Islam: The Most Misconstrued Religion In The World

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INTRODUCTION
Islam is the most misconstrued religion in the world, by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A lot of people (especially in the west) have formed an erroneous opinion about Islam that it is a religion that preaches violence and intolerance because of incessant terrorist attacks, especially following the 9/11 attack.
Against this background this essay seeks to examine the status of peace and tolerance in Islam so as to clear the erroneous mindset and misconception which some people may have about the religion.

PEACE IN THE LIGHT OF ISLAM
Etymologically, the word Islam is traceable to the Arabic word “Salam” which means peace. The concept of peace in Islam cannot be overemphasized because Allah (SWT) has encouraged it in many verses of the Qur’an. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, “ The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they spread the word of peace.” …show more content…

Peace be upon you, we seek not the way of ignorance.”
“So if they remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer peace, then Allah has not made for a cause for fighting them.”
All the above verses and many more are to show that Islam is a religion that preaches peace, not between Muslims alone but with non-Muslims alike.
A good example can also be made out of the best of Mankind, Prophet Muhammad, when he was reported by Abu Huraira to have said, “You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.” Hence, peace is Islam and Islam is

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