MISCONCEPTIONS AND TRUTHS ABOUT ISLAM

Question: Is Islam a violent religion?

Answer: In the Quran, it is written that violence is never justifiable. 

Q: Do Muslims believe in a mythical being called "Allah?"

A: Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. 

Q: Does "Jihad," a word frequently used by radical Islamists, mean "religious war?"

A: The word means "struggle against bad deeds." According to Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, who leads the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn, Mich., it means outreach, communication and education in America. A person who commits "jihad" is striving to improve himself or herself through social justice activities, such as speaking out, writing and community service. 

Q: Do all Muslims think that Islamic law, such as the cutting off of an arm for the crime of stealing, should prevail wherever they live?

A: Muslims have to follow and respect the laws of the land -- even if they are not Islamic laws. They should obey the laws put in place by their government, according to Imam Elahi. 

Q: Are all Muslim women forced to wear the hijab?

A: Women choose to wear the headscarf, or hijab, as an outward show of faith, commitment and modesty; it also protects them from immorality and pride. 

Q: Do all Shiites and Sunnis hate each other?

A: In Dearborn, congregations from Shiite and Sunni mosques get along well, often cooperating with each other for community Arab-American events, according to Imam Ehali. Several months ago, he said, Shiite and Sunni imams signed a code of honor to respect one another. Dearborn also has an interfaith council for everyone, according to Mayor John B. O'Reilly Jr. 

Q: Are all Muslims slaves to religion and must they pray five times a day?

A: A key element of Muslim life is ritual prayer performed five times a day. However, there is latitude: If someone is in a situation where it is not possible -- such as during a work or school day -- it is not required. 

Q: Aren't Christianity and Islam vastly different religions?

A: Christianity and Islam actually are quite similar. Dearborn's mayor related an example of a Bible quiz show that airs on local cable. "The Muslim teens do extremely well," O'Reilly said. "Most people have no idea that the Quran is the third book of faith for Muslims. They read and study the Old and New Testaments and then they study the Quran." 

Q: Are mosques reserved only for prayer?

A: Mosques often have youth outreach programs, special events and other weekly programs. 

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Amber Carter, 18; Jeannette Greven, 18; and Mallory St. Claire, 16.