Islam Today
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.1.11
Islam Today
In the modern world, Islam is a faith practiced by well over a billion people across the world! Because of migration, there are Muslims in many countries of the world, including the USA, and the UK.
Controversy on women's equality
- There are people, especially in the Western world, who are critical of some aspects of Islam.
- Some believe, for example, that Islam does not treat women and men equally.
- In some branches of Islam, Muslim women are expected to wear clothes that cover almost all their bodies (such as the Burqa).
- Or, women need permission from their husbands or fathers to travel.
Controversy on women's equality (cont.)
- This can be a challenge in countries where women have established the same level of freedom as men.
- In these countries, women can choose to dress and travel as they wish, and to work in any employment they choose.
- Some countries, such as France, have decided that it is not acceptable for some women to have to follow such rules.
- They have also, for example, banned women from wearing the Burqa in public.
Controversy on blasphemy
- A question that concerns members of some religions is that of blasphemy.
- Blasphemy is a way of speaking or acting that insults the religious faith of others.
- Many will argue that we should all be free to say what we think in a free society. Regardless of whether someone else might feel insulted.
- But not all Muslims agree, and say that no one should be allowed to make fun of their beliefs.
Islamophobia
- Suspicion of Islam and its practice is sometimes called Islamophobia.
- Islamophobia literally means a fear of Islam.
- Islamophobia is a fear that some aspects of Islam may be a challenge to the freedoms and rights that have been won over the years.
- These include the rights of women, the right to practice a religion of choice, or not to believe in God at all.
- Islamophobic people fear that Islam can often seem to be against democracy itself.
Islamophobia (cont.)
- Most Muslims say these fears are ill-founded and are happy to discuss their beliefs in an open way.
- Islam is spread throughout the world and is understood in different ways.
- But it is important to remember that Islam is a faith with a rich and diverse history.
- Muslims around the world work for peace and justice.
Test yourself on Islam Today
What does Islamophobia fear that Islam threatens?
What is blasphemy?