Misconceptions about Islam - Suicide Bombings and Integration Some misconceptions state that Islam condones suicide bombings

and forcing nonMuslims into Islam, and causes lack of integration into non-Muslim societies. Among the most common misconceptions about Islam is that the religious texts/beliefs endorse suicide bombings and that those who kill themselves in terrorist attacks are regarded as martyrs. Some non-Muslims also believe that Muslims are commanded to force non-Muslim communities to embrace Islam, and are allowed to perform any action to achieve this aim. Another problematic Western perception about Islam holds that it is a religion that does not facilitate peaceful integration and coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims. All the previous misconceptions are false. When one explores the Quran and Hadith (Prophet Muhammad's Sayings), you'll find that these myths are completely dispelled. Myth: Muslim Suicide Bombers are Martyrs in Paradise According to Islamic belief, Muslims who kill themselves are destined to Hell Fire. The suicide bombers who take their own lives as well as lives of hundreds of innocent people are not regarded as martyrs. On the contrary, it's believed that they will be severely punished by Allah in the Hereafter. The Quran clearly states Allah's punishment for those people: O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you.And whoever does that in aggression and injustice then We will drive him into a Fire. And that, for Allah, is [always] easy." (Quran 4:29-30). The forbidden nature of suicide was also emphasised by the Hadith of the Prophet (Peace be upon him*) who said, Indeed, whoever (intentionally) kills himself, then certainly he will be punished in the Fire of Hell, wherein he shall dwell forever. (Bukhari and Muslim). Another Hadith reads :" And whoever commits suicide with a piece of iron will be punished with the same piece of iron in the Hell Fire." The above-mentioned evidence from the Quran and Hadith refute all doubts in the minds of non-Muslims who think that killing one's self in Islam is permitted and even rewarded if it involves killing other non-Muslims. Myth: Muslims are required to Force non-Muslims into Islam Islam forbids compulsion in religion and never commands Muslims to force others to convert into the Islamic religion.

The Quran mandates religious freedom for everyone, as Almighty Allah will eventually judge the deeds of all mankind in the Hereafter, deciding each ones destiny according to his path during life. According to the Quran, There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. (Quran 2:256). Another verse from the Quran that provides a clear-cut evidence of the religious tolerance in Islam reads: And say: "The truth is from your Lord. Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve. (Quran 18:29). Islam never supports coercion in choosing one's religion or beliefs. Islam Does not Help Muslims to Integrate into Other Communities One of the common fallacies about Islam is that it alienates Muslims and prevents them from integrating into other cultures and communities. The attitudes of some introvert Muslims as well as their failure to interact with others from different cultures are not based on the teachings of Islam. These are personal inclinations that should not be dealt with as a general phenomenon among all Muslims worldwide. Millions of Muslims are active participants in non-Muslim societies on various levels. On the other hand, Muslims who adhere to the Islamic principles and refrain from doing some actions that are forbidden in Islam - but are widely popular in other cultures - as drinking alcohol, gambling and having premarital sex are not alienating themselves. In fact, everyone should have the right to practice his own religion freely and each individual's beliefs ought to be respected by others. Islam has a universal message that can be applied anytime, anywhere. The Quran calls for achieving peace, harmony and coexistence among Muslims and nonMuslims. Allah does not prohibit Muslims from mingling with other communities because of their religion, culture or beliefs. On the contrary, Allah mentions in the Quran the divine rationale behind creating a world that is made up of a myriad of diverse nations, religions and ethnicities. The Quran says, To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ. (Quran 5:48). This verse asserts that Allah could have made all mankind embrace the same religion, but He intended not to do so in order to give people the chance to compete positively with each other and do good deeds during their lives before eventually returning to Allah. According to Quran, another major reason behind creating this diverse world is to encourage people to know one another and coexist with others who belong to different ethnicities and cultures. O mankind! We have created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (Quran 49:13). This verse offers a precise explanation of the term 'peaceful coexistence'. Moreover, Islam does not order Muslims to socialise with Muslims only. It enjoins Muslims to deal with non-Muslims kindly and justly. Allah does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just."(Quran 60: 8). Muslims have no right to behave in a bad or unfriendly manner with nonMuslims just because they are not Muslims. This is not an Islamic trait. Islam, along with Judaism and Christianity, is a divine religion that presents a message of peace, love and harmony through the words of God. The manipulation of Islamic texts to serve the interests of some individuals and groups distorts the image of a noble religion that is completely innocent of all the allegations posed against it. Terrorism has no religion and terrorists should be the ones held accountable for their harmful actions not their religion, as it is the case with other non-Muslim terrorists. Moreover, judging a religion should be based on the objective interpretation of its original teachings, and not the evil deeds done by some people in the name of this religion.