Misconceptions About Islam (Part 2)

Misconceptions about Islam (Part 2)

Aamir Ibrahim Khan

Table of Contents

Misconception # 22 (Islam prescribes death penalty for apostates) ...... 3

Misconception # 23 (Islam prescribes death penalty for homosexuals) ...... 7

Misconception # 24 (Islam tells every Tom, Dick, and Harry to implement Khilafah or Shariah) ...... 9

Misconception # 25 (Taqiyyah is common practice of Muslims i.e. lying) ...... 11

Misconception # 26 (Shia and Sunni cannot unite and they kill one another) ...... 13

Misconception # 27 (Muslims are Arabs only and Islam prescribes Arab racism). 15

Misconception # 28 (Islam is against Animal rights and asks to kill dogs) ...... 16

Misconception # 29 (Prophet Muhammad went to heavens on a winged mule) . 19

This is part 2 of my series on writing against misconceptions about Islam. To read Part One, Click Here

Misconception # 22 (Islam prescribes death penalty for apostates)

It is often propagated that Islam ordains death penalty for apostates i.e. those who leave the religion of Islam. However when we understand Qur’an and Hadiths in totality it becomes absolutely clear that there is no death penalty prescribed for mere apostates. Qur’an commands no such penalty for apostasy, and any hadith which contradicts Qur’an is to be outright rejected as I have clarified many times before.

Qur’an states: Indeed, those who have believed then disbelieved, then believed, then disbelieved, and then increased in disbelief - never will Allah forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way. [4:137]

Qur’an mentions no worldly punishment for apostasy at all, even for people who apostatize twice let alone once.

Qur’an states at another place: And say, "The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve."… [18:29]

Qur’an talks about free will of people to disbelieve, yes it talks about punishment in hereafter, but it does not talk about worldly punishment for disbelieving or apostasy.

Some ignorant people and Islamophobes misuse a verse to claim that Qur’an asks to kill apostates. They use a false translation of Wahabi Muhsin Khan, although Wahabism has nothing to do with Islam. Let us look at accurate translation of the verse along with context.

Qur’an states: They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they 3 forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them [4:89]

Nowhere is the verse talking about killing apostates, however Islamophobes misuse Muhsin Khan Wahabi’s translation who has falsely translated it as “But if they turn back (from Islam), take (hold) of them and kill them.” That is a clear false translation with wrong brackets being added according to context of the verse as it is talking about situation of war and those hypocrites who turned back in enmity.

Let us look at next verse which provides context to this verse, it states:

Except those who seek refuge with a people between whom and you there is a covenant, or (those who) come unto you because their hearts forbid them to make war on you or make war on their own folk. Had Allah willed He could have given them power over you so that assuredly they would have fought you. So, if they hold aloof from you and wage not war against you and offer you peace, Allah alloweth you no way against them. [4:90]

So the context is clearly proving that it is talking about those people with whom treaty was made and they broke treaty and made war.

There is absolutely no verse in Qur’an which asks to kill apostates, rather Qur’an says contrary i.e. not to give any worldly punishment but to leave it to Allah who will punish in hereafter. Now no hadith whether found in Bukhari or wherever can supersede Qur’an. Still I will explain hadiths and how they are misused by Islamophobes and some unaware Muslims.

Hadith # 1

Narrated Ìkrima: Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to Àli and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn Àbbas who said, "If I had been in his ,forbade it, saying (ﷺ) place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Messenger 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them Whoever changed his' ,(ﷺ) according to the statement of Allah's Messenger Islamic religion, then kill him.'" [Sahih Bukhari Vol. 9, Book 84, Hadith 57] 4

This hadith is a lie upon Sayyidna Ali (a.s) the beloved cousin of Prophet. It has come from a narrator “IKRIMA” who used to cater hatred for Ali (Prophetic family) and belonged to a Kharj’ite (heretical) cult. He was also deemed a liar by hadith specialists. After death of Ibn Abbas (ra), his son Ali bin Abdullah bin Abbas imprisoned Ikrima. When he was asked for the reasoning, he said: He is narrating lies on behalf of my father (Ibn Abbas) [al-Dhahabi in Meezan ul Ai’tidal (3/93). Al- Mizzi in Tahdhib ul Kamaal (20/264)]

Sa’eed bin Jubayr and Ibn Sarin also called Ikrama a liar [ibid]

It is not possible that Ali (ra) contradicted the Shariah and went to the extent of burning people. Remember Ali (ra) was one of the closest companions of Prophet, he could not have been possibly ignorant of the order by Prophet that it is forbidden to burn people alive.

The Shia also reject this hadith. Shia scholar Sheikh Mansour Leghaei says: Ikrima; the narrator of the story, was one of the leaders of Khawarij who waged the battle of Nahrawan against Imam Ali (a.s). He has fabricated many hadiths and related them to Ibn Abbas.

There are other hadiths on killing apostates too but they contradict each other, some say only that apostate is to be killed who “WAGES WAR ON ALLAH AND PROPHET” hence this proves that ruling was restricted to time of Prophet only and waging war on him. And some hadiths talk about high treason along with apostasy. This is why we should stick to Qur’an which is the only divine book for Muslims. Before anyone accuses me of being a Quranist then remember I do follow hadiths, but the primary Usool ul Hadith (principle of hadith) is that any hadith which contradicts Qur’an is to be rejected.

The most dominant school of jurisprudence in Muslim world i.e. Hanafi school prescribes no death penalty for apostates but only for those who incite Hirabah (war) along with it, but not those who just change religion [See al-Mabsut 10/110 5 of Hanafi Imam al-Sarkashi. Also Imam Ibn al Hammam al-Hanafi in Sharh Fath al- Qadeer (15/388-9)]. The Hanafi opinion is based on Quran and Hadiths taken in totality hence both these noble sources do not prescribe death penalty for mere apostasy but only those apostates who incite war along with it.

It is actually the Bible which categorically ordains death penalty for apostasy in many verses such as:

Book of Leviticus states: “Anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD is to be put to death. The entire assembly must stone them. Whether foreigner or native-born, when they blaspheme the Name they are to be put to death. [Leviticus 24:16]”

Book of Deuteronomy states: If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, "LET US GO AND WORSHIP OTHER GODS" do not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity. Do not spare him or shield him. "YOU MUST CERTAINLY PUT HIM TO DEATH" Your hand must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people, "STONE HIM TO DEATH" because he tried to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and no one among you will do such an evil thing again. (Deuteronomy 13:6-11)

There are many more passages. Remember Christians consider Jesus to be an eternal God, so all these laws were sanctioned by Jesus according to Christians. Also Jesus authenticated the Mosaic Law completely in Matthew 5:17-20.

Also It states in Book of Timothy: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [2 Timothy 3:16]

Hence all scripture is profitable for “DOCTRINE, REPROOF, AND INSTRUCTION”

Misconception # 23 (Islam prescribes death penalty for homosexuals)

This is again a misconception. Qur’an does talk about divine punishment being sent to Sodom and Gomorrah, but nowhere does Qur’an order us to kill homosexuals. It is actually the Bible which asks to kill homosexuals and not Qur’an

It states in book of Leviticus: If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense. [Leviticus 20:13. NLT]

Yes there is a hadith which is often used by Islamophobes, but that hadith is not only weak but also contradicts Qur’an and another authentic hadiths which prescribe no worldly punishment. Hence the hadith mentioning worldly punishment is to be rejected according to principles of hadith. Let us look at the weak hadith:

said: If you find anyone doing as (ﷺ) Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet Lot's people did, kill the one who does it, and the one to whom it is done. [Abu Dawud Book 39, Hadith 4447]

This hadith again comes from narrator “IKRIMA” and we have already explained that Ikrima was a Kharj’ite (i.e. belonged to a heretic cult) and a liar.

So this hadith ceases to be authentic.

Actually in a hadith from same Ibn Abbas with authentic chain, the Prophet just cursed at homosexuals:

َ ْ َ َّ َّ َ َّ َّ َ َّ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ابن عبا ٍس رضي الله عنهما أن ن ِبي الل ِه صلى الله علي ِه وسلم قال : ) لعن الله من ع ِمل ع مل قوِم لو ٍط ، ِ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ً لعن الله من ع ِمل عمل قوِم لو ٍط ، ثالثا

Ibn Abbas (ra) narrated from the Prophet (Peace be upon him) who said: Allah’s curse be upon the one who does the action of people of Lot. Allah’s curse be upon the one who does the action of people of Lot. He said it thrice [Musnad Ahmed (1/317), Declared “Hasan (good)” by Shua’yb Arna’oot in his research]

This is why according to Imam al-Adham (the greatest scholar of jurisprudence) Abu Hanifa, homosexual acts are not hadd (punishments prescribed in Shariah), but ta'zeer (discretionary punishments which only a legitimate Muslim judge can implement).

Having said all that, homosexuality is indeed an immoral and disgusting act. It is against nature, it is dangerous for health, and also against rights of women and men.

Misconception # 24 (Islam tells every Tom, Dick, and Harry to implement Khilafah or Shariah)

Due to groups like ISIS and Wahabi extremists making headlines in news, many people have “SHARIAH OR CALIPHATE PHOBIA.” It should be known that Allah does not want all people on earth to believe nor is there compulsion in religion.

Qur’an categorically says contrary to ISIS and Islamophobes: If it had been your Lord's will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe! (10:99) Qur’an also states: “O MANKIND” We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you “INTO NATIONS AND TRIBES” that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the”MOST RIGHTEOUS OF YOU” .And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). [49:13]

Qur’an explicitly states: Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error… [2:256]

Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains 2:256 as: (There is no compulsion in religion), meaning, "DO NOT FORCE ANYONE TO BECOME MUSLIMS" for Islam is plain and clear, and its proofs and evidence are plain and clear. Therefore, there is no need to force anyone to embrace Islam. Rather, whoever Allah directs to Islam, opens his heart for it and enlightens his mind, will embrace Islam with certainty. Whoever Allah blinds his heart and seals his hearing and sight, then he will not benefit from being forced to embrace Islam.'' It was reported that the Ansar were the reason behind revealing this Ayah, “ALTHOUGH ITS INDICATION IS GENERAL IN MEANING” [Tafsir Ibn Kathir under 2:256] In Tanwir al Miqbas, Tafsir Ibn Abbas it states: (There is no compulsion in religion) “NO ONE FROM AMONG THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK AND THE MAGIANS SHOULD 9

BE COERCED TO BELIEVE” in the divine Oneness of Allah after the Arabs' embrace of Islam. Tafsir al-Jalalyn states: There is no compulsion “IN ENTERING THE RELIGION”

Regarding Shariah then I have explained in Part 1 and also in this Part 2 of my series that Islam is an absolutely Peaceful religion, so there is no need for “SHARIAH PHOBIA” … Shariah is actually for the good of mankind and is not to be enforced on people. Islam welcomes new ways of governance and tells us to follow the law of land where we live.

Qur’an states: Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance (42:38)

This verse uses the word “SHURA BAYNAHUM” and scholars have derived from this verse that Qur’an welcomes new ways of governance such as democracy if scholars and Muslims mutually decide to accept them.

Regarding Caliphate, then according to Islam, Caliphate only stayed for first 30 years and after that there was Kingship. Fanatic ISIS sympathizers and Wahabi like people have no clue about Islamic teachings and they are blindly following false teachings of their misguided dogs of hell fire (i.e. Khawarij). No Muslim can claim to establish “so called” caliphate on earth, we are ordained by Qur’an and Sunnah to follow the leaders of legitimate governments no matter how bad the governments are, Islam forbids to rebel against governments, rather it is trait of heretical Kharj’ite cult to rebel against governments no matter how bad the governments are.

Misconception # 25 (Taqiyyah is common practice of Muslims i.e. lying)

It has be noted that Islamophobes often use the word Taqiyyah on forums or even News channels without knowing what it means. They propagate that Taqiyyah simply means “lying” and hiding any Muslim concept even when not in danger. Although concept of Taqiyyah is mostly held by Shia Muslims but if we understand the meaning of the word then even Sunni Muslims would consider it logical. Taqiyyah refers to “denial of religious belief and practice in the face of persecution”

There are many proofs from Bible where Prophets such as Abraham and others used this strategy to save themselves from persecution, for example Abraham called his wife Sarah his sister in front of King Abimelech in order to save himself (see Genesis 20:2) although later he really calls her his sister (which is problematic for Jews and Christians).

Now the wrong kind of Taqiyyah is what Christian Apostle Paul uses in book of Corinthians. It states: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” [1 Corinthians 9:19-23]

Now that’s the wrong kind of Taqiyyah which Islam forbids. According to Qur’an lying or hiding your beliefs is allowed to save yourself from death or persecution, and this is perfectly logical too.

Qur’an states: Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith… [16:106]

Hence one can renounce faith under persecution, or if threatened to death.

Misconception # 26 (Shia and Sunni cannot unite and they kill one another)

Although Shia and Sunni division has been going on since centuries. However if we look at beliefs of both these denominations of Islam then they have exactly same fundamental beliefs. Regarding killing then killing comes from extremist Wahabi ISIS type of people. It has been clarified before that Wahabism has nothing to do with Islam. The mainstream Ahlus Sunnah (Ash’ari/Maturidi Sufis) have declared Wahabis to be outside Sunni denomination, and even as heretics. Both Shia and Sunni believe in same core fundamental doctrines i.e. 1. Belief in 1 God alone worthy of worship. 2. Belief in all Prophets and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) being last of them 3. Belief in all Angels 4. Belief in all Holy Scriptures and Qur’an being perfectly preserved. 5. Belief in Day of Judgment. These are the 5 doctrines Qur’an has told us to believe in. The Kalimiah of Shahadah i.e. testimony of faith is same for both Sunnis and Shia. Kalimah of Shahadah is 2nd Kalimah of faith through which one becomes Muslim. Both Sunni and Shia believe in praying 5 times a day (Shia and even Sunnis accept that prayers can be combined), both Sunni and Shia believe in Hajj, both believe in Zakaah, both believe in Ramadan i.e. fasting. So in doctrine they are same. Then come technical points such as Imamat and political issues such as who deserved to be Caliph after Muhammad (Peace be upon him)? This does not make anyone Muslim or Kafir as nowhere in Qur’an does it say to believe in Abu Bakr or Ali to be Caliph after Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Sunnis do have an opinion that Sayyidna Ali (ra) was most superior of men after Prophet (although it is a minor opinion but it does exist). And Zaydi Shia also accept caliphate of first three Caliphs.

In a nutshell it is the misguided clergy and politics which has kept Sunni and Shia divided whereas if we look at similarities then we are virtually the same.

Misconception # 27 (Muslims are Arabs only and Islam prescribes Arab racism)

Although no wise person would think that. But there are some ignorant people who think so. Arabs constitute only 15 to 20% of Muslim population whereas remaining are non-Arab Muslims. Even the compilers of Hadith were mostly non-Arabs such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Abu Dawud, Imam Ibn Majah, Imam Nasai’i and many others. The Imam al-Adham (greatest Imam) in Jurisprudence of Sunnis i.e. Abu Hanifa Nauman bin Thabit was a non-Arab. Many great Sufis who had spread Islam were non-Arabs.

Of course many great people and intellectuals were Arab too and we should respect good Arab people as our Prophet (Peace be upon him), his family, many noble companions, and also scholars like Imam Malik, Imam ash-Shafi’i were Arabs. Having said that Arabs have no superiority over non-Arabs. Islam is emphatically against racism. Qur’an states: And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge. [30:22]

Also see Qur’an 49:13 The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no virtue of an Arab over a foreigner nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message? [Musnad Ahmad 22978, Grade: Sahih. Taken from Abuaminaelias]

Misconception # 28 (Islam is against Animal rights and asks to kill dogs)

Qur’an states: And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered. [6:38]

This verse of Qur’an teaches that we should explore, know, and love animal, and bird kingdoms as they also have communities like us.

Qur’an states: Do you not see that Allah is exalted by whomever is within the heavens and the earth and [by] the birds with wings spread [in flight]? Each [of them] has known his [means of] prayer and exalting [Him], and Allah is Knowing of what they do. [24:41]

So All creatures are dear to Allah as they praise Him. Atheists/agnostics will not understand this but the creation of heavens and the worlds, beautiful singing of birds, sounds made by animals are all actually praises for Allah and testimony for existence of Allah.

Now let us come towards Dogs specifically. It is commonly spread that Islam has some sort of hatred for dogs and even a false hadith is cited which asks for killing black dogs. Let us see what Qur’an says about dogs.

Qur’an states about Ashaab al Kahf: And you would think them awake, while they were asleep. And We turned them to the right and to the left, while their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance… [18:18]

Qur’an mentions the dog of these holy men, it kept guard for them. Islamic scholars have praised this dog and said that Qur’an has mentioned it for a reason.

Some people believe that mere touching of dog makes you unclean, this is due to some hadiths which are followed although they contradict Qur’an.

Qur’an states: They ask thee what is lawful to them (as food). Say: lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure: and what ye have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner directed to you by Allah: eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah over it: and fear Allah; for Allah is swift in taking account. [5:4]

So how can touch of dog make us unclean when Qur’an allows to eat their catch?

So from Qur’an keeping dogs is proven as I showed 2 verses above. No hadith can supersede Qur’an let alone false hadiths of killing dogs. Regarding saliva of dog being Najs (impure and contagious) then that is proven from medical science and logic too, therefore one should avoid saliva of dog, also dog bite can cause severe diseases.

Islam teaches to an extent that feeding animals can lead even a prostitute to paradise.

as saying: There was a dog moving (ﷺ) Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger around a well whom thirst would have killed. Suddenly a prostitute from the prostitutes of Bani Isra'il happened to see it and she drew water in her shoe and made it drink, and she was pardoned because of this. [Sahih Muslim, Hadith # 5579]

Coming towards Pigs now, then yes Pigs are considered as Najs (unclean) not only according to Qur’an but also Bible and medical science.

Book of Leviticus states: And the swine, though he divide the hoof and is cloven- footed, yet he cheweth not the cud, he is unclean to you [Leviticus 11:7]

Qur’an also forbids to consume Swine/pig. Click this Link where Christian pastor is explaining from bible and science why swine should not be consumed.

Regarding “sacrificing” animals the halal way, then that corresponds to Jewish Kosher way. Had it been wrong then God would not have always prescribed it. Plus halal slaughter removes the blood from meat of animal and blood is main medium of germs and bacteria. Also there has been scientific research which has proven that Halal slaughter causes least amount of pain to animal. I know Islamophobes will come up with all sorts of researches saying that it does cause extreme pain to animal, but the fact of matter is that stunning, electrocuting the animal also causes extreme pain. We

17 can say what about eating fish? When we bring it out of water doesn’t that cause it pain?

Then we will have vegetarians who will say, let’s stop eating meat completely, the answer to them is to look at our teeth, God has made us “omnivorous” and it is in our nature to eat both meat and veg. Also in nature carnivorous animals eat other animals, so isn’t nature made that way!?

Misconception # 29 (Prophet Muhammad went to heavens on a winged mule)

Islamophobes and also Atheists/agnostics like Richard Dawkins make fun of Prophetic journey to heaven by saying he went on a mythical winged mule called “Buraaq”

Now this is ignorance of people who do not understand the linguistic meaning of word Buraaq. The word Buraaq comes from word “Barq” which means lightening or light. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had talked in metaphors during that time as Arabs of that time would not have understood concept of “Time and Space” and also traveling faster than speed of light.

The Prophet actually travelled at speed of light and the ride is just mentioned metaphorically. For example the ride of Dajjal (Anti-Christ) is mentioned by Prophet as: He will be riding a white donkey made of iron; the width between its ears (wings) will be 40 cubits (60 feet). [Musnad Ahmed (3/368), Hadith # 15341]…This clearly proves it to be some sort of an Aircraft but mentioned in metaphors.