11 Common Misconceptions About Islam – And the Truth Behind Them

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding each other’s beliefs is more important than ever. Unfortunately, Islam—the second largest religion in the world—is still shrouded in misinformation and stereotypes.

In this blog, we’re going to break down 11 of the most common misconceptions about Islam, explain the truth behind them, and show how you can educate children about Islam in a fun, engaging, and accurate way.

1. Islam Promotes Violence

The truth: Islam is rooted in peace, not violence. The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root S-L-M, which means peace, safety, and submission to God. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes compassion, patience, mercy, and kindness—even in the face of hardship.

“If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder... it would be as if he killed all mankind.” – [Quran 5:32]

Yet, due to global conflicts and media portrayal, this misconception persists. It’s essential to separate political events from religious teachings.

2. Muslims Worship a Different God

The truth: Muslims worship the same monotheistic God as Jews and Christians—the God of Abraham. In Arabic, the word “Allah” simply means “The God.”

Islam acknowledges the previous scriptures and reveres many Biblical prophets, including Moses, Noah, and Jesus.

3. Women Are Oppressed in Islam

The truth: Islam gave women legal and spiritual rights more than 1,400 years ago—long before many modern societies did. Women in Islam have the right to:

1. Own property

2. Run businesses

3. Inherit wealth

4. Choose their spouses

5. Seek education

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a strong advocate for women’s dignity and rights.

Cultural oppression is real in many places—but it is culture, not Islam, that often fails women.

4. Islam Was Spread by the Sword

The truth: While there were historical conflicts like in any empire, the core spread of Islam across regions like Indonesia, West Africa, and parts of India happened through trade, education, ethics, and preaching.

People were drawn to the justice, compassion, and structure that Islam offered.

5. Jihad Means Holy War

The truth: “Jihad” literally means struggle or effort. The greater jihad refers to the personal, spiritual struggle to live a righteous life. The lesser jihad can include self-defense, but never aggressive violence.

Misusing this term for extremist propaganda is not just harmful—it's a complete misrepresentation.

6. Muslims Don’t Believe in Jesus

The truth: Muslims believe in Jesus (Isa) as a noble prophet born miraculously to Maryam (Mary), a revered woman in Islam. Muslims believe in his miracles, love him deeply, and await his second coming.

However, Islam doesn’t consider him divine or the Son of God—this is where the theological difference lies.

7. All Muslims Are Arabs

The truth: Only about 20% of the global Muslim population is Arab. The rest are from diverse regions including:

1. South and Southeast Asia

2. Africa

3. Europe

4. North and South America

Islam is a global religion that transcends race, language, and culture.

8. Islam Doesn’t Encourage Education

The truth: Islam places immense value on education. The first revealed word of the Quran was:

Muslim civilizations led advancements in science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy for centuries. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.”

9. Muslims Can’t Integrate into Modern Society

The truth: Muslims have been contributing to their communities as teachers, doctors, engineers, artists, and leaders across all cultures and nations. Islamic values promote civic responsibility, cleanliness, respect, and charity.

Living as a practicing Muslim and contributing to modern society are not mutually exclusive.

10. Halal Just Means How Animals Are Slaughtered

The truth: Halal encompasses an entire ethical lifestyle, not just food preparation. It involves:

1. Humane animal treatment

2. Cleanliness

3. Ethical earnings

4. Honesty in trade

Halal is about purity, ethics, and balance, not just meat.

11. Islamic Learning is Boring for Kids

The truth: Not anymore!

Thanks to modern apps like Hakma, Islamic learning has evolved into a fun, visual, and interactive experience that kids actually love.

Meet Hakma – Where Faith Meets Fun

In a world of digital distractions, Hakma is revolutionizing how kids connect with their faith. It’s not just another Islamic app. It’s an immersive platform that makes learning about Islam:

Engaging

Entertaining

Educational

Safe

🎬 Animated Islamic Stories

Forget dry textbooks. Hakma offers beautifully animated videos that teach values through the stories of prophets, heroes, and Islamic events.

🧠 Quizzes That Spark Curiosity

Your child can explore Islamic MCQs, Boolean quizzes, and cross-topic games like:

1. Science

2. History

3. Geography

4. Sports

🌍 Global Quiz Challenges

Kids can join global knowledge competitions, seeing how they rank worldwide. It builds motivation, confidence, and curiosity.

🎧 Audio Books for Bedtime & Travel

Whether you’re in the car or winding down at night, Hakma’s audio books help kids learn in a soothing, screen-free way.

✨ Sparks – Tiny Bursts of Wisdom

Quick, impactful videos called Sparks simplify complex ideas—from the Five Pillars of Islam to the concept of mercy in Islam.

👤 Personalized Profiles

Each child has a personal profile with their own progress tracker, badges, and points. Learning becomes a rewarding journey, not a chore.

Why Hakma Is Perfect for Muslim Parents

✅ Designed for kids aged 4–12

✅ Built with educators, designers, and Islamic scholars

✅ Regularly updated with new content

✅ Encourages independent learning with spiritual grounding

Islam is not just for mosques. It belongs in our homes, in our hearts, and in our hands. With Hakma, your child’s Islamic journey begins with joy.

Final Words: Knowledge Overcomes Fear

Most misconceptions about Islam come from ignorance, not malice. The best way to counter false narratives is by educating ourselves and the next generation.

That’s where you come in.

Give your child the tools to:

1. Understand their faith with confidence

2. Share it with pride

3. And grow with compassion

📲 Download Hakma today and watch your kids light up as they explore Islam like never before.

Ready to empower your child with Islamic knowledge that sticks? Try Hakma free and join a growing global community of young Muslim learners. Available for both Android and IOS.