Why is it often misunderstood?

[mosa]

Why is it often misunderstood?

In today's turbulent world, Islam is often on the front page - mostly for the wrong reasons. Islam means peace; yet some have taken this peaceful way of life and hijacked it into a violent way, and distorted their ideology for personal and political gains. Seeing a faith through explosive world events, and judging it by the actions of a misguided few, is the primary reasons why Islam is often misunderstood.

Islam is sometimes, intentionally misrepresented. Some politicians, religious leaders and media have found an ideal scapegoat in Islam. By associating Islam with the inhumane acts of a handful, they have been successful in driving larger numbers of people to vote for them; to donate towards their ministries; and to read their newspapers, watch their television programs and listen to their radio shows.

However, with an increasing number of Muslims speaking out against this falsehood; the true and peaceful nature of Islam is becoming more evident. Muslims are standing up against terrorism, against the persecution and killing of innocent people, and against those who perpetrate such injustice in the name of any faith.

The very word "Islam" means peace. A fifth of the world's population is reclaiming this peace as their chosen way of life.

[brucegdc]

Moved to Islam area from Belief & Spirituality...

[Blue]

I do not really know why it is so misunderstood, Mosa, but it is something every major religion (and minor) seems to suffer from.

Many of my friends are Islamic by faith, and we all get along fine, and when we meet as Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs, we easily demonstrate our friendships and universal nature as human beings upon an individual pathway through life.

It seems quite obvious to me that what is at fault in all major religions are the few people who have to insist that they should convert others to their own faith and its doctrines and dogmas as if they have some kind of universal truth.
Also at fault, it seems to me are those who assert theocratic law - a dogma - and a political attitude are the basis of a religion, when it is only what is in the heart and soul of the individual which is important.

My friends tend to agree in our meetings and discussions that everyone's path is an individual search, and what they affirm and assert as personal validations of their faiths is individual to them.

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Blue

I do not really know why it is so misunderstood, Mosa, but it is something every major religion (and minor) seems to suffer from.

Many of my friends are Islamic by faith, and we all get along fine, and when we meet as Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs, we easily demonstrate our friendships and universal nature as human beings upon an individual pathway through life.

It seems quite obvious to me that what is at fault in all major religions are the few people who have to insist that they should convert others to their own faith and its doctrines and dogmas as if they have some kind of universal truth.
Also at fault, it seems to me are those who assert theocratic law - a dogma - and a political attitude are the basis of a religion, when it is only what is in the heart and soul of the individual which is important.

My friends tend to agree in our meetings and discussions that everyone's path is an individual search, and what they affirm and assert as personal validations of their faiths is individual to them.

Sounds like a wonderful group of friends, Blue. You are fortunate.

peace,
lunamoth