesus and are not interested in him.

The Muslims highly respect Jesus as a prophet of God and value his teachings. Muslims often name their sons after Jesus, who they call Isa, although they do not understand Jesus as the son of God or understand that he died on the cross for the sins of mankind. The Qur’an, however, mentions Jesus 93 times, teaching that he preformed miracles, was born of a virgin, and will return again as Messiah. Muslims may ask you, “Why don’t Christians follow the teachings of Jesus?”

4. Muslims worship the moon and a Moon-God.

        Here are some Christian groups which teach that Allah is an idol for the moon god. Others mistake the Arabic word Allah as meaning a “moon god” because Islam uses the symbol of the crescent moon. This is a very offensive accusation to Muslims. Allah is the Arabic word for God and is very similar to the Hebrew word El and the Aramaic word Elah. The most fundamental belief in Islam is worshiping the one true God. Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also use the Arabic word Allah for God, as do all Arabic translations of the Bible. There is no other word in Arabic for God. Muslims do not worship the moon. The use of the crescent moon as a symbol of Islam comes from Muslim practice of following a lunar calendar.

5. Muslims support violence and terrorism.

 Vast majority of Muslims are moderate, pious people who suffer more from terrorism and violence than non-Muslims. Ninety-three percent of Muslims do not support extremist views of terrorism.

6. Muslims are engaged in Jihad (war) against us.

There is  meaning of the Arabic word jihad is struggle. It usually means a struggle of one’s soul against the self and sinful desires. Muslims refer to this inner struggle as the greater jihad. Muslims also have social campaigns to end poverty and hunger which they also call jihad.

7. All Muslims are the same and all Muslims are either Sunni or Shi’a.

like as  Christianity, there are many sects of Islam. The two major branches are Sunni and Shi’a, but there are thousands of sub-groups, each having different doctrines, their own theology, and different Islamic schools of thought and law.

8. Islam oppresses women.

Many of the oppression of women by Islam and Muslims that is highly publicized is usually due to local customs and traditions. Muslim women have been presidents and prime ministers. Violence towards women and forcing them against their will is not permitted by Islam. Care for widows, orphans, and the poor is one of Islam’s strongest teachings. Unfortunately, many women are oppressed, However, this is a global issue and not just Islamic oppression. Prevalence of abuse of women is not higher among Muslims than among non-Muslims.

9. Muslims are ignorant and don’t value education.

 The cMuslims place a high value on education. Many Muslims are highly educated with Master’s degrees and PhDs. Many Muslims speak multiple languages. Until the industrial age, Islamic universities were the world leaders in math, medicine, science, law, architecture, and many other fields of study. The scientific method has its basis in Muslim advancement of science. Muslims cite the Qur’an as their encouragement to seek knowledge of the world around them. Many Muslims come and study at our universities, yet today most Muslims are poor and lack educational opportunities.

10. Muslims place little value on women, family life, and children. 

The Muslim community worldwide places a high value on family life. Generations of a family live together, often in the same household. Elderly family members are cared for in this environment; this is viewed as an honor, not a burden. It would be shameful to put them in assisted living or retirement homes. Children are included in all areas of life and usually the center of all family gatherings.

11. Muslims are archaic with little value for culture and the arts.

While Europe was still in the Dark Ages, Muslim societies were making advancements in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, and literature. In fact, the renaissance happened as a result of the ancient and new knowledge reacquired from Muslims universities.

12. Muhammad was the founder of Islam and Muslims worship him.

Muslims believe that Muhammad was God’s last prophet and communicated God’s final revelation. Muslims consider Adam the first Muslim. Muhammad is seen as the best example of how to be a good Muslim. He is held in great esteem, but he is not to be worshiped. Worship is reserved for God alone, and it is strictly forbidden to worship anyone or anything else. Muslims may celebrate Muhammad’s birthday in the same way that we may celebrate Martin Luther King Day or Columbus Day.

13. Muslims are lying about Islam being peaceful.

Most Muslims are moderate, pious, nonviolent people who are trying to honor God in their lives. Muslim scholars who study the Qur’an explain Islam as a religion of peace, and most Muslims see Islam as a religion of peace as well, preferring to let others live as they wish. The media has sensationalized the views of a small percentage of violent extremists as the legitimate understanding of Islam as a community seeking global domination by force.

14. We never hear Muslims speak against terrorism. 

This lie is repeated frequently in the media and unfortunately by Christian leaders as well. Leading Muslim groups and scholars constantly denounce the extreme views of violent Muslims, while teaching against and refuting radical teachings. Google “Muslims against terrorism” and you will see this.

WHY CHOOSE ISLAM

BASIC REASONS WHY CHOOSE ISLAM

1. Close Relationship with the Creator

At the core of Islam is the focus of an individual's personal relationship with God, their Creator. It encourages a believer to have sustained awareness of God which is a key to lasting happiness. 

Islam teaches that God is the source of peace. By focusing on this important relationship and following God's guidance, believers will be able to acquire inner peace and tranquillity. Seeking lasting happiness through other means, such as following one's desires or the accumulation of material possessions, will never fill the void we have. This need can only be filled with the awareness of God. 

True contentment is found in acknowledging and obeying the Creator: "Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest." Quran 13:28 

The primary reason for this close relationship is that Muslims have a direct connection with their Creator. There is no intermediary, such as praying to, or through, others, in worshipping God.

2. Positive Outlook on Life

Islam gives a person a clear perspective on the events that happen in their life, both good and bad, as they are, in fact, tests from God. It encourages a person to understand events in the context of the overall purpose of life, which is to acknowledge God and obey Him. He created humans with intellect and free will to test them as to who will wilfully choose to follow His guidance. This life is an ultimate testing ground and although we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we react. Islam encourages a person to focus on what is in their control, to be grateful to God for blessings, and to be patient during hardships. Patience or gratitude - this is the formula for a happy life. 

Islam encourages the believer to remain free from the extremes of worldly happiness that may cause one to forget God, and the extremes of sadness that may cause one to lose hope and blame God. By not being overly attached to the material world, a Muslim is empowered not only to better handle any calamities, but to be beneficial and generous to society. This leads to a more balanced and optimistic outlook on life.

3. Pure and Clear Concept of God

Unlike other religions, Islam is not named after its founder or the community of its birth. Islam is an attributive title that signifies obedience to God, the Creator of the Universe. One of its main beauties is that it acknowledges the complete perfection, greatness and uniqueness of God with absolutely no compromises. This is reflected in Islam's pure teachings of the attributes of God. 

God is One and Unique:

• God has no partners, no equals and no rivals.
• God has no father, mother, sons, daughters or wives.
• God alone is worthy of all worship.

God is the All-Powerful:

• God has full authority and power over all things.
• Obedience to God does not increase His Power, nor does disobedience decrease His power.

God is the Most High:

• There is nothing above or comparable to God.
• The attributes of God do not resemble that of His creation.
• No part of God is present in anyone or anything.

God is Perfect:

• God does not have any human limitations, such as resting on the seventh day after He created the universe.
• God always maintains attributes of perfection and does not do anything to compromise this perfection such as "becoming a man" as claimed by other religions. God does not do ungodly acts, so if God became man and took on human attributes, he would, necessarily, no longer be God.

4. Emphasises Both Evidence and Faith

Islam is a religion in which faith is based on clear proof. It encourages people to use their God given intelligence to think and ponder over their life and the universe. Although this life is a test, God has provided sufficient signs and guidance to people who are open-minded and sincere to be able to acknowledge the truth. 

"We (God) have certainly sent down Signs that make things clear: and God guides whom He wills to the straight path."Quran 24:46

Unlike other religions, there are many clear proofs, signs and miracles that the book of Islam, The Quran, is from God. 

The Quran:

• Is free from any errors or contradictions, despite it being revealed over a period of 23 years.
• Is preserved, word-for-word, since it was revealed in its original Arabic language, unlike other scriptures which have been distorted, changed or lost.
• Contains a simple, pure and universal message that has a profound effect on all those who are sincerely searching for the truth.
• Contains a unique and inimitable style of language that is universally known as the pinnacle of Arabic eloquence and linguistic beauty - yet the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was known to be illiterate.
• Contains many amazing scientific facts which have only been discovered recently, despite being revealed over 1400 years ago.

The most rational explanation for the many unique and miraculous aspects of the Quran is that it cannot be from other than God.

5. Forgiveness of Sins

Islam encourages a balance between hope in God's mercy and fear of His punishment - both of which are required to lead a positive and humble life. 

We are born sinless but have the free will to commit sins. God created us and knows we are imperfect and commit sins, but the key is how we react to committing those mistakes. 

"Do not despair of God's mercy; He will forgive you of all your sins."Quran 39:53

Islam teaches that God is the Most Merciful and will forgive and pardon those who sincerely want to repent. The beautiful steps for repentance include being sincere, remorseful, refraining from committing the sin as well as having the intention not to repeat it. Islam encourages a continuous process of self-development and self-purification. This process happens directly between the individual and God - there is no need for sins to be shared or "confessed" to a righteous person/priest. Furthermore, God does not need to sacrifice himself to forgive sins, nor is anyone "born into sin".

6. Accountability and Ultimate Justice

Islam teaches that God is the Most Just and that each person will be held responsible for their own actions on the Day of Judgement. Each person is accountable, as they have freedom of choice and intelligence to discern between right and wrong. 

It is an absolute demand of justice that there be a Day of Judgement where every person is rewarded or punished, otherwise life would be unjust as not everyone receives true justice in this world. 

Islam teaches that ultimately we will be judged for how well we fulfilled our responsibilities and exercised our free will. We will be judged by God, the All Knowing and All Wise, who knows and sees everything we do. This encourages a more harmonious society and gives people contentment knowing that justice will ultimately prevail.

7. Practical and Balanced Way of Life

Islam provides the right balance between faith and action, as both are required for a stable life. It provides guidance for all situations and circumstances. It is a practical religion with practical acts of worship that are designed to fulfil the spiritual, physical, psychological and social needs of people. 

Examples of practical acts of worship that have numerous benefits include:

• The five daily prayers - Enriches the soul by satisfying the spiritual need of being in regular contact with God (especially in today's busy lifestyle); makes one humble by bowing and prostrating to God; removes any barriers/pride/racism between believers praying in congregation; helps one refrain from committing sins given the person stands regularly before God.
• The obligatory charity - Purifies a person from selfishness; encourages empathy to the poor; reminds one of the blessings of God; helps reduce poverty; bridges the gap between rich and poor.
• The fasting in Ramadan - Promotes spiritual self-purification, self-restraint and growth; scientifically proven health benefits; empathy and awareness of those less fortunate; trains people to acquire the habit of obeying God.
• The pilgrimage - Unites people of every colour, race, status and nationality, as pilgrims wear simple and similar clothing, while performing a range of good deeds in congregation.

Given that Islam is from God, every command found in the religion is ultimately good and beneficial to the individual and society when practised correctly. Quranic examples include being honest, forgiving, truthful, kind to one's wife, patient, fair, moderate, modest, sincere, and respecting parents, family and the elderly. There are also many principles in the teachings of Islam that prevent or reduce many of the individual and social ills facing the world today.

8. Universal and Timeless Message

Islam has a message that applies to all people at all times, from the creation of Adam up until the Day of Judgement. It is applicable today as it always has been. 

God is accessible to everyone. People may distinguish themselves and earn God's favour through belief and righteous actions only - not through race, wealth, gender, nationality or social class.

Conclusion

Islam's timeless and beautiful message is the same message of all Prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). They all called their people to "Submit to the One True God" which, in Arabic, means to become a "Muslim". This submission to God enables one to fulfil the purpose of life by acknowledging the greatness of God and sincerely worshipping him alone. In doing so, one will acquire the countless benefits of Islam mentioned above.

Scientific benefits of Salah (NAMAZ)

Scientific benefits of Salah(NAMAZ)

Salah is used as a means of seeking solace, forgiveness, and peace through invoking Allah’s (SWT) assistance; it serves as food for the soul. However, the benefits of Salah do not end with the spiritual domain but in fact, encompass the physical domain as well.

Customary Salah involves various physical movements and positions, which have been scientifically proven to have medical and health benefits. Even though Muslims generally offer their daily prayers out of their religious duty, however, modern day science has shed light on the physical advantages of offering Salah. Here are a few of them:

Improves Blood Circulation

The different positions during the Salah help in improving the overall blood flow in the body. People have a lot of issues when it comes to blood pressure where their blood flow is either too high or too low to a certain region in the body. In these cases, the Salah movements help in regulating the blood flow to all parts of the human body. During the Ruku position, for example, blood flow is regulated in the upper body and during Tashahhud, the blood flow in the lower body is regulated.

Improves Digestion

According to scientific studies, the Salah also helps in digestion of the body. For example, during the Quud state, which is basically when the men are sitting down with one foot curled underneath them and the women sit with both their feet under them, the posture is such that it enables and facilitates digestion. It improves liver functions and relaxes the intestines, which in turn facilitates bowel movement in the body. Salah can also help alleviate cases of constipation and overeating.

Relieves Back Pain and Joint Pain

The position of the body during prostration and bowing helps open up and ease the joints. Regular use of the joints keeps them healthy and functioning. Moreover, the position of the Ruku helps in alleviating pain in the lower back by relaxing the ligaments and muscles (similar to yoga). It also helps ease the pain in the spinal cord and the hip joints. Through the vertebral relaxation, backache and vertebral illnesses can also be avoided. The Salah overall relaxes the shoulder joints, elbows, knees, ankles and the hip.

Cardiovascular Health

In essence, Salah is also a form of exercise and it increases a person’s metabolism, which basically improves a person’s overall cardiovascular health. Every Salah that you offer is similar to exercising on a daily basis which improves the overall functioning of the organs in the body and regulates the secretion of glands and blood flow in the body.

Body Yoga

According to modern science, one of the healthiest forms of exercise is yoga and it has been found that the movements during Salah resemble the movements found in the domain of yoga. Yoga, like Salah, rejuvenates the overall bodily mechanisms. It not only aims to keep a person physically fit but also works towards improving a person’s mental well-being. Yoga therapy aims to bring harmony in a person’s life by bringing together all aspects of his/her life including physical, social, spiritual, psychological etc. and creating a full circle of harmony. This is precisely what the Salah aims to do; bring about utter and complete harmony and peace within an individual. Salah also serves as a substitute for stress and anxiety, which yoga also combats.

Overall Cleanliness and Hygiene

One of the most obvious benefits of the daily Salah is the overall cleanliness and purity that the individual achieves. It keeps you in a constant state of purity. Before every Salah, a Muslim must perform ablution, which is cleansing of the mouth, nose, face, ears, neck, hands, arms and feet. Staying in a constant state of cleanliness leads to healthier skin and an overall healthy hygiene. It rids one of germs, allergens and various forms of infections and diseases, which are caused by poor hygiene.

QURAAN ON FASTING AND SCIENTIFIC REVIEW

Fasting

Fasting turned out to have medical benefits.

The 2016 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Japan's Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi for his discoveries of the underlying mechanisms of a physiological process called autophagy. Autophagy is a natural process by which the body degrades and recycles damaged cells, proteins and toxins. Autophagy comes from two Greek words, auto meaning "self" and phagy meaning "to eat." This is the body's way of cleaning house. It happens during starvation, calorie restriction, and fasting. If the body fails to engage in autophagy, damaged cells and structures can accumulate dangerously. Autophagy is one method that the body uses to naturally neutralize cancer cells and degrade cells infected by harmful bacteria and viruses... Today, we are learning that intermittent fasting can deliver numerous health benefits. Overeating can cause significant harm, including increased risks of cardiovascular, weight, blood sugar, brain, mood and other health concerns. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including: 

    1. Decreased diabetes risk 
    2. Decreased cardiovascular risk 
    3. Improved longevity 
    4. Protection against cancer 
    5. Reduced risk of neurological concerns 
    6. Decreased inflammation 
    7. Balanced lipid levels 
    8. Reduced blood pressure 
    9. Reduced oxidative stress 
    10. Balanced weight

LifeSpa, Fasting Research Wins Nobel Prize in Medicine. Is it Right for You?, John Douillard, 2018

In the Quran fasting is an obligation but also adds "But to fast is best for you, if you only knew."

Quran 2.183-184 O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous. For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who are able: a ransom of feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

There are also medical benefits to fasting. In a study done by the Egyptian Institute for Qur’an and Science, doctors recommended fasting due to its benefits in giving the digestive system a rest. For example, it is recognized that fasting is one of the best treatments for acidity in the stomach as well as inflammation of the large intestines. In addition, fasting can strengthen the skin and bones, reduce the risk of gall bladder stones, improve heart function and blood circulation. It can also help with weight loss, making the body lighter on the heart and the bones, specifically the back, legs and feet.

Fasting can enhance one’s mental health by aiding in the alleviation of depression and stress. The senses, such as taste, hearing, touching, and smelling, as well as mind functions, such as memory, significantly improve. There is also an association between fasting and improved fertility in females. An individual becomes less prone to acquiring illnesses such as anemia and even common colds, in a study done by world scientist Eaton Sinclair.

However, fasting has not been prescribed by God simply for dietary reasons. Rather, fasting is an act of worship to God in order to teach mankind self-restraint. In addition to restraining from food and drink, the individual must work on being more patient and forgiving. Muslims are required to refrain from useless talk, be kinder and more generous to others, and utilize and construct time wisely. Since each minute, in essence, is a form of worship to God, the fasting person becomes more aware of their words and actions. Fasting really places the world in perspective and allows one to understand and value his or her existence

Quraan On Pulsars & Black Holes

Pulsars & Black Holes

When large mass concentrates into very small volume it makes a black hole.

Pulsars are rotating neutron stars. Most neutron stars discovered today are in the form of radio pulsars. They are called radio pulsars because they emit radio waves. We can simply connect a radio telescope to a loud speaker and hear a pulsar. Pulsars sound like someone persistently knocking. Click here and listen to a slow knocking pulsar. Click here and listen to a fast knocking pulsar. So in short, we can hear a pulsar knock.

The Quran describes a star by "The one who knocks":

[Quran 86.1-3] And the heaven and the "Knocker" (Tarek in Arabic طارق) How could you know about the "Knocker"? The piercing star (Thakeb in Arabic).

The Arabic word "Thukb" means a hole; "Thakeb" means the one who makes the hole. The Quran is describing a knocking star that makes a hole.

Pulsars are rotating neutron stars. As more matter falls into a neutron star its mass increases and as its mass increases its gravity increases. But gravity is actually curvature of spacetime. A neutron star distorts spacetime. As more matter falls into a neutron star distortion increases. A point will be reached where distortion would have grown so much that it makes a hole in spacetime.

30 Inspirational Prophet Muhammad's Teachings

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last messenger of God. He is the best of creation, he is a role model on how to be of exemplary character, kindness, compassion, mercy, gratitude, thankfulness, abundance, courage, fearlessness, self-reflection, and an unwavering belief in his mission. May these quotes have a profound impact on you to be the best that you can possibly be.

Do not judge people based on what the media portrays them to be. Do your own research and find out what makes this man the finest of men to have graced the earth.

1. “Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is taken from something, it leaves it tarnished.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

2. “The best among you is the one who doesn’t harm others with his tongue and hands.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

3. “A good man treats women with honour.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

4. “The greatest of richness is the richness of the soul.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

5. “There is reward for kindness to every living thing.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

6. “Strive always to excel in virtue and truth.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

7. “The greatest jihad (struggle/striving) is to battle your own soul, to fight the evil within yourself.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

8. “The strongest among you is the one who controls his anger.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

9. “God does not look at your forms and possessions but he looks at your hearts and your deeds.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

10. “Riches are not from an abundance of worldly good but from a contented mind.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

11. “Exchange gifts, you will love one another.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

12. “The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

13. “No two things have been combined better than knowledge and patience.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

14. “Tell people of glad tidings and do not push them away.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

15. “The best of houses is the house where an orphan gets love and kindness.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

16. “The believer does not slander, curse, or speak in an obscene or foul manner.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

17. “A kind word is a form of charity.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

18. “A father gives nothing better than good education.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

19. “Feed the hungry and visit a sick person, and free the captive, if he be unjustly confined. Assist any person oppressed whether Muslim or non-Muslim.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

20. “Seek knowledge from cradle to the grave.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

21. “Do not waste water even if you were at a running stream.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

22. “A white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good actions.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

23. “When a thing disturbs the peace of your heart give it up.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

24. “You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

25. “He is not a true believer who eats his fill while his neighbour is hungry.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

26. “However much the faith of a man increases, his regard for women increases.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

27. “What has reached you was never meant to miss you, and what has missed you was never meant to reach you.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

28. “When you see a person who has been given more than you in money and beauty. Look to those, who have been given less.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

29. “Speak good or remain silent.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

30. “Make things easy for people and not difficult. Give people good news and bring them joy, and do not turn them away.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)