Islam

Many people harbor anti-Muslim feelings because they don’t understand the teachings of Islam. Ignorance of its teachings has caused people to denounce the reality of Islam. It’s a monotheistic religion of the worship of God, in Arabic Allah. The word Islam means submission, thus a Muslim is one who submits to God. Muslims believe in all the prophets and that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was the last prophet who received the revelations of the Quran, holy book, and spread Islam. There are 5 basic duties of a Muslim known as the 5 pillars of Islam: monotheism and accepting Muhammad as God's messenger, daily prayer, alms giving, fasting the month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Most people think Islam is a violent religion, but in actuality it teaches one to live in peace with our neighbors and respect them regardless of their religion or race. Islam does not teach Muslims to violently force non-Muslims to convert, the Quran says “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things” (2:256). This verse highlights that Islam teaches that no one should be forced into submission and that to be a Muslim is by complete will. People also accuse is Islam of promoting war, but the Quran says “Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just” (60:8). In the Quran it mentions that God hates war and the only reason Muslims are allowed to fight are when they are being exiled from their land or when someone raises war on you because of your faith. Unlike most negative stereotypes would leave one to believe, peace is highly looked upon in Islam.