Islam is the second-biggest religion in the world, with almost two billion followers. Still, many kind and honest people have wrong ideas about it because of news stories, cultural gaps, or just not knowing the real facts.
This simple blog clears up the 10 most common misconceptions about Islam using easy words and clear proof from the Quran and authentic hadith.
10 Common Myths about Islam Answered with Quran and Hadith
1. “Islam is a new religion that started 1400 years ago”
Not true at all. Islam began with the first human being – Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). When Allah created Adam, he taught him to worship only one God.
“Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance…” (Quran 2:37)
Every prophet after him brought the same simple message: worship Allah alone and follow the true path.
The Quran says clearly: “He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus…” (Quran 42:13)
So, Islam is the oldest and final version of the same faith.
2. “Islam oppresses women and forces hijab on them”
Actually, Islam gave women rights 1400 years before many countries did. A woman can own property, inherit, divorce, study, work, and choose her husband.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Sunan Tirmidhi 1162)
That same care is why Allah commanded modesty for both men and women. He told men first to lower their gaze (Quran 24:30) and then asked women to cover properly (Quran 24:31). Hijab is simply protection and dignity, like beautiful wrapping on a precious gift. A woman is valued for her mind and character, not just her body. That is true respect and freedom.
3. “Islam is against science and progress”
The Quran tells us again and again to think, look at the stars, and study the mountains, oceans, and how babies grow in the womb.
Allah says, “In the creation of the heavens and the earth… there are signs for people who reason.” (Quran 3:190) “Read in the name of your Lord who created…” (Quran 96:1)
Muslim scientists built the foundations of today’s world:
- Al-Khwarizmi gave us algebra and the word “algorithm.”
- Ibn Sina wrote books on medicine still taught in universities.
- Jabir ibn Hayyan is called the father of chemistry.
- Al-Biruni measured the earth 1000 years ago more accurately than Europeans at that time.
Allah even warns those who refuse to think: “…They have hearts but do not understand, eyes but do not see…” (Quran 7:179) Then will you not reason? (Quran 2:44) “They say, ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.’ Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?” (Quran 2:170)
4. “Islam is strict and boring because everything fun is haram”
Our Prophet ﷺ smiled and laughed and loved perfume, nice clothes, and good food. He raced with his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) and let her win sometimes! His companions wrestled, shot arrows for fun, played with their children, and made each other laugh.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Smiling at your brother is charity.” (Sunan Tirmidhi 1956)
Islam wants us happy in this life and the next, as long as we don’t harm ourselves or others.
5. “Islam promotes violence”
Never. Allah says, “Whoever kills an [innocent] soul… it is as if he has killed all of mankind.” (Quran 5:32)
The Prophet ﷺ said, “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe.” (Sahih Bukhari 10)
Killing innocent people is one of the biggest sins in Islam.
6. “Jihad means only holy war and Islam was spread by the sword”
Jihad means struggling against evil. It does not mean spreading violence. It includes fighting your own bad desires such as anger, greed, jealousy, and laziness. The Prophet ﷺ said the greatest jihad is to speak truth in front of a tyrant ruler. (Sunan al-Nasai 4209)
Allah says clearly: “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.” (Quran 2:256) And to the Prophet ﷺ: “You [Muhammad] are not over them a tyrant.” (Quran 88:21-22)
Allah made it crystal clear that faith can never be forced: “…For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” (Quran 109)
7. “Muslims worship the Black Stone or Prophet Muhammad ﷺ”
No Muslim worships any stone or any human. When Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) kissed the Black Stone, he said loudly, “I know you are only a stone that can neither harm nor help. Had I not seen Allah's Messenger ﷺ kissing you, I would not have kissed you.” (Sahih Bukhari 1597)
Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ: “Say [O Muhammad], ‘I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God.’” (Quran 18:110)
8. “Islam is only for Arabs”
Only a fraction of Muslims are Arab. Some of the best companions of the Prophet were non-Arabs: Bilal from Africa, Salman from Persia, and Suhaib from Rome.
Allah says, “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” (Quran 49:13)
And Allah says to the Prophet ﷺ: “We have sent you as a mercy to all the worlds.” (Quran 21:107)
The phrase “O mankind” appears multiple times in the Quran, which means Allah refers to every human being.
9. “Sharia law is barbaric”
Sharia simply means the path from the Quran and authentic Sunnah. It is for both the personal life and for the society. It brings justice, mercy, and protection of life, honor, and property. It teaches how to pray, fast, be honest in business, treat people, live with modesty, etc. For centuries Jews, Christians, and others lived safely and happily under Muslim rule.
Caliph Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) instructed his would-be successor on his deathbed, saying, "I urge him to take care of those non-Muslims who are under the protection of Allah and His Apostle… and he should not overtax them beyond their capability." (Sahih Bukhari 3052)
10. “Muslims hate non-Muslims or think they go to heaven no matter what they do”
Allah says, “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being just and kind to them. Indeed, Allah loves those who are just.” (Quran 60:8)
The Prophet ﷺ said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 66) Scholars explain “brother” here means every human being.
And no, being Muslim does not give a free pass to sin. Only Allah’s mercy and our good deeds will save us on Judgement Day.