Islam is ranked as the fastest growing religion in the world, and is predicted to rival Christianity in terms of global population by 2050. However, it is still misunderstood by millions of people, including Muslims themselves. Islam, meaning peace and submission to God, is a religion of ethics, obedience and harmony, and is based on a faithful belief system. Conversely, in various parts of the world, Islam is broadly represented as a religion of intolerance and killing. This portrayal, however, cannot be further away from the truth. Muslims believe that God’s messenger, Prophet Mohamed, was sent to the world as a ‘mercy to mankind’. Prophet Mohamed is introduced in the Qur’an in these words: [And We have not sent you forth but as a mercy to mankind.] (Al-Anbiyaa’: 107) This shows that the Prophet’s distinctive quality is being a blessing incarnate in word and deed, not to prompt killing and suffering. Meanwhile, it is vital to delve into a common confusion and misinterpretation that slowly, but surely adds to the negative portrayal of Islam, the word ‘Jihad’. Contrary to the popular belief, Jihad is not a synonym for combat. In Arabic language, the…
The Misconceptions of ‘Jihad in Islam’ Which Tarnish a Religion of Peace
November 14, 2015
