Misconceptin 1 – "Muslims Do Not Share Good and Noble Values with non-Muslims"

"The best among you are those who have the best manners and character." - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Some people allege that Islamic values are somehow incompatible with decent "Western" values. Such claims could not be further from the truth.

Muslims cherish noble and universal values such as:

being honest and just
keeping one's word
allowing freedom of religion
respecting parents, relatives, neighbours, and the elderly
being charitable, generous, and looking after the poor and needy
not lying, cheating, swearing or backbiting anyone

Muslims are required to contribute positively towards society and to always conduct themselves with the highest of morals and best of actions.

1. Misconception: Jihad Means Holy War

One of the most misunderstood terms in the West is “Jihad.” Many associate it with “holy war.” In reality, the term “Jihad” in Arabic means “struggle” or “effort.” In the Islamic context, it denotes a believer’s inner struggle against sin. While Jihad can refer to a physical struggle for the sake of God, its primary meaning revolves around the spiritual battle against one’s lower desires.

Misconception: Jihad Means Holy War
Truth: For those keen on “learning Islam“, it’s vital to understand that “Jihad”, often misconstrued, primarily denotes a believer’s spiritual battle against lower desires [2].

Read more: Top 5 misconceptions about Islam