Myths and realities

Neil Payne, January 2006

In this section, the author offers some responses to myths and criticisms of Islam which interculturalists may meet during training sessions.

1 – Muslim women cover their hair because they are forced by their husbands

Yes in some cases this is true, and if it is then this is the fault of the husband as the Quran plainly states that “there is no compulsion in religion.” Where men force their wives to cover their hair this may in fact have more of a cultural, social or community based influence.

The Quran asks of women to dress modestly and to cover their hair. The vast majority of Muslim women do this as an act of obedience to God, not to their husbands.

2 – Muslim men do not shake women’s hands as they consider them unclean

A personal favourite of mine and a complete fallacy. Firstly, it is not just about men. Muslim women may also not shake a man’s hand. Secondly, not all men/women would do this. If one goes to Saudi Arabia the chances are that a hand shake will never take place however in Egypt or Iran you will find the opposite. Thirdly, the reason behind the behaviour has nothing to do with uncleanliness. It is about personal space, respect for gender relations and social harmony.

3 – All Muslims want to die as martyrs

Yes, to die as a martyr is the highest honour for a Muslim but this does not mean a Muslim has to enter battle to do so. The Prophet of Islam stated in a saying that, "The martyrs are of five kinds: One who dies of plague; one who dies of disease of his belly; the drowned; one who dies under the debris, and one who dies while fighting in the way of Allah.'' Note that fighting is mentioned last, which usually means it is the least in worth of the preceding elements.

4 – Islam requires all its adherents to wage Jihad

Jihad is incumbent upon all Muslims, but what is jihad? The jihad of today’s media seems to point to war, bombings and slaughter of the innocent – none of which can be classified a ‘true’ jihad. The jihad of war is one of many manifestations of the concept of jihad. A true jihad of war must however be carried out solely with the intention of doing so for truth and justice and in accordance with strict rules of engagement.

The jihad we do not hear about in the media is the jihad of most Muslims. Jihad means “struggle” and Muslims are encouraged to constantly be struggling against their bad traits such as jealousy, miserliness, back-biting and other egotistical inclinations.

5 – Muslims are taught to hate Christians and Jews

In fact the opposite is true. The Quran and the Prophet of Islam taught to respect and befriend the Christian and the Jew. One only has to look to examples such as Andalusia and the Ottoman Empire to see how Ahle Kitab (the People of the Book) were treated. If any Muslim declares his/her religion teaches hatred against Christians and Jews they are simply misguided.