Islam

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6.)

I

Strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith

The teachings of the Quran, which Muslims consider to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, form the foundation of Islam. On the other hand, the Hadith are the words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad that have been documented and passed down through the ages by Muslim scholars. Even though the Hadith and Quran provide Muslims with advice on how to live their lives, adhering to these texts strictly can result in a literal interpretation of some passages that many people find troubling. Some Hadith and Quranic passages, for instance, are interpreted as advocating violence or discrimination against non-Muslims, women, or LGBTQ people. A lack of critical thinking and questioning, as well as a reluctance to adapt to shifting social norms and values, can result from this literal interpretation. Additionally, it may result in a lack of tolerance and comprehension for those with opposing viewpoints. Conflicts with civil authorities and legal systems can arise as a result of the strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith that sometimes places religious laws ahead of secular ones. Now and again, this can bring about the mistreatment of minorities or the infringement of basic freedoms. While the Quran and Hadith give direction and motivation to a large number of Muslims all over the planet, their severe adherence can prompt an exacting understanding of specific sections that can be tricky for some individuals. Individuals and communities need to approach these texts critically and with an open mind, and they need to adjust how they are interpreted and applied to changing social contexts and values.

II 

A lack of separation between religion and state in many Islamic nations

A lack of separation between religion and state in many Islamic nations can result in theocratic rule and minority oppression. This is on the grounds that the religion of Islam isn't simply an individual conviction framework, yet additionally a far reaching lifestyle that gives direction on all parts of society, including governmental issues, regulation, and administration. Religious leaders use their authority to promote and enforce their interpretation of Islamic law in some Islamic nations where they hold significant political power. Individuals and minority groups, particularly those who do not adhere to the dominant religious beliefs, may be subjected to oppressive laws and policies as a result of this. Because religious leaders may not be subject to the same checks and balances as secular leaders, theocratic rule may also result in a lack of democracy and accountability. This can bring about defilement, nepotism, and an absence of straightforwardness in government. The absence of partition among religion and state can likewise prompt strains and clashes between various strict and ethnic gatherings, as each gathering tries to advance its own advantages and convictions. This can bring about separation and savagery against minority gatherings, especially the individuals who are viewed as a danger to the predominant strict or ethnic personality. In many Islamic nations, a lack of separation between religion and state can result in theocratic rule, minority oppression, and a lack of democracy and accountability. Societies must strike a balance between religious and secular ideals and safeguard the rights and liberties of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs.

III 

Approaches to women.

Islam has been criticized for its treatment of women, which is frequently viewed as restrictive and patriarchal. It has been alleged that Islamic teachings and practices restrict the rights and liberties of women in a variety of ways and perpetuate gender-based discrimination. The practice of veiling is seen as a symbol of women's subjugation to men and the patriarchal society, which is one of the most common criticisms of Islam's treatment of women. In a few Islamic social orders, ladies are expected to cover their bodies and hair out in the open, and inability to do so can prompt social shunning, provocation, or even brutality. Religious teachings that encourage modesty and discourage sexual temptation frequently serve as justification for this practice, but it can also restrict women's mobility and participation in public life. The issue of family law, which is frequently based on Islamic principles and can be discriminatory toward women, is another area of concern. For instance, women's rights to marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance are limited in some Islamic nations. When they want to learn, get a job, or get involved in politics, they might also face social and legal challenges. A few Islamic lessons and practices have been blamed for advancing brutality against ladies, including abusive behavior at home, honor killings, and female genital mutilation. Even though these customs are not exclusive to Islam, some Islamic societies' religious and cultural norms have helped to justify and maintain them. Women's rights and freedoms have been restricted, gender-based discrimination has been perpetuated, and the religion's treatment of women has even been criticized for encouraging violence against women. In accordance with the fundamental principles of justice, dignity, and human rights, it is essential for Islamic societies to address these issues and advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment.

IV 

The use of violent jihad and terrorism by some extremist groups 

The use of violent jihad and terrorism by some extremist groups is a contentious and intricate matter that has frequently been justified by citing Islamic scripture. Some extremist groups have interpreted Islamic teachings to support their violent actions, despite the fact that the majority of Muslims oppose violence and terrorism as means of achieving political or religious objectives. In Islamic scripture, the struggle or effort to uphold the faith and perform good deeds is referred to as "jihad." However, some extremist organizations have reinterpreted the term "jihad" to include acts of violence against non-Muslims, particularly those who are regarded as being opposed to Islam. They contend that the utilization of brutality is legitimate in the safeguard of the confidence and to lay out an Islamic state or caliphate. These groups frequently use religious texts and traditions, such as the idea of martyrdom or the obligation to defend the faith against enemies, to justify their violent actions. Additionally, they may use selective interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence and history to justify acts of terrorism and violence. Contrary to Islamic teachings, which forbid the killing of innocent people, these extremist groups frequently target civilians and non-combatants. This has been widely condemned by Muslim scholars and leaders, who have argued that such actions are not only immoral but also detrimental to achieving political or religious objectives. Some extremist groups have also used terrorism and violent jihad to significantly affect global politics and security. As governments attempt to prevent and combat terrorist attacks, it has resulted in an increase in military intervention, surveillance, and restrictions on civil liberties. It has also contributed to sectarianism and conflicts within the Islamic world as well as between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The interpretation of Islamic teachings as well as the political, social, and economic factors that contribute to radicalization make the use of violent jihad and terrorism by some extremist groups a complex issue. A comprehensive response that promotes tolerance, pluralism, respect for human dignity and rights, and addresses the underlying causes of extremism is required.

V 

Perspectives on homosexuality

The religion of Islam has commonly regrettable points of view on homosexuality, and this can prompt oppression of LGBTQ people in a few Islamic social orders. Islamic lessons and customs have been deciphered to sentence same-sex connections and to recommend cruel disciplines for the people who participate in gay demonstrations. The story of Lot and his community, who were destroyed by God for their immoral behavior, including homosexuality, is mentioned in the Quran, Islam's central religious text. Some Muslims have used this story to argue that relationships between people of the same sex are sinful and against God's will. Islamic regulation, or Sharia, forbids gay demonstrations and recommends disciplines that reach from detainment to death, contingent upon the understanding and use of the law. LGBTQ individuals have been subjected to persecution, discrimination, and violence, including torture, imprisonment, and execution, by some Islamic societies that have enforced these laws. Homosexuality is stigmatized by some Islamic societies' cultural and social norms as a deviation from gender roles and family structures. LGBTQ people may be subjected to social ostracism, harassment, and violence as a result, and their fundamental human rights, such as access to healthcare, education, and employment, may also be violated. But it's important to remember that not all Muslims or Islamic societies view homosexuality negatively or discriminate against LGBTQ people. Islamic teachings and traditions on sexuality and gender are interpreted in a variety of ways, and some Muslims and Islamic scholars have called for more compassionate and inclusive approaches to LGBTQ issues. In some Islamic societies, the religion's generally negative views on homosexuality can result in the persecution of LGBTQ people. In accordance with the fundamental principles of justice, dignity, and human rights, it is essential to combat discrimination and violence against LGBTQ individuals and to promote tolerance, respect, and understanding of diversity.