What it means to be a Muslim

We are all members of different societies, different cultures and subjects of different fortunes. These varying circumstances often mislead us into discriminating against one another on the grounds of our religion, color, gender, aesthetics and material acquisitions. Over the past few centuries, religion has been a popular cause of conflict in different parts of the world. When we think of religious extremism, social stigma governs us to first point fingers at Islam. This universal reputation of extremism is the classic case of how the actions of a few become the basis of identity for the many. How the world sees a Muslim and what it really means to be a Muslim are two entirely contrasting notions. People harboring these misconceptions about Muslims need to walk a few miles in the shoes of us Muslims before resorting to snap judgments of any kind.

Myth-busting Lesson #1 – We are not a violent people

Are you surprised? I am sure you are, but it’s true. A Muslim is not a violent person by default. We pray to God five times a day and ask for peace every single time. We are not trouble-makers but believe in helping the people around us solve theirs. These are not individualistic traits present in some and absent in the many. These are the commands of Allah which we will only disobey at our own peril. There are extremists in every religion who claim to be fighting in the cause of God, let not popular ignorance force you to believe this to be a unique characteristic of Islam.

Myth-busting Lesson #2 – Islam is not a strict religion

A disciplined effort results in a multiplied reward. I am sure every one of you has believed in this notion at some point of your lives. We, as Muslims, believe in abstaining from any habit or activity which might harm our general welfare such as drinking, smoking and gambling. This abstention results in a healthy lifestyle bringing joy to us and our families. In a society where protocol demands one to adopt these bad habits in order to earn even the tiniest spec of acceptance amongst your peers, we Muslims believe in sticking to habits which will not degrade us. The religion is hence tagged strict cause it forces us to overcome our temptations which harm us, and get back onto the right path.

Myth-busting Lesson #3 – Muslims are accommodative of other religions

A Muslim thinks of the human race as a single united family, the one Ummah. The Quran guides us to believe that we human beings are at the mercy of the creator. Our duty is to him and so is our return. When we promote Islam, it is not a way of condescending any other religion. We tell you about the miracles of God in the hope that you may believe and follow the right path. A Muslim is not the one to judge between two human beings. The Message delivered by the Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon him) clearly states that God guides everyone the way he wishes. Religion is a personal concept and to each be his own.

I know that a single article will not change your religious outlook or your social behavior. My aim, through this article is to sow the seeds of inquiry and curiosity in your minds. Walk a mile in the shoes of a Muslim and I guarantee your love for this world and everything in it, will grow. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Billions read the Quran, Millions memorize it. Ever wonder why?