Myth or Truth, Islam is “Peace”… Thoughts from an American Soldier
Muslims often complain of misconceptions about their religion in the West. We took a hard look. The most prevalent myths of Islam are the ones held by Muslims and Western apologists. The only exception may be the misconception that all Muslims are alike. They are not of course. But many Muslims apparently believe this as well. This is why there are various factions insisting that they are true Muslims. Those who disagree with them are either infidels, hijackers, or hypocrites. Don’t be fooled! Hear the myths but know the truth.
Islam Means “Peace”
The Myth: Muslim apologists sometimes claim that the root word of Islam is “al-Salaam,” which is “peace” in Arabic.
The Truth: An Arabic word has only one root. The root word for Islam is “al-Silm,” which means “submission” or “surrender.”
There is no disagreement about this among Arabic or Islamic scholars. al-Silm (submission) does not mean the same thing as al-Salaam (peace).
Submission and peace can be very different concepts. But peace can be brought about by forcing others into submission.
As the modern-day Islamic scholar, Ibrahim Sulaiman, puts it, “Jihad is not inhumane. Despite its necessary violence and bloodshed, its ultimate desire is peace which is protected and enhanced by the rule of law.”
In truth, the Quran not only calls Muslims to submit to Allah, it also orders them to subdue people of other religions until they are in a full state of submission to Islamic rule. This has inspired the aggressive history of Islam, its military, and demographic success in conquering other cultures.
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