Topic: Western perception of Islam and reality.

OR Islamophobia – a new challenge to Muslim world

Outline

1. Introduction
Thesis Statement: Islam is a religion of progressive and
peaceful religion, unfortunately, west labeled Islam as
extremist, an orthodox and barbaric religion.
2. Distorted Western perception about Islam
a. Islamic is dogmatic and retrogressive
b. Islam is misogynistic and discriminate against women
c. Islam is against Human rights
d. Islam has authoritative system not democratic
e. Islam is rigid and radical in nature.
3. Causes of misperception of Islam
a. Act of some extremist labeled as act of all Muslims
b. Historical experiences (ottoman Empire, crusaders)
c. Little knowledge about Islamic teachings
4. The reality of Islam
a. Islam encourages scientific advancement and inventions
b. Equal rights for man and woman
c. Islam always Promoted and protected human rights
d. Pragmatic, Impartial and Inclusive Islamic system
5. Roadmap to revamp erroneous western perception about Islam
a. Unity of Ummah
b. Propagation of true Islamic values
c. Resolve inter-sectarian clashes and Promote harmony and peace
between Muslims states
d. Regularize mainstream and social media to promote soft image
6. Conclusion
Essay:

Islam is a religion of peace. The word Islam is derived from Arabic word ‘SLM’
which means peace. The literal meaning of Islam is peace acquired by submitting
oneself to the will of Allah. It is the progressive and peaceful religion which always
remained a true advocate of human rights. However, the western perception
about Islam is an extremist, an orthodox and a barbaric religion, without any
rational and pragmatic approach. West is skeptical of Islamic socio-economic,
political and religious values. The gloomy picture of Islam is based on biased
western literature, historical clashes between west and Islam and little knowledge
about true Islamic values. Furthermore, intra-secular clashes and other internal
challenges paint a bleak picture of Islam. These issues have collectively given rise
to the wave of Islamophobia which perceived Muslims as terrorist and extremist
creature. Such perceptions in west cause hate-mongers which hurt Muslims
sentiments, the Holy Quran was burnt and disrespect of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H),
and the Muslims are vandalized under the shadow of so-called Liberal notion of
freedom of expressions.

Generally, westerns have distorted perception of Islam. They consider Islam as

dogmatic and retrogressive religion which is not as per the requirement of
modern era. They think that other religions have undergone reformation and
modernize overtime while Islam remains against science and technological
advancement. Furthermore, west justified their claim as Islamic scriptures are
hundreds years old and could not meet with the demand of today’s age. Such
thoughts are commonly present in western societies which consider Islam as
inferior religion and not on the mark.

Moreover, Islam is a misogynist religion and discriminates against women, this

thinking is widely spread in west. Accidents like shooting on Malala Yousafzai are
present as a real figure of Islam. The western perception is women have not
freedom and liberty in Islam and they are limited to their houses. If women
covering her body with veil it will be considered as a prison for her. The point
prevalent is west is that Islam encourage violence against women and discourage
them to participate in economic sphere of the country. Women are inferior,
subordinate of her male partner and always remained in a misery, such thoughts
are commonly exist in west.

Undoubtedly, Islam has some strict rules and laws to follow. Capital punishment,
if proved by law, is allowed but forgiveness is preferable. Similarly, cut off thief’s
hand is also a permitted activity in Islamic laws. These things are mean to
eliminate ills of society and establish rule of law and justice. However, west
perceived such activities as a violation of human rights. Even though, they argue
that Islam gives no liberty and freedom to people and always chained them in
Holy teachings. People are restricted to only Islamic teachings and they have not
worldly life to enjoy. Mostly in western media, it is depicted that Islam does not
acknowledge freedom and basic human rights of people.

More importantly, Islam directs that the sovereignty belongs to Allah alone and
all the people are vicegerent of Allah. There must be a rule of law, equity and
justice which are defined by the teaching of Islam. However, in western society
this ideology is perceived as in a negative manner. They take this as against
democracy and completely disregard public opinion. Countries like Saudi Arab,
UAE, Qatar and many other have kingdom and authoritarian government system.
As these systems are against freedom of speech and public opinion. Such views
are chiefly present in the mind of westerners which consider Islam as
incompatible with democracy.

Many of the westerners are of the view that Islam is a rigid religion those who
disagree with said teachings are publicly punished and he has no right to live as
per his own pattern. Muslims clerics have subjugated holy teachings and strict
religious ideology over worldly life. Even minorities have to face rigid ideology.
Incidents like attacks on Holy places of minorities and restrained them to worship
freely are such dreadful examples present in west which entrench negative
thoughts against Islam. They consider Islam as rigid and radical religion as it does
not provide liberty but to restrict followers on only said guidance of Allah.

Nonetheless, one can deny the fact that some followers of Islam are rigid in
nature and always preach Islamic teachings in an extremist fashion but depict this
as actual teachings is a very narrow definition. Unfortunately, some terrorist
groups (ISIS and Al-Qaeda) have linked them with Islam and called their practices
as Islamic. Terrorist attacks like 9/11 by Al-Qaeda and other such attacks in UK,
Belgium and other countries are portraying bleak picture on Islam. However, such
acts of few extremists are labeled as act of all Muslims. Western media depicted
these acts as teachings of Islam and people believed blindly. As terrorist has no
religion, associates terrorism with any particular religion is blaming the whole
religion and its Holy Scriptures. In west, Islam is mostly considered as root cause
of terrorism and Muslims are alleged for promoting violence. Though, these kinds
of opinions hurt the feeling of its follower. However, it is highly observed that
west has shown biasness against Islam and only underscore on those extremist
and terrorist groups which link themselves with Islam. Attack on Muslims
worshipper in mosque in Christruch, New Zealand, mob attacks on Muslims in
India by RSS, and recent attack in Ontario, Canada on Muslim family are such
brutal incidents which are highly neglected by mainstream media. These attacks
on Muslim community are labeled as due to mental disability and frustration of
victim but when any follower of Islam involved in extremist activity are labeled as
Islamic teachings and defamed the entire community and religion. This dualistic
approach clearly shows the prejudice against Muslims and Islam.

Additionally, in pages of history, one can find bloodshed and destructive wars
between Islam and West. Ottoman Empire invasion of southeast Europe and
series of Crusades war are sad episode of history. These wars were fought to
spread religious teaching. Undeniably, the one with more military and economic
power always remained superior on other. At that time especially during the days
of Ottoman Empire, Muslims were in power and they have conquered and ruled
many parts of the world. In these battlegrounds, Islam and West had faced each
other multiple times. However, even in today’s era, most of the people still
perceived Islam as such dreadful religion and accused Muslims for prompting
extremist ideology and war. Horrific examples from history and associates with
religious teachings are not justifiable. If that is so, one can also attach the sad
reality of two devastated wars which were fought in west and holocaust of Jews
by Nazi Germany with today’s developed and civilized Europe. We cannot
torment the feelings of whole community based on Historic accident and act of
few individuals.

Including this, the causes of misperception of Islam are also due to little
knowledge about Islamic teachings. Most of the people, who misrepresented
Islam, are unaware about true Islamic teachings. They have not studied Islamic
text and scriptures and blindly accept what the media have shown to them.
Media exaggerates the act of few and blamed all Muslims for wrongdoing. In such
a manner, Islam perceived as extremist religion which gives birth to terrorist
groups. After 9/11 incident, the ideology of Islam was represented as radical and
violent religion and a wave of hate against Muslims have been presented since
this attack. As people viewed such cruel attacks as Islamic teachings and ignored
actual principles of Islam. This is all due to lack of knowledge about fundamental
doctrines of Islam. Mostly people have biased and distorted knowledge which is
formed by mainstream and social media.

Besides this, Islam always preaches peace, equity and justice. Well-being of
people and a welfare society are among core objectives of Islam. The well-being
of people can only be possible when there is technological advancement and new
innovations which uplift the standard of people. One can witness the science and
technological advancement in medieval era. Islam is supportive of scientific
research that brings benefit to humankind. Prominent scientist like Ibn-e-Sani,
Ibn-e-Hytham, Ibn Musa-al-khwarizmi and many other are known for numerous
discoveries and author of countless books Medicine, Mathematics, Surgery,
Physics Astrology and various other fields.

Furthermore, Quran says: “And for women are rights over men similar to those of
men over women” (2:226). Islam chiefly advocates the rights of women. There is
no discrimination against women they are as equal as their male counter path.
Before advent of Islam, women were buried alive and people consider women as
inferior creature. It is Islam which provided basic right to the women of Arabs and
gave them a superior status according to the teachings of Islam. Prophet
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: “The world and all things in the world are precious but
the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman”. Islam provides right to
women inherit property some 1400 years ago from today. However, countries like
USA and European countries which consider themselves as a champion of Human
rights have not provided right to inherit property till late 19th century. Hence,
Islam gives women their basic rights such as right to do trade, right to access
education and healthcare facilities, right to choose her life partner and right to
participate in economic activities with men.

Furthermore, the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was truly a

significant declaration of Human Rights. Which states; “all mankind are equal,
Arabs have no superiority over non-Arabs and nor non-Arabs have superiority
over Arabs, also white has no superiority over black, nor black has superiority
over white except the piety and good action”. Islam always supported human
rights. Perhaps, it not only gives liberty to people but also protect their basic
human rights. Along with this, it also states its followers to be fair to others, show
kindness to women and equality of mankind.

Similarly, one of the important features of Islam is “Complete code of life”. It is

not just limited to worship of Allah and spiritual aspect but also directs people to
balance between material and moral life. Islam states to enjoy worldly life
according to legitimate and legal way which is guided by Quran and Sunnah. Islam
provides political, economic and social system is impartial and inclusive in nature.
In political system, every affair should be as per will of Allah and man is vicegerent
of Allah. The caliph should be scholar of Islamic teachings and he should rule with
equity, justice and rule of law. Similarly, economic system is of inclusive nature.
Well-being of people is central objective. Islam also encourages private property
and free market economy but restrained people for profit minting on the cost of
the poor. Concentration of wealth and interest are strictly prohibited in Islam.
Lastly, the social system of Islam encourages providing basic privileges to public.
Access to health and education, employment opportunities and social security are
some key features in Islamic doctrine.

It is need of the hour, Muslim should draft some strategies to counter the
challenges of Islamophobia. West propagates against Islam and hurt the feeling of
Muslims. Such thoughts should be address in an effective manner for that Unity of
Muslims Ummah should be the first priority of Muslims countries. Organization
like OIC and GCC should play their required role to unify Muslims on one agenda.
Muslims countries should resolve their bilateral conflicts. Clashes and disputes
within Islamic countries should be eliminated and they must adopt real Islamic
teachings: Peace, harmony and brotherhood.

The foundation of Islamic system is based on peace, justice, supremacy of law and
equity. As west is not aware of such principles and consider Islam as extremist
and violent. Thus, it is a core obligation of Muslims to adopt and preach these
actual doctrines of Islam. However, it also a fact of matter, Muslims have not fully
retained these teachings, even Muslims are abandon from Islamic said principles.
First and the foremost, Islamic countries should adopt these norms to show a true
follower of Islam and the prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). It is the only strategy to
counter the negative image and erroneous perception of Islam.

Notwithstanding, Muslims should also be blamed for their misdeeds. As no fire

can sustain without fuel so is the tainted image of Islam cannot exist without any
wrongful practices of extremist group. Issues like sectarian clashes within Islamic
countries, especially Shia-Sunni conflicts, are root causes of many conflicts. Saudi-
Iran clash, Iraq-Iran war, attack on Yemen and Syria by Saudi-led government are
painting bleak picture on Islam and its teachings. Such practices are not taught us
by our Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Somehow we Muslims also play a role to
promote distorted perception of Islam in west. Peace and harmony should be top-
most priority of Islamic countries to cope up with the challenges like
Islamophobia.

Last but not the least, in the era of globalization, role of media is pivotal.
Mainstream media and Social media can play instrumental role to depict soft
image of Islam. These platforms can increase educational and religious
awareness. Documentaries on Islamic Culture, history and civilization can have
productive outcome to counter distorted perception of Islam. Including this,
Islamic system and principles of justice, equity and peace should present. Example
from the period of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and its companions will be
significantly helpful in the better understanding of Islam. Actual teachings of Islam
should be widespread through such mediums. Besides this, these platforms can
use effectively to counter extremist ideology within Islam. Muslims should fully
explore and make optimum use of social media platforms to promote the cause of
Islam and Islamic world.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, distorted western perception exaggerates hate, fear and hostile

toward Islam and Muslims which is perpetuated by negative stereotype resulting
in bias, discrimination and exclusion of Muslims from social, political and
economic life. Westerners view Islam as dogmatic, against women and human
rights, a radical and extremist religion. Acts of some extremist groups are present
as teachings of Islam. Western media overemphasize some incidents and
defamed the Islam whereas public start believing blindly due little knowledge
about Islam and its doctrines. Undoubtedly, the reality of Islam is far from what
perceived in west. Islam always remained a true advocate of Human and women
rights. Encourage scientific inventions and emphasize on welfare Islamic state.
Against the violent and inhuman practices and always preach the lesson of peace,
harmony and brotherhood. However, there is dire need to revamp the actual
image of Islam, as there are some misdeeds and clashes within Muslims which
lead to such cruel mindset in west against Islam. It is high time to pay undivided
attention to unify whole Muslim community, eliminate sectarian conflicts, putting
own different aside and taking practical stand against such evil ideology which
defamed the Islam.