Islam, Muslims and The Quran have become a subject of major concern to the world media, religious groups and people, especially after the events of September 11th 2001 in the USA. Many articles and books have been written about a religion followed by over one billion people worldwide, some of which saw in Islam a separate civilization that will inevitably clash with the current dominant western civilization, but some were more optimistic, showing interest in a constructive debate, seeking understanding. However, many of these writings continued to perpetuate misinformation and repeat the same common misconceptions, thus giving a distorted picture of what islam is about, and what The Quran actually says.


For those interested in sincerely seeking the truth, we have prepared an easy to read and verify list using the book that Muslims regard as a divine guidance and final revelation to humanity: The Quran (sometimes referred to as 'The Koran'). We chose this approach because it is the only undisputed source amongst muslims and it is important for the reader to be able to research and verify what is written and The Quran is widely available in many countries and in many different languages. Unfortunately, there is often a difference between what Muslims believe/practice and what The Quran actually says.

To read the response to the most common misconceptions, simply click on the misconception in the list shown below. If a number reference is given, e.g. 17:36, this refers to Chapter 17, Verse 36 of The Quran, which can be looked up here for example.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is correct to the best of the contributors knowledge only and thus should not be taken as a fact. One should always verify information and seek knowledge when possible. The language translation service offered by Google (top left box) is not 100% accurate and should be used as a guideline only.

The list of misconceptions:

Death for apostasy  
 


Stoning to death allowed

Must be "Muslim" or you will go to Hell


No freedom of religion

Women confined to houses

Statues/images forbidden

Music and singing forbidden

A man and woman cannot be alone together

Religion and science/reason/knowledge are not compatible

Alcohol is forbidden in all forms


Islam and The Quran promotes a clash of civilisations

Islam promotes honour killings of women

Allah is the God for Muslims

Forced marriage is allowed in Islam

Muslims reject Jesus

Muhammad was the founder of Islam

All Muslims are Arabs


Islam was spread by the sword

Islam and The Quran promotes fighting, war and terrorism

Two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness

Women receive less than men in issues of inheritance

Males/Females are required to be circumcised

Martyrs will receive 72 virgins in paradise

Woman/Eve created from the rib of Man/Adam


Islam and The Quran promotes suicide bombing

Muslim men have to grow a beard

Gold and silver are banned for Muslims


Islam and The Quran promotes 'jihad' or 'holy war'

Islam and The Quran promotes slavery

In Islam homosexuals must be put to death

Polygamy - Muslim men can have as many wives as they wish

Adoption is not allowed in Islam

Dogs are not allowed to be kept by Muslims

Muslim women must fully cover up in Islam

A Muslim husband can divorce his wife immediately

Islam promotes racism


Islam and The Quran orders hands to be cut off for theft

All Muslims are the same and hold the same views

Men are allowed to have concubines or sex slaves

Prophet Muhammad married a 9 year old girl

Islam is a religion

Democracy is not compatible with islam

Wife beating is allowed in The Quran

Muhammad was more than just a human

No Freedom of Speech in Islam

The Quran rejects evolution

The Quran reject previous scriptures

Halal meat uses an inhumane slaughter method

The Quran says the flood of Noah was global

The Quran says the earth was created in 6 days

 

 

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