Islamic Apologism
Islamic Apologism refers to the whitewashing of Islam by Islamic apologists and Leftists. [1]
Myths pushed by Islamic Apologists
"Islam Means Peace"
The Myth
The root word of Islam is "Al-Salaam", which is "peace" in Arabic.
Rebuttal
Arabic words have only one root. The root word in Arabic for Islam is "Al-Silm", which translates to "submission" or "surrender". There is no disagreement among Islamic scholars regarding this.
In Islam, "Peace" can only exist once all non-Muslims have been conquered and subdued. As the modern day Islamic scholar Ibrahim Sulaiman, puts it, "Jihad is not inhumane, despite its necessary violence and bloodshed, its ultimate desire is peace which is protected and enhanced by the rule of law."
"Islam Respects Women as Equals"
The Myth
"The Koran places men and women on equal foundation before Allah and each other. Women have equal rights under Islamic law."
Rebuttal
There are four Koranic verses in which "Allah" says that an Islamic master full sexual access to their female slaves, but there is no verse that prohibits rape.
The Koran gives Islamic men permission to beat their wives for disobeying them, but nowhere does it order that there should be love in a marriage. The verses bluntly state that husbands are a "degree above" their wives. Additionally the Hadith claims that women are "intellectually inferior, and that they comprise the majority of Hell's occupants.
"Jihad means Inner Struggle"
The Myth
Jihad simply means struggle and really just refers to a peaceful striving against sin rather than a holy war to spread Islam.
Rebuttal
The Quran in verses 4:95 and 9:91 specifically exempt the 'weak' and disabled from Jihad, which makes no sense in the context of a spiritual struggle.
"Islam is a Religion of Peace"
The Myth
Muhammad was a peaceful man who taught his followers to be the same. Muslims lived peacefully for centuries, fighting only in self-defense, and only when it was necessary. True Muslims would never act aggressively.
Rebuttal
There is no real argument over who is a "true Muslim" due to the fact that in one of the Quran's last chapters, Sura 9, defines the true believer as one who, "strives and fights with their wealth and person". On the other hand, it defines hypocrites as those who "sit at home," refusing to join the jihad against unbelievers in foreign lands."
"Muslims believe in Jesus"
The Myth
In keeping with the tolerant religion of Islam, Muslims have great respect for the Jesus found in the Bible.
Rebuttal
The Quran specifically refers to Christians as "blasphemers"(5:17 and 5:72), as liars(10:68-69), and that Christians will be mocked while being tortured in Hell(22:19-22).
"Islam is Tolerant of Other Religions"
The Myth
"Religious minorities have flourished under Islam. Muslims are ordered to protect Jews and Christians(the People of the Book) and do no harm to them. In Sura 109, the Quran says,"To you, your religion. To me, mine."