THE NEGATIVE IMAGE OF ISLAM AND ISLAMOPHOBIA IN THE CONTEXT OF MUSLIMS’ MISREPRESENTATION OF ISLAM
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15738301Keywords:
Islamophobia, misrepresentation of Islam, religious ignorance, superstitions, false beliefs, women's rights, cultural distortions, authentic Islam, public perception, religious educationAbstract
This study explores the negative perception of Islam not solely as a result of external factors such as media or political discourse, but also as a consequence of internal dynamics within Muslim societies. Focusing on misrepresentations rooted in religious ignorance, cultural distortions, superstitions, and gender-based discrimination, the paper argues that these internal misinterpretations significantly contribute to Islamophobia. Although the Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize universal values such as justice, compassion, equality, and morality, many Muslim communities have come to equate Islam with local customs, patriarchal norms, and irrational practices. This has led to a distorted public image of Islam as oppressive, outdated, and intolerant particularly in Western societies.
The paper advocates for a return to authentic Islamic sources, a critical and morally grounded religious education, and a conscious effort to eliminate superstitions and cultural practices wrongly associated with Islam. It concludes that accurate representation based on the core principles of Islam can promote internal reform and serve as the most effective response to rising Islamophobia.
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