Are Muslims fundamentalists?

It is funny how the media labelled us Muslims. When the label 'terrorism' doesn't work, the word 'fundamentalists' is used instead.

Based on current issues, there are a number of misconceptions that is compressed into "labels" by the Western media. There are three main labels that are thrown towards us Muslims:

1) Terrorism
2) Fundamentalism
3) Extremism

TERRORISM

I have answered the issue on "Terrorism" in my last post "Does Islam promote violence?". But I have to say, the word terrorists is not as bad as it looks. Consider this analogy:

A terrorist refers to a person who causes terror. If for example a robber sees a policeman, typically the robber will be terrified. Does this means that the policeman is a terrorists?

So, similarly, every Muslim should be a terrorist too. But only to the antisocial elements in the society who oppose on us Muslims. Antisocial elements are those who, whenever they saw a Muslim, they are terrified. But a true Muslim will not cause terror to the common innocent people. As I have already mentioned in my last post on "Does Islam promote violence?", Islam promotes unity, thus Muslims should be a source of peace for innocent people.

**Besides, why are Muslims labelled as terrorists in the first place? Just because wars happen in Muslim countries? Think about it, they are the victims of political propaganda and media expoitation. During these wars, they lack of food, water and shelter. So, how can they even afford to have bombs and snipers? But wait a minute, I thought there are Western soldiers that always lingers around in these war sites right? I don't remember them holding flowers and candies. Oh yeah, those black n long thingy are guns right? But, what are they doing in these places anyway? And why are the Muslim children such as in Palestin, Iraq, etc are so terrified by these Western soldiers? Could it be that these Western soldiers are the terrorists, instead of the other way around?

FUNDAMENTALISM

This 'label' are often hurled during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Surely, such misinformation often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Islam.

1) Definition of the word 'fundamentalists'

---A fundamentalists is a person who follows the principles of a certain doctrine or theory.

For example, for a person to be a good doctor, he should know, understand, follow and practice the 'fundamentals' in the field on medicine.

2) It is wrong to label 'fundamentalists' to be the same.

It is wrong to blindly categorize fundamentalists as right or wrong. One should base their judgement on a clear basis. The categorization of fundamentals depend upon the field of activity he is in.

For example, a robber who practices the principles of robbery, will definitely cause harm to the society. On the other hand, a doctor who follows the fundamentals of medicine, benefits the society and earns respect from other people.

2) (i) Dictionary meaning of 'fundamentalists':

According to Webster's dictionary, fundamentalists refers to a movement in American Protestanism that occurs in the earlier 20th century. It stressed on the infallibility of the Bible, in matters of faith and moral and emphasizes that the Bible is the literal word of God.
Thus initially, fundamentalism was a word used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was a verbatim word of God without an errors and mistakes.

***Let us look at Muslim fundamentalists

According to the Oxford dictionary, 'fundamentalism' means strict maintenance of ancient fundamentals doctrines of any religion, especially Islam.

***Think about it, are both of these fundamentals considered the same? Judge it on the basis of its "field of activity". For the Christians fundamentalists, they are doing a protest movement. Does protests ever beneficial to humanity? Compare it with the Muslim fundamentalists that is about the maintenance of Islam fundamentals. Maintenance is usually beneficial right? So how can we label 'fundamentalists' to be the same?

3) Muslims as fundamentalists

Muslims are labelled harshly as "too extreme and highly dependant on the 'rituals' of Islam". When I read this (in an article of an Islam critic, which I will not mention), I raised my eyebrow and said:

"Why not? I am proud to be a fundamentalist of Islam."

I am a Muslim who knows, understand and practice the fundamentals of Islam. As a fundamentalist Muslim, I know, the 'field of activity' of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. I also know that there is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interest of human beings as a whole.

So, why should I shy away from being a fundamentalists of Islam? Just because you stereotypes are disturbed by this and does not have fundamentals of your own?

4) In a nutshell

Thus, it is important that before you judge a person, give a fair hearing. Listen to both sides of the argument. Next, analyse the argument and reason the intention of the argument. By then, only you can jugde a person accordingly.

No labelling, stereotyping, double-standards or even prejudicial language should occur in any context of analyzing an issue. Islam fundamentals does not teach this. Yet, Islam promotes peace and unity. We, as Muslims are proud to be fundamentals of Islam.

Hijab: Why do Muslim women cover their heads under a veil?

(This pic was taken from http://www.themuslimwomen.org/)

**The Arabic word 'Hijab' means 'coverlet', 'curtain' or 'veil' in English.

The question about Muslim women and their veil is one of the commonly asked question. The truth is, the image of Muslim women is strongly connected to a number of logical aspect: to uplift the status of women in Islam.

Ironically, the media manages to manipulate other people's perspective negatively towards muslim women via the secular media.

The 'Hijab', or the Islamic dress code is often cited in various examples as a way of oppression of women under the Islamic law.

Answer:-

Before I start to reason the logic of Hijab, let us first study the status of women in societies before the Islamic civilization.

In the past, women were degraded and used as objects of lust to men. The following examples from history illustrates the fact that women in earlier civilization was very low, to the extent that they were rejected on their own basic human dignity:

1) Babylonian Civilization

-Women were degraded and denied all rights under the Babylonian Law.
-If a man murdered a man/woman, instead of the man being punished, his wife will face the death sentence.

2) Greek Civilization

-The Greek civilization was considered as the most magnificent of all ancient civilization.
-Under this 'magnificent' system, women were denied of all rights and were look down upon.
-In Greek mythology, an 'imaginary woman' named Pandora is said to be the root cause of mishaps of human beings.
-That is, they considered women to be subhuman and lowly from men.
-Although the purity of women was precious, and women were held in full admiration, within time, the Greeks were conquered by ego and sexual perversion.
-In the end, prostitution became a regular practice amongst all the classes of Greek society.

3) Roman Civilization

-The Egyptians (Pre-Islam) considered women as evil and as a sign of the devil.

4) Pre-Islamic Arabia

-Before the Islam spreads in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women.
-Very often, whenever they perceive a female child, the child will be buried alive.

**The facts above are taken from reliable sources of books and internet, I will not notify these sources as I hope that the readers will do their own research to prove the authenticity of it.

During the upcoming of Islamic civilization, Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them rights 1400 years ago. Islam never degrades the status of women. Instead, Islam promotes 'Hijab' to maintain the women status and grant them human rights.

HIJAB FOR MEN

Yes, you read it right. It is a mistake to assume that the 'hijab' is only related to women. In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah (swt) did mention 'hijab' for men before mentioning 'hijab' for women.

"Say in the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that they will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do." [An-Noor 24:30]

This verse is in the context that when a man looks at a woman, and at any point, if any bold, shameless thought comes into his mind, a man should lower his gaze.

HIJAB FOR WOMEN

The next verse in Surah An-Noor says:

"And say to the believing woman that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons.." [An-Noor 24:31]

According to the Qur'an and Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet) there are 5 criterias in relation to 'Hijab':

1) The body should be covered. This is different for men and women. For men, it is obligatory to cover at least from the navel to the knees. For women, it is obligatory to cover the complete body except the face and above the wrists (ordinarily appear). If they wish to, they can also cover these parts of the body.

2)The clothes worn should be lose and not reveal the figure or sillhouete of the body.

3) The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.

4)The clothes worn should not resemble the opposite sex. (women dressed like men and vice versa)

5) The clothes worn should not resemble those of other religion. (clothes with special identity or symbols of the other religions)

THE LOGIC IN HIJAB

The 'Hijab' is not only a form of dress code but there is a sense to it. The logic includes the moral of conduct, behaviour, attitude and the intention of the individual.

In simple English, 'Hijab' of the clothes should be accompanied by 'hijab'of the eyes, the heart, thought and intention. It also includes the behavior, i.e the way a person walks, talks, behaves, etc.

1) Hijab prevents molestation

The reasoning of Hijab is mentioned the Qur'an in Surah al-Ahzaab.

"O prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not be molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [al-Ahzaab 33:59]

This verse stated that the hijab has been specified for women so that they are appreciated as modest women, and this will also prevent them from being molested.

Consider this analogy:

Suppose two twin sisters, who are equally beautiful were to walk down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijab (complete body is covered, except for the face and hands up to the wrists). The other is attired in Western clothes (mini skirts or shorts with matching tops).

Just around the corner, there is a hooligan, who is waiting for an opportunity to tease a girl. My question to you is, who do you think the hooligan will choose to tease? The girl wearing the Islamic hijab or the girl wearing the mini skirts?

Naturally, he will tease the girl with the western apparel. Such dresses are, of course an indirect 'invitation' to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. Therefore, the Qur'an rightly says that 'hijab' prevents women from being molested.

2) Capital punishment for the rapist

Under the Islamic Syariah (law), a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given capital punishment. I have been confronted by my non-muslim friends with his fact and they (the non-muslims) labelled Islam as merciless, barbaric religion!

Do you think so too? Well, suppose (God forbid) someone rapes your wife, your mother, or your sister, and you are made the judge for the case. What punishment would you give him?

To them, I asked this and some of them went to the extent of saying that they would torture the rapist to death. I was astonished. Weren't they who says that it is barbaric and merciless? But when it comes to their own personal situation, they would act as what the Islamic law stated. So, why should there be double standards?

3) Western society falsely claims that to have uplifted women

Western talk on women's liberation is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul and honour. Their claims to have 'uplifted' women are false. On the other hand, the status of woman have been degraded in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketers, hidden behind their so called "art & culture".

According to an FBI report, (taken from a statistical report book), in the year 1990, the average of 1756 cases were committed in the USA alone. The report also mentioned that in later years 1900 cases of rapes are reported daily (the year was not mentioned). My view is as the years passed, maybe they got even more "bolder" now.

4) Hijab reduces the rate of rape cases.

Surely the hijab shows positive outcomes. With rape cases reducing, (by applying hijab of course), the society will breathe easier. In a nutshell, hijab does not degrade women, but uplifts them by protecting their modesty and purity.

Does Islam promote violence?

Recently, a video clip called 'FITNA' causes chaos and anger to muslims. If any of you who have not seen it, the video clip emphasizes on how Islam promote violence, bloodshed and brutality.

I have seen the video. While watching, all I can do was shook my head as the case being brought up by the video was just short snippets of war clips. And yes, it was biased.

Answer:-

This misconceptions occur because a few selected verses from the Qur'an are often misquoted. Based on their own assumptions, they concluded that Islam promotes violence, encourages its followers to kill those outside the circle of Islam.

1) Verse from the Qur'an, Surah Taubah:

The following verse is a common quote, used by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality.

"Kill the mushriqeen (non-muslims, pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where you find them." [Al-Qur'an 9:5]

2) The context of this verse is specifically during battle

Actually, the critics of Islam quoted this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah.

From the first verse of Surah Taubah, it says that there was a peace agreement between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (non-muslims, pagans) of Makkah. This agreement was then violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to them (mushriqs) to make amends. Otherwise, war would be declared against them. So, verse 5 of surah Taubah says:

"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, belaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every plot (of war); but if they repent and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." [Al-Qur'an 9:5]

This verse is quoted during a battle.

3) Example of war between America and Vietnam

(Taken from a book by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik)

We know that America was once at war in Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them."

Today, if I say that the American President said "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them," without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during war, it sounds more logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during war.

4) The verse is quoted to boost the morale of Muslims during battle

Similarly, the verse 9 in Surah Taubah, is specifically to boost the morale of the muslims soldiers during battle.

What the Qur'an is telling them is, do not be afraid during this battle, wherever you find the enemies, kill them.

5) Most critics of Islam (including the 'FITNA' video) will jump from verse 5 to verse 7

This is so that they can make their case. But honestly, (giggles) --- any sensible person will realise that they skipped verse 6.

6)Surah Taubah, verse 6, gives the answer:

"If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum (protection), grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure, that is because they are men without knowledge."

Based on this verse (the verse that were skipped by critics of Islam), it stated that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge. Even more, the Mushriq should be escorted to a secure place.

This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur'an to promote peace in the world.

In short, Islam is a religion of unity and peace. The misconceptions arise is nothing but a propaganda and ignorance of some people.

Why is the eating of pork forbidden for Muslims?

Answer:-

It is a well known fact that the consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam. The following points explain the aspects of the prohibition:

1) Pork is prohibited in the Qur'an

The Qur'an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less that 4 different places.

The Qur'an (2:173, 5:3, 6:145, 16:115)

"Forbidden for you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name other than Allah," [ Surah al-Maidah 5:3]

2) Pork is prohibited in the Bible

The Christians will be likely to be convinced by their religious scriptures. In the Bible, pork is prohibited, in the book of Leviticus:

"And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth nor the cud; he is unclean to you."

"Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch, they are unclean to you." [Leviticus 11:7-8]

Pork is also prohibited in the Bible in the book of Deuterotomy:

"And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass." [Deuteronomy 14:8]

The prohibition of pork is repeated in the Bible in the book of Isaiah, chapter 65 verse 2-5.7

3) Pork consumption causes several diseases

The other non-Muslims and atheists will agree only if they are convinced through reason, logic and science. Eating pork can cause an average of 70 different types of diseases.

A person can have various helminthes like roundworms, pinworm, hookworm, etc. One of the most dangerous is Taenia Solium, which in simple English, it is called tapeworm. It harbors the intestine and it is very long. Its ova (eggs) can enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the organs of the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it enters the heart it can cause heart attack. If it enters the eye it can cause blindness. If it enters the liver it can cause liver damage. In short, it can damage almost all of the organs in the body.

Another dangerous helminthes is Trichina Tichinosis. A common misconception about pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die. In a research project done in America, it was found that out of 24 people suffered from Trichina Tichinosis,--- 22 had cooked the pork well. This proves that the ova present in the pork do not die under normal cooking temperature.

4) Pork has fat building material

Pork has very little muscle building material and contains excess fats. This fat get deposited in the blood vessels and can cause hypertension and heart attack. It is not surprising that over 50% of Americans suffer from hypertension.

5) The pig is one of the filthiest animal on earth

The pig lives and thrives on muck, faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger (that I know) that God has produced. In the villages that do not have modern toilets and the village excrete is open, very often the excreta is cleared by pigs.

Some may argue that in advance countries like Australia, pigs are bred in very clean and hygienic conditions. Even in these hygienic conditions, the pigs are kept together in sites. No matter how hard you try to keep them clean, they are filthy by nature. They can enjoy their own, as well as their neighbours' excreta.

6) The pig is the most shameless animal

The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is the only animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate. In America, most people consume pork. Many times after dance parties, they'll swap wives. In example, they may say "you sleep with my wife and I sleep with your wife."

Think about it. Could it be that eating pork promotes pig culture? For most of us, we look at America to be very advanced and sophisticated. Whatever they do, we will follow after a few years. According to an article in Island magazine, even in Bombay, this practise of swapping wives has become common.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to my page,

Before you read any further, please answer these questions honestly:
1) Do you have muslim friends?
2) Do you know anything about Islam? Which part?
3) Are you comfortable whenever a women with a 'hijab' passes by?
4) Do you know what a 'hijab' is?
5) Are you prejudicial towards Muslims?

If your answered 3 'No's and above, then sadly, believe it or not, you are biased towards Muslims.

Through this page, I would like to discuss the misconceptions towards muslims. This is because the Islamic world is facing a cruel and incorrect accusations. As Islam is against racism and discrimination, I believe non of the other religions teaches so too rite? So, why should you be? If you are an atheist, and you are one of those people who have a biased mentality, feel free to comment on my page and tell me which moral values or scientific research that shows the greater good simply by discriminating others.

In short, let us eliminate these wrong ideas about Muslims and Islam that were originally drawn by the West in their dirty political propaganda. Unity is the cure. So, understand us Muslims.