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Fact: Allah is simply the Arabic word for God.
This word simply means "God" (H.W.), and is used by Arab Christians and Jews alike. Muslims speaking English usually refer to "Allah" instead of "God", giving the impression that Islam shuns the god of Jews, Christians, Buddhists, etc. But according to the Quran, the followers of any of today's major religions - in fact, the world population - can be broken up into roughly 2 groups: those who submit to God's will and those who don't.
Do not dispute with the People of the Scripture save in the best fashion, unless they transgress. And say, "We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters." [29:46]
Fact: The Quran is against terrorism.
Terrorism, as defined by Princeton University's Wordnet, is "the systematic use of violence as a means to intimidate or coerce societies or governments". There are other definitions too, but this is the implied meaning when people talk about Muslims committing terrorist acts. The following verse shows that any violence cannot be systematic, but must be in response to contention on the part of the opposition.
If they incline towards peace, so shall you, and put your trust in God. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient." [8:61]
Fact: The Quran laid down measures to abolish slavery.
In the Quran's time, slavery was markedly widespread. It is probably for this reason that the Quran didn't try to abruptly ban the practice. Instead, it allowed for the gradual freeing of slaves by declaring emancipation a meritorious act.
Which is the uphill path? The freeing of slaves. Feeding, during times of hardship, orphans who are related, or the poor who is in need. And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. These have deserved happiness. [90:13-18]
Myth: Islam has 5 "pillars" upon which its foundation is laid.
The modern, global version of Islam stresses the pillars as testimony, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. In reality, the Quran makes no such statement. Instead, the notion is taken from the Hadith and Sunna, a body of Arabic literature that has no place in the civilized world.
Myth: Islam was founded by Muhammad.
From the Quran it is clear that there were people pre-dating Muhammad who were submitters. One example is Moses, who referred to his followers as submitters:
Moses said, "O my people, if you have really believed in God, then put your trust in Him, if you are really submitters." [10:84]
Myth: Muhammad has powers of intercession.
Many people think that on judgment day, Muhammad will petition to God on their behalf in order to secure them a position in Heaven. However, the verse below shows otherwise. A thorough reading of the Quran reveals that any intercession will be superficial only. This idea of intercession is dangerous because it leads one to the illogical idea that there are unconditional, free tickets available to those who, instead of concentrating on doing good, spend much of their time on Earth glorifying a petitioner in hopes of getting noticed.
You have neither a protector nor an intercessor without God. [32:4]
