ISLAM

ISLAM

Myths about religion

Many people of all ages enjoyed a variety of ethnic foods, handicrafts and other offerings during Sunday’s fifth annual open house at the Masjid Al-Khair mosque on Youngstown’s South Side. Also available was information on the Islamic faith that dispels what many Muslims see as misconceptions about their religion, such as:

Most Muslim people hate the U.S. and Americans. The vast majority oppose certain U.S. policies, especially regarding the Middle East, they see as supporting oppressive regimes.

Islam promotes violence. The religion is one of peace that stresses the sanctity of life and strongly condemns the killing of others.

Islam continues to oppress women. For about 1,400 years, the religion has elevated women’s status in part by giving them the right to divorce, be treated with dignity and assume financial independence.

Jihad and Allah are linked to terrorism. Jihad literally means “constant inner struggle” and “striving in the name of God” and embraces the value of self-control to resist wrongdoing. Allah is Arabic for “one God” not only for Muslims, but a God of Jews, Christians and others.

Extreme dress codes. The Islamic faith advocates modest apparel that discourages people from being viewed as sex objects.

Source: “The 25 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Islam after Sept. 11, 2001,” by Shahid Athar