Re: Misconceptions about Islam
Another generally heard misconception (in my view) is that Islam is intolerant towards other faiths.
I do not believe that to be correct. Islam and muslims are often seen as putting emphasis on the worship of God Alone with no partners, and sometimes that turns into a wider conflict because other faiths have different definitions of God and how He, Almighty, can be worshipped. It just maybe that others take offense at the fact that Muslims are able to call out the wrong because Islam recognizes all prophets including Moses/Musa (a.s.) and Jesus/Isa (a.s.) while others do not accept Muhammad (s.a.w.) to be a prophet. Muslims ARE infact in a position to correct others when it comes to monotheistic faiths (specifically) because it is a direct association of other prophets with something which they did not preach or claim for themselves and has been attributed to them later by their disciples.
It's just a matter of misunderstanding the message, not that of intolerance. Every faith has a few who take it to the next level that is beyond the religion itself, and their actions should not under any circumstances be used to label an entire religion because religion in itself is sufficient, and does not need people to redefine it. It is rather the followers of the faith who have to be educated so they're understanding of what their faith requires, so they then can convey the correct message to others and shatter any misconceptions.
The word Islam means Submission to One God. Period.! Its essence is peace and tranquility, and governance of the law of God alone because He is the creator of all that exists, known and unknown, and therefore the only One worthy of worship. Acknowledging this fact coupled with Muhammad (s.a.w) is his last and final messenger, makes one muslim. The rest is just following the faith how it is meant to be followed.