Why People Hate Muslims And Islam?

[alisaroba]

What are the underlying reasons for the existence of negative sentiments towards Muslims and the religion of Islam?

[Buenchico]

I suspect that some people here could provide quite lengthy lists!

As a starter though . . .

1. Islam is seen as violating the rights of women and girls in many countries ;

2. Islam is seen as violating the rights of the gay community in many countries ;

3. Islam is seen as violating the rights of individuals to decide for themselves as to whether or not they believe in religion (or in any particular religion) ;

4. Islam is seen as violating the rights of all people (whether they're Muslims or not) in many of the punishments it lays down for criminal offending (or even for simple misbehaviour by children in school) ;

5. The activities of Muslim fundamentalists (and Islamophobia among right-wing British media) means that Islam is associated with terrorism in many people's minds.

[rccatnap]

landf, what are you talking about and why are you shouting?

[Sven666]

Hi alisaroba,

One of the main problems I have with Islam is the central idea that Muhammad (peace be upon the little darling) is considered to be the perfect example of humanity and that his actions should not only be viewed as righteous by devotees but that they should be emulated.

This is a man, who by the accounts recorded in the Koran and the Hadiths, has either encouraged others to do or has himself personally carried out:

1. Murder.
2. Torture.
3. Paedophilia
4. Rape.
5. Slavery
6. Robbery

I'm sure there are other despicable acts that I've missed out on the above list, but I think that's enough for you to get the gist of why Islam is considered by many non-muslims to be rather unpalatable by those who know about it and have read some of its scripture.

[david small]

It’s an abomination of a religion. Though most, if not all religions are an abomination. Religions are at root the enforcement of the population to follow the ideology of one person.

[johnk]

Their purpose in life is to kill all non muslims and muslims who are not as devout as they are.

[rowanwitch]

I don't hate all muslims, for many moderate believers it proves to be as good a path as any other religion.... I bear in mind that in common with Christianity and Judaism many of the beliefs make no sense in the 21st century, and are simply patriarchy reinforcing control structures, designed by men to control others.
I do have issues with countries who use religion as justification for oppression, again not about faith but control. I have know many perfectly lovely muslims, in the same way I know many christians, sikhs,hindus, jews, and pagans, and the he thing they have in common is their beliefs are part of their lives, and seem to give stability and structure to their families. None of them feel any kinship with those committing atrocities carried in the name of their religion, and all are quick to condemn them and would say those people are not believers but madmen, acting on a distorted vision fed to them by leaders with their own agenda.

[1ozzy]

Gotta love all the answers so far.
The devout Christians are so ready to ignore similar writings amongst their own scriptures.

I don't hate Muslims or Christians, I hate extremists!!

[rowanwitch]

And sadly by the extremists they are known, I really am anti religion myself, I just accept many others still need their imaginary friends

[1ozzy]

Religion isn't just for those that need imaginary friends.

It's for those that have no faith in themselves.

[Sven666]

1ozzy - “The devout Christians are so ready to ignore similar writings amongst their own scriptures.”

I hope you're not referring to me with your statement! I'm certainly no devout anything. I have however read the Koran and the Hadiths as I'm interested in religion. I've also read the Bible. I haven't got round to the Torah yet but it's on my bucket list.

It's interesting that a good many Islamic apologists (an epithet that I'm not attributing to you) always bring up the fact that there are many examples of despicable acts recorded in the Bible. And they're right; particularly the Old Testament. However, when comparing the central prophets of both Islam and Christianity, there's literally no contest when it comes to the question of whether Jesus or Muhammad was the better example for mankind. Jesus unequivocally wins hands down.

[ToraToraTora]

They are pledged to kill or convert.

[naomi24]

Jesus is revered as a prophet in Islam.

[Old_Geezer]

I doubt many hate Muslims and/or Islam. They likely hate the things Muslim extremists resort to, and note that their religion could do with a reformation given that it often seems mired in pre-mediaeval days; which it then justified by their holy writs/books/teaching.

I'm sure there are very many decent folk that have been taught by their parents and community to accept that particular religion, but there does seem to be a portion who want to act and live in a primitive manner, oppressing their womenfolk, other men who aren't so extreme, and non-Muslims generally. If they cant get their act together and reform their religion then that awful state of affairs looks to remain into the foreseeable future.

[Untitled]

it is very easy to demonise and hatemonger about muslims because of the lingering fear of terrorism and the strongly regressive parts of their religion… homophobia sexism etc.

while islam is not a race per se most muslims in britain and western Europe are middle eastern or south asian so there is an element of racial hatred to it as well

[Gromit]

The Abrahamic faiths all based on the same ideology. If you condemn one, you are condemning them all.

[Old_Geezer]

Christian extremists are not in the same league as Muslim ones. When was the last time a group of them invaded a region cutting off heads ? The comparison seems to try to make light of the real issue.

BTW, having a war lord as one's guide to spiritual matters seems a very strange choice to me. A figure who preached live & forgiveness seems a much better role model. Just my opinion, I'm sure followers are capable of updating the initial teachings so they conform to our better understanding since, if they have the will to.

[Old_Geezer]

Abraham as the initial source doesn't dictate how the various branches evolved since. It is not true that one must treat all as the same.

[naomi24]

Quite right, OG. Philosophies worlds apart.

[tommy39]

the koran can be interpreted in many different ways,that is why you have imams preaching hate,and other imams condemn the use of force.either way it's a means of controlling the populace.don't attend mosque see what happens