Islam is a backwards and oppressive religion - a misconception

Islam is a backwards and oppressive religion: This misconception is often based on a narrow and biased view of Islam, and ignores the many contributions that Islamic civilization has made to human history. But, what does Islam say on this topic?

Islam does not promote or condone backwardness or oppression in any form. In fact, Islam emphasizes the importance of knowledge, progress, and justice, and encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

The Quran teaches that seeking knowledge is a fundamental duty of every Muslim, and that knowledge is the key to understanding the world and to developing a deeper relationship with God. The pursuit of knowledge is highly valued in Islamic civilization, and Muslim scholars have made significant contributions to fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.

In addition, Islam emphasizes the importance of justice and equality, and teaches that all people are equal in the sight of God, regardless of their race, gender, or social status. The Prophet Muhammad himself set an example of justice and compassion, and was known for his kindness and fairness towards all people, regardless of their background.

While there are some cultural practices in certain Muslim-majority societies that are oppressive to women and others, these practices are not necessarily reflective of the true teachings of Islam. In fact, Islam teaches that men and women are equal in the sight of God, and that both are entitled to respect, dignity, and fair treatment.

Overall, Islam is a religion that values knowledge, progress, justice, and equality, and encourages Muslims to work towards building a better world for all people.

According to the Quran:

The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge, progress, justice, and equality. Here are a few verses from the Quran that illustrate this:

"Read in the name of your Lord who created - created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen - taught man that which he knew not." (Quran 96:1-5)

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and learning through reading and writing. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge throughout their lives and to use that knowledge to benefit themselves and society.

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted." (Quran 4:135)

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and equality, and instructs Muslims to be fair and impartial in their dealings with others, even if it means testifying against themselves or their loved ones.

"And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge." (Quran 30:22)

This verse recognizes the diversity of human beings and emphasizes the importance of accepting and celebrating that diversity. Muslims are taught to respect people of all races, languages, and cultures, and to work towards building a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Overall, the Quran teaches that knowledge, progress, justice, and equality are important values that Muslims should strive to uphold in their daily lives.

According to Hadith:

Here are some hadiths that emphasize the importance of knowledge, progress, justice, and equality in Islam:

"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 74)

This hadith highlights the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to learn throughout their lives and to use that knowledge to benefit themselves and society.

"The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2763)

This hadith illustrates the importance of knowledge in Islam and the value placed on those who seek and share knowledge.

"Allah loves that if one of you does a job he should perfect it." (Al-Bayhaqi, Hadith 945)

This hadith emphasizes the importance of progress and excellence in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives and to do their best in everything they do.

"Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency and manifest evil and transgression. He admonishes you that you may take heed." (Quran 16:90)

This verse from the Quran emphasizes the importance of justice, equality, and good deeds in Islam. Muslims are instructed to treat others with fairness and kindness, and to work towards building a just and peaceful society.

Overall, these hadiths and verses from the Quran demonstrate that Islam places a strong emphasis on knowledge, progress, justice, and equality, and encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.