To be more precise, politicization of Islam means politicization of Islamism, which is an extreme radical wing of Islam. Another obstacle to define “politicization of Islam” occurs because it is not clear what the actual term “politicization” means and what criteria are necessary to match this definition. Therefore, the accurate definition of politicization of Islam is necessary in order to show if Islam is politicized in one’s country. The politicization of Islam is clearly shown on the example of Islamist organization Hamas in Palestine. Politicization of Islam occurs if Islam is used as a power tool to run the country and affects domestic and foreign political decisions.
Since the end of the Cold War, much media attention has focused on Islam as a disruption in the global order. Although Islam is the fastest growing religion in the West, the West has many stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam that are due to the media, prejudice, and ignorance. Islam is often looked upon as a "extremist", "terrorist", or "fundamental" religion. In contrast to what many Westerners think of Islam, Islam is a peaceful religion, which does not promote any forms of uncalled violence or "terrorist" actions. My research will concentrate of the numerous issues Muslims living in America have to deal with and also which misunderstandings and misperceptions Muslims encounter in general .
Criticism of the Umayyads These proto-Shi’i movements were one of the many challenges facing the Umayyads in the 740s. Pious opposition to the Caliph was not limited to those calling for the rule of Muhammad’s household. Though the sources that have come down to us, written during the period of ‘Abbasid rule, are perhaps overly critical of the Umayyad family, there does seem to have been a widespread feeling that the caliphs were betraying the true spirit of Islam. The Umayyads were criticised for turning the Caliphate into a dynastic institution, for their over-dependence upon the bureaucracy of the preceding Byzantine Empire, for levying taxes forbidden by the Qur’an, and for their ethnocentric policies. (Pictured is either side of an Umayyad coin
2). Through the eyes of a Muslim, a merchant has a much higher rank than that of a Christian. Both Muslims and Christians felt either strong hatred or respect for merchants because that is what their religions taught them and their religion is their sole belief. Therefore, they took opposing views on the merchant class
Explain how and why Muhammad was opposed in Makkah (30 marks) The prophet Muhammad preached in Makkah to bring people in the right path and to believe in one god. However, he was opposed in many ways possible by many people mainly the Quraish. There were many reasons why people opposed the prophet Muhammad in Makkah and many were due to selfish needs such as wealth and power. The prophet Muhammad was opposed in many ways such as verbal and physical abuse. The Quraish were the main people to oppose Muhammad in Makkah.
Although there are many groups dedicated to domestic terrorism, many acts of terrorism are committed by lone individuals or small groups. We must also understand the motives behind the acts, every event has usually had some political motive behind it. Religious motivated domestic terrorism plays a smaller role in The Untied States, but can be quite common elsewhere in the world. The political motives can be divided into three sections; left-wing, right-wing, and special interest. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan and The Animal Liberation Front, are classified as “special interest” groups because their beliefs are not specific to any one end of the political spectrum.
It is important to acknowledge that not all Muslims are fundamentalists, and not all fundamentalists are terrorists. However, fundamentalism, by its very nature, carries the threat of extremism, and extremism can easily morph into violence. Islamic fundamentalists can therefore pose a terrorist threat to their enemies. Unfortunately, many Middle Easterners perceive America as an enemy. Knowing the principles of Islam is the first step toward understanding how Islamic fundamentalism can lead to terrorism.
Or could it be the group of individuals, as a whole, that influences these people to behave in such a manner? Contrary to the majority of opinions, many sociologists believe religion holds little weight when it comes to creating a terrorist; and that instead the religion acts a tool of manipulation. Professor David Canter, director of investigative psychology, conducted a study that involved speaking with incarcerated Islamic terrorists. What he found was that these terrorist were not merely pawns, or mentally disturbed people, but instead were highly educated and intelligent. Carter believes that their spiritual attachment to their social group is what provided their pathway to terror.
Though it appears that the Arab Muslims managed to liberate those countries when they brought Islam with them, what they actually carried out was socio-political reforms. One of the most important reforms was the affirmation of religious freedom, instead of the compulsory conversion of non-Muslim subjects into Islam (which would certainly oppose the basic principles of Islam). The only exclusivist policy is that non-Muslims are not allowed to live in the compounds of Mecca and Medina (Hijâz). This policy, which was initiated by ’Umar ibn al-Khattâb, was expanded
Overcoming Religious Discrimination Many business leaders will discriminate consciously or subconsciously. Discrimination has been ingrained into our society and beliefs throughout history. The only way that a person can learn not to discriminate is through proper education about the facts surrounding the issue. When 9-11 devastated the United Stated, many Americans began, if not already, to discriminate against all Muslims. This discrimination included anything foreign to Americans, such as turbans, women dressing to completely conceal themselves, except for their eyes, or the words Quran or Islam.