Scanning the media in the non-Islamic world, you may perceive the image of Islam as a religion living in the Dark Ages at war with itself and humanity. It is often portrayed as a brutal religion associated with extremism and terrorism. Acts like those of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and al-Qaeda—known for chopping non-Muslim and Muslim heads, conducting suicide bombings on civilians, and attacking and killing innocent people across the world—are highlighted as examples. Muslims may call Islam a religion of peace; however, the media describe it as a religion of war and atrocities, a religion that spreads by the sword.
Reading the media, you would also think that Islam subjugates women, treats them as second-class citizens, ascribes them the status of a servant, forces them to wear hijab, mutilates their genitals, ascribes them little or no rights—basically living in a chauvinistic man’s world.
You would also think that Islam religious practices are out of date, meaningless, and arduous practices that are difficult to follow in our current socioeconomic environment. Islamic sharia law is out of alignment with current society, representing practices of the seventh to the twelfth centuries and therefore has no place in today’s world.
If this is the image you have of Islam, including those who consider themselves as Muslims, then think again. You certainly don’t know Islam. This book is for you.
