Unveiling Islam

Myth 29: “Islamic Law Was Progressive for Its Time” Claim :  Islamic law (Sharia) was revolutionary and ahead of its time in the 7th century, providing women rights, social justice, and a legal framework superior to other ancient systems. Reality :  While some limited reforms were introduced, Islamic law codified the existing tribal and patriarchal norms of 7th-century Arabia and enshrined them as eternal law . Other contemporaneous civilizations (Byzantine, Sassanid, Indian, Chinese) had legal and ethical systems that rivaled or exceeded Islam's , especially regarding slavery, women’s rights, and pluralism . Islamic law froze these norms , making later reform nearly impossible. 📜 I. Scriptural Embedding of Inequality 🔹 Qur’an 4:11 “To the male, a portion equal to that of two females…” Women inherit half as much as men —a fixed rule. 🔹 Qur’an 2:282 “…call two male witnesses… or one man and two women…” A woman’s legal testimony is worth half that of a ma...

Myth 28: “The Qur’an Condemns Rape and Protects Women” Claim :  Islam unequivocally condemns sexual violence, including rape, and grants women full protection under Sharia. Reality :  The Qur’an does not explicitly mention or outlaw rape , and classical Islamic law often failed to distinguish between rape and consensual zina (fornication) . In many historical and modern Islamic legal systems, rape victims could be punished if they cannot provide four male witnesses . Women’s testimony is devalued, and the institution of concubinage legally permits sexual access to slaves without consent , undermining any claim of a rape prohibition. 📜 I. Scriptural Silence on Rape Qur’an has no specific term for rape —the term used today ( ightisab ) does not appear. The main sexual crime in Sharia is zina —defined as illicit sex between unmarried people. Rape is treated as a subset of zina unless clearly proven to be coercive. 🔹 Qur’an 24:4 “And those who accuse chast...

Myth 27: “Islamic Civilization Tolerated All Minorities” Claim :  Islamic rule historically offered unmatched tolerance to Jews, Christians, and other religious minorities compared to Christian Europe. Non-Muslims lived peacefully under Muslim rule as “People of the Book.” Reality :  Islamic tolerance was conditional, hierarchical, and coercive . Non-Muslims lived under dhimmi status , which involved legal subjugation, heavy taxation ( jizya ), dress restrictions, worship limitations, and second-class status. “Tolerance” in Islamic empires was not equality or pluralism—it was controlled survival under religious supremacy . 📜 I. Scriptural Basis for Subjugation 🔹 Qur’an 9:29 “Fight those who do not believe in Allah… until they pay the jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued.” This verse became the legal and theological foundation for dhimmi subjugation. 🔹 Qur’an 3:110 “You are the best of nations, brought forth for mankind…” Interpreted ...

Myth 26: “Polygamy Was Allowed to Protect Widows” Claim :  Islam permits polygamy primarily to care for widows and orphans after war, out of compassion and social necessity. Reality :  While Qur’an 4:3 references orphans, polygamy is permitted broadly and not restricted to widows. Muhammad himself married multiple women for reasons including political alliances, tribal consolidation, and personal preference. Islamic law permits up to four wives regardless of context , and historical practice shows that polygamy was used for power, status, and control—not humanitarian concern. 📜 I. Scriptural Basis: The Real Wording of Qur’an 4:3 🔹 Qur’an 4:3 “If you fear you cannot deal justly with the orphans, then marry those that please you of [other] women: two, three, or four…” The reference to orphans is grammatically and contextually ambiguous . Most classical tafsirs do not interpret this as a restriction to widows or orphans’ guardians. The verse sets a numeri...

Myth 25: “Islam Promotes Environmentalism” Claim :  Islam is inherently eco-conscious and teaches environmental stewardship through concepts like khalifa (stewardship), moderation, and reverence for creation. Reality :  While isolated verses and hadiths refer to respecting nature, Islamic doctrine lacks a comprehensive ecological ethic . Environmental care is not a legal or central moral obligation in classical Sharia. Islamic civilizations historically contributed to environmental degradation, and modern Islamic states have no meaningful tradition of environmental protection grounded in religious law . 📜 I. Textual Foundations: Symbolic but Superficial 🔹 Qur’an 6:141 “…eat and drink but waste not by excess, for Allah does not love the wasters.” Often cited to promote moderation—but not enforced legally or structurally. 🔹 Qur’an 30:41 “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned…” This verse is broad and metaphor...