Let's clear Islam of prejudices:Nuzhat Aziz

Why is it that every other day an irrational, prejudiced outfit rears its ugly head and projects Islam in a conservative and prejudiced light? Why is it that a certain outfit, apparently the self-appointed guardian for Indian Muslims has the power to issue a fatwa denying Muslim women to work outside home and state that it is illegal in Shariah for a family to accept a woman's earnings? A couple of hours later, another report denies issuing of the fatwa was published justifying that it was merely a suggestion so that working women should dress properly.

According to the Wikipedia, Shariah refers to the sacred law of Islam. All Muslims believe Sharia is God's law, but they have differences between themselves as to exactly what it entails. Modernists, traditionalists and fundamentalists all hold different views of Sharia, as do adherents to different schools of Islamic thought and scholarship. Different countries and cultures have varying interpretations of Sharia, as well.

Which goes to show that we have a serious vacuum of leadership in our Muslim world. What Islam actually is and what is being portrayed is completely different. In fact, Islam is a religion that gives you permission to question and doubt almost anything.

Iu00a0 will be honest. I am not a fanatic. But at the same time, I am God fearing. I pray to Allah and try to be a good human being and in turn, a good Muslim. I am a teetotaler and offer namaaz (prayers). But I am a modern Muslim. I work, which means I go out and interact with men. I wear modern clothes (read jeans) but I also ensure that I keep my self-respect intact. I have male friends but know where to draw the line. I am proud of my religion. But I am concerned everytime I am told that women should be in a veil; women should not step out of their homes; women should not stand next to a man. My understanding of my religion is that Islam gives more power to women than men.
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I am concerned everytime people walk up to me and dismiss my religion and misrepresent it. I am concerned everytime people relate terrorism to Islam. What has gone wrong with Indian Muslims? It's time liberal Muslims come forward and take up issues which are close to our hearts. Let's clear misconceptions. Time is running out.