The following are some of the noteworthy misconceptions about the religion of Islam and human rights. One should note that most of the accusations against Islam could be directed to the Jewish, Christian and other religions as well, since they  have religious codes that are deemed unacceptable by modern secular systems of life. Our defense here is only to Islamic principles since Islam is absolved and free from the falsehoods and injustices perpetrated in the name of other religions that have played the major role in the backlash leading to modern secularism. There has never been any conflict in Islam between religion and rational science and development of civilization within the framework of faith in the Creator, His Messengers, and His revealed Law.

 First Misconception:

 Some claim that the Islamic Law is restrictive of essential liberties and incompatible to the advanced civilizations of the world with modern concepts of human rights.

 Reply to the Misconception about Shari’ah (Islamic Law)

Part of this widely propagated misconception has been addressed in the foreword. We note here that Muslims believe that the Islamic Law is a complete and comprehensive code of life, fully adaptable and suitable in its principles and laws for every age, location and people. True liberty is liberty from subservience to oppression whether it comes from one.s own selfish desires or of a ruling oligarchy or hierarchy. The worst subservience is to worship others besides the One Lord, Creator and Sustainer of man. Islam does not accept the liberty of the libertine who thinks he may do whatever he desires no matter what. Islam is not only a religion of the spiritual bond between a person and his Lord and Creator, but includes temporal and worldly commandments for Allah, the Wise for every sphere of life, including the social, economic and political. Islam organizes the relationship between man and His Creator as well as the relationships between man and his society and other peoples and nations. Unlike Judaism Islam is universal and is not limited for a specific race of people. Although Christians claim universality.

Second Misconception:

Some who do not know basic truths about Islam; whether, pseudo scholars, Orientalists or enemies of Islam, claim that Islam does not respect the legal rights of non-Muslims in the Islamic State.

 Reply to the Misconception about Rights of non- Muslims

 The Islamic Shariah provides for set obligations and rights of the non-Muslim residents in the Islamic society. It may be sufficient in rebuttal of this misconception to quote the general ruling mentioned in the books of Islamic jurisprudence: .The non-Muslims are entitled for that which Muslims are entitled. They are also obligated to do that which Muslims are obligated.. This is the general rule and from it emanates the just and equitable laws giving the non-Muslim residents in an Islamic State their rights to security, private property, religious observance, etc.

Islam permits religious discussions and dialogues with non- Muslims, commanding Muslims to adhere to the best methodology in any discussions and dialogues with the non- Muslims. Allah the Exalted and Majestic states in the Glorious Qur’an:

And dispute you not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong; but say, .We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we bow (as Muslims). (29:46)

 Allah  addresses those of other faiths and religions, saying in the Qur’an:

Say: .Do you see what it is that you invoke besides Allah? Show me what it is they have created on earth, or have they a share in the heavens? Bring me a Book (revealed) before this, or any remnant of knowledge (you may have), if you are telling the truth! (46:4)

 Muslims must deal justly with all other humans who have not begun any hostilities with the Muslims. Allah states in the Glorious Qur’an:

Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just. (60:8)

Those who wage war against Islam, show enmity and force the Muslims into exile, have a different treatment according to Islam. Allah the Exalted states in the Glorious Qur’an:

It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the cruel people (those who disobey Allah). (60:9)

 Third Misconception:

Some claim that the Islamic punishments (Hudood) are cruel and barbaric, and transgress human rights.

 Reply to the Misconception about Hudud (Prescribed Punishments)

All societies have a system of punishment for serious criminal offences. The modern system uses prolonged prison terms, but many criminal and social science experts have observed that jail time is not a successful deterrent, and that it most often leaves a sense of loss and uselessness for the criminal, and general maliciousness towards the system perceived as unjust. Also the victims often do not believe that true justice has been served. Many controversies exist about appropriate terms and sentencing. Not to mention the expenses in maintenance of a huge system of prisons and related facilities.

To begin, we must mention that the system of criminal punishments in Islam is part and parcel of the entire just and equitable Islamic system of life, which allows equal opportunity and provides for the welfare of all the citizens, not leaving any pretext for criminal activity.