Top 10 Misconceptions about the Quran
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Many years have passed since the Islamic Quran was communicated to the prophet Muhammad. In this religious book, he established the guides of the religion. But, as the time goes by, the world has intertwined together to form a mix of knowledge, beliefs and “truth”. The general population tends to unjustly criticize the Muslim Quran. However, they neither have the required context nor understanding about the Islamic Quran and it’s interpretion by its followers. As such, we present you with the top 10 misconceptions about the Quran. With it you will be able to better comprehend the positive counseling that this wonderful book contains.
Before continuing to read, please remember the following things. First, view this discourse with an open mind. Don’t blur your judgment with the actions of the minority of Muslims actions. Second, even though it may seem I am referring to Muslims in general. However, the reality is totally different. Like any other religions, there are extremist out there that take advantage of the Islamic Quran. They try to “twist” its contents to their own convenience. At the same time, there are Muslims that don’t follow the Quran closely. However, they still feel comfortable with the beliefs that the religion represents. And last but not least, this is one opinion. Its goal is nothing more than to in.
#10: Muhammad Wrote the Islamic Quran
It is a common misconception that the prophet Muhammad wrote the Quran alone. In reality, this is far from truth. The main reason resides on the prophet himself. Muhammad was illiterate, when the revelations appeared throughout his life. His followers memorized or wrote down what he told them and assembled everything after Muhammad’s death.[1]The Religion of Islam – DID MUHAMMAD AUTHOR THE QURAN?
#9: The Islamic Quran, like the Bible or Torah, mostly contains different interpretations
The Islamic Quran is unlike other important holy books, such as the Bible or the Torah. The other tend to be compilations of different books with various authors and separate timelines. Among their writings, they contain dreams, parables, and advice. On the other hand, the Quran is only book, “written” by one man from the perspective of his own time.
Therefore, it is important to analyze each of the Quran verses with deep logical conceptions. If there is still confusion in the meaning, the Quran itself has corrections in future Quran verses.[2]Quora – Is the Qur’an supposed to be taken literally or figuratively? Problematically, the original Arabic language is the original version of the Islamic Quran. Unfortunately, translations tend to change over time. It some cases, one word can change the meaning of an entire verse.[3]The Muslim Times – More than Fifty different simultaneous translations of the Holy Quran in English It is advisable to obtain as-literal-as-possible translations if interested in reading and understanding the Quran.
#8: The Quran Incites War, Terrorism or Violence
When it comes to manipulating any information that is given on any text, it’s easy to highlight the “bad” parts of any phrase and share these “findings” to anyone that possess little knowledge about the subject. The Muslim Quran is a great example of this kind of treatment.[4]Spiritual Perception – Top Five Misquotations Of The Qur’an But why are there “provocative” sentences within the text of the Islamic Quran? To give a little context, at the time that the prophet had some revelations there were confrontations that helped him (and his followers) to guide him in these undesirable situations.[5]al-islam – The Influence of the Character of Prophet Muhammad (s) on the Spread of Islam Even though these kinds of phrases appear in the book, there are a lot more Quran verses that contradict this behavior and welcome peace for everyone.
#7: The Quran doesn’t accept or respects any other religion
There is always some kind of dispute when it comes to describing the one true God. This is a dispute that has lasted since the beginning of time. However, the Islamic Quran contains Quran verses that acknowledge the other religions and highlights their devotion towards the creator.[6]The Muslim Vibe – ISLAM AND TOLERANCE TOWARDS OTHER RELIGIONS It is no surprise that some groups tend to ignore peaceful Quran verses and only justify their actions misinterpreting the writings. In the end, every religion tends to lead every believer to obtain spiritual peace towards God and any other living organism that he or she comes across.
#6: The Quran describes “Jihad” as the Holy War
Politicians and religious groups have taken the wrong concept of the word “Jihad”. They have used it to justify violence towards other people that don’t follow their ideology (especially other religions). The actual meaning of the word, even though a little complex, represents the inner conflict to obtain self-control and betterment. It also encourages the believer in protecting the innocents and to live in peace with other religions.[7]The Islamic Supreme Council of America – Jihad: A Misunderstood Concept from Islam – What Jihad is, and is not
#5: The Quran prohibits Muslims to study science/nature and investigate the truth
The Quran verses presented on the Muslim Quran not only encourage their believers towards science and the search to understand the habitat around them, but it also contains hypothesis for different phenomenon that our present science has yet achieved to prove.[8]why islam – The Quran and Modern Science For example, the studies from Embryology (a branch of biology which was practically impossible to evidence and/or corroborates at that time) are present in the holy book although “religiously encrypted”. still contains the essence of modern science.[9]Human Embryology and the Holy Quran: An Overview
#4: The Quran allows Domestic Violence, especially towards Women
There exists “justified” domestic violence (still present to this day) by Muslim extremist that tend to support their actions with the writings of the Islamic Quran (especially from the teaching of chapter 4, verse 34).
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means.; Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard.; As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next) do not share their beds, (and last) beat (tap) them(lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all). (4:34)
There is a great number of Quran verses that contradict or inhibits such actions in the holy book. If the believer wants acceptance from God, it is commonly known that peace should be achieved within his household.[10]why islam – Islam & Domestic Violence
#3: The Quran encourages women to be servants and/or to sit at home for the rest of their life
As stated before in this article, the Islamic Quran not only accepts the study of any science but it actually inspires any Muslim to educate, elaborate critical thinking and practice their career. Through the writings, the Quran address this privilege to humankind (not only man) and therefore any Muslim women have the right to study and/or work if she desires.[11]why islam – The Importance of Girls’ Education in Islam
#2: The Quran states the type of dress for women (Hijab)
This misconception is probably the best know through any mainstream media when it comes to Muslim women’s clothing, especially those photos of women all covered in obscure veils, such as a Hijab, when they leave their household. The only mentions of a “proper” dress code in the Islamic Quran (about righteousness and modesty) tend to change according to different beliefs and laws around the world. Therefore, the Muslim women’s clothing is ruled by the country the women reside and the leaders of each Islamic branch.[12]Submission.org – Women’s Dress Code Acording to Quran Just like education/work, everyone, women included, have the right to decide for themselves and shouldn’t be restricted to any Muslim country.
#1: The Quran encourages polygamy
As time pass by, the need for polygamy in Muslim cultures is almost unnecessary. When the Islamic Quran was first written, the requirement was that the orphans (probably due to conflicts of war) should be adopted and taken care off. At the same time, it was recommended to have more than one widowed wife that had no independent means of financial support. Today, even though it’s still permitted (in some Muslim countries), the ways to legitimize one such marriage have changed and women have the tools to support themselves financially.[13]Islami City – A Quranic perspective on Polygamy
Conclusion
Within these Misconceptions, we tried to cover a lot of different topics that arise when it comes to the understanding of the Islamic Quran, from the conception of the holy book to the Muslim women dressing. Even though there is a wide range of topics, the common ground is still the same (even with the other religions):
- Love your Creator with all your heart and live peacefully with every being that exists in this World.
- There is no better gift than finding happiness with ourselves. Share a positive attitude to our family, friends and the rest of the society.
- Human beings works best when they are a united force with the rest of the humankind. Find peace, not war.
The Muslim Quran shares this knowledge to everyone. However, a few extremist’s actions that manipulate its contents for their own agenda constantly overshadow it. Which means that if you know someone that practices the contents of the Islamic Quran, treat them nicely, respect their beliefs and (if you like) ask them about their religion and keep a cool and civilized conversation. Who knows, it might help you learn a new thing or two about their beliefs.
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