Many of us who have embraced Islam after being raised in another faith must cope with some complicated reactions from our non-Muslim loved ones. Some of them consciously or subconsciously buy into the popular misconception that Muslim women are oppressed.
Many Muslims feel that the image and reputation of Islam have been co-opted by a minority with extreme views. However, Muslims don’t often reflect on how images within other religions have shaped and impacted our community.
Allah states in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Isra, verse 70:
“Verily We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them provisions and privileged them above many of Our creatures with a marked preference”.
If we were to narrow down all the major differences between a believer and a non-believer, it would probably arrive at one predominant factor, i.e. taqwa. The Arabic word taqwa is derived from the root word 'wa-qa-ya', which means a shield or a protective barrier.
Muslims have consistently been under a negative light in news and entertainment for the last 20 years. The onus has been put on ordinary Muslims to be ambassadors of Islam; it can be quite the heavy burden nowadays in North American society.
Latinos continue to be the fastest growing minority in America and in Islam. If either of those facts come as a surprise, there is much for you to learn about our culture.