Hard QuestionsAbout Islam

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What does Islam say about women?

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Some people quote the Qur’an to “prove” that Islam does not teach respect for women. For

example:

“God directs you as regards your children's

inheritance: To the male, give portion

equal to that of two females. (4:11)

http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/your-turn/brothers-and-sisters

Daughters and Sons

Not fair!! I would only inherit half as much as my brothers just

because I’m a girl!!

“God directs you as regards your children's inheritance: To the

male, give portion equal to that of two females. (4:11)

“God directs you as regards your children's inheritance: To the male, give portion equal to that of two females. (4:11)

Oh, I agree!

But think about it.

Good grief!!

The Qur’an was written in the 7th Century.

Fathers didn’t have to leave ANYTHING to

their daughters.It was tough for women everywhere. For example, in Christian Europe, women couldn’t own property unless they were widows.

In Muhammad’s day, families preferred sons. And in Arabia, female babies were often killed, especially if there was a food

shortage.

The Qur’an says this was “evil.”

http://feelislam.com/2012/01/girl-child-a-blessing/

Muhammad taught that God expected families to love their girls as much

as their boys.

“…the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard their purity in their

husband's absence as God would have them do. As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them

first. Next, refuse to share their beds. Lastly beat them.” (4:34)

Yep, there it is! “Beat them.” So that’s proof that Muslims treat

women like trash!

Violence Against Women

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In the 7th Century, women and children were

property – kind of like cattle or goats. They

existed only to please the men and to take care

of the household.

Hold on there, cowboy! I’m glad you know it’s wrong to beat women – or beat anyone for that matter. But you need to think back

in time.

“…the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard their purity in their husband's absence as God would have them do. As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them first. Next, refuse to share their beds. Lastly beat them. (4:34)

A lot of Arab men were MAD because Muhammad said they had to TALK with

their wives FIRST to try to clear things up. Beating them was only a last resort. They were used to beating them whenever they

wanted!Ewwwwww! So beating them

as a last resort was progress?

Sadly for 7th Century women, it was definitely progress.

In our day, most Muslims view

violence against women as

wrong. BUT it also depends on

their culture (more than on their religion).

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Many non-Muslims also say Islam disrespects women because men are

allowed to have multiple wives.

Multiple Wives

“Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one." (4:3)

So Muslim men have four wives each?

Geez! I would be SO

outnumbered!

!

!

It’s a bit more

complicated than that.

Most marry only one wife. But in Muhammad’s day, rich men

collected wives like some rich men today collect cars!

Muhammad put a stop to that. He limited the number of wives a

man can have.

So are you trying to say Muhammad was a

reformer? A women’s right advocate?

Seriously??

He also told men that if they chose to have more than one wife, they had to treat each

wife equally and care for the children of each wife. Women were not to be status

symbols. They were life partners.

Well, yes – at least for that time in history.

By 7th Century Arabia’s standards, he was a protector of women. Muhammad was definitely a

reformer. And he was about everyone’s

rights, not just women. He was about bringing God’s law and justice to a

corrupt society.

Clothing

Islam requires women – and men – to dress modestly.

http://www.bible-researcher.com/headcoverings3.html

In early Islam, like early Christianity, modest women covered their heads.

Today, the type of “modest” clothing a

Muslim woman wears reflects her own nation’s

(and family’s) culture.

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In some cultures, a hijab is not enough. A veil or even a total body covering is traditional.

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Islam, Peace, and Violence

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experiences. The 9/11 attackers claimed to be good Muslims.

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In the U.S., we’ve had some terrifying

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Some Muslims are definitely violent. But well-educated Muslims know the Qur'an

does not encourage violence.

However, there are verses in the Qur’an that sound very violent.

I don’t plan to become Muslim, so does that mean I’m supposed to be

“punished with terrible agony”? That does not sound pleasant!

"As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to

help.“ - Qur’an 3:56

"The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or

they should be imprisoned.” Qur’an 5:33

I would prefer to stay connected to my hands and feet!

"Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers” – Qur’an 3:151

Muhammad’s followers were told to “kill the unbelievers.”

BUT they were not told to just go around just killing any unbelievers.

They were to kill specific unbelievers – the ones from Makkah who had been trying to kill the Muslims and their families for the several

years.

After years of persecution, they were given permission to defend themselves.

Screen shot from Biography: Muhammad The Prophet, The History Channel

In today’s world, radical Muslims

love to take those verses out of context and use them as

excuses in their own political battles and

terrorist acts.http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2006/08/muslim220806_228x266.jpg

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Many Americans think of images like this when they think of Muslims,

and probably don’t think about images

like this.

While our media does pay some attention to

Muslim voices for peace,

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the more dramatic threats and acts of violence by extremist Muslims

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get a lot more attention in the media.

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Regular Muslims are put in the difficult position of trying to

speak LOUDER than the LOUD voices of extremist Muslims. http://w

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Sometimes this means

advertising

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their peaceful view of Islam.

It also means that Muslim leaders and Muslim organizations around the world

speak out against violence and for peace.

Muslim scholars

condemn terrorism – CNN World, 4 March 2010

Top Muslim leaders denounce terrorism – Daily Monitor, 16 Oct 2013

Muslims condemn ISIS, say terrorist group doesn’t represent Islam – Arab American News, 26 August 2014

Muslim peace conference condemns terrorism – CNN News, 25 Sept 2011

MUSLIMS RALLY AGAINST

ISLAMIC MILITANTS –

Associated Press, 25 August 2014

British Muslim leaders condemn extremist group -- The Independent, 30 Aug 2014

Islamic Scholars Condemn Expulsion of Iraq’s “Christian Brothers” – NBC News, 23 July 2014

Muslim Scholars Condemn Terrorists -- Fox News, 28 July 2005

American Muslim Leaders Condemn Attacks -- New York Times, 12 Sept 2012

Islam is the 2nd largest religion on earth. In our modern world, it is important that Muslims and non-Muslims learn more

about each other.

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