SUMMARY
This article is mainly about Islam and the misconceptions among Muslims themselves. It mentions that even in this one religion, there are still groups with different understanding. Some of the Muslims don't really practice the teachings in this holy religion and there are also Muslims who are fanatics in which case, both leads to misconceptions toward Islam itself.
REFLECTION
Personally, I agree with this article. However, this article is quite vague, on which Muslim population is being described. I’ll take this article to another level, and make it global as this problem does not only occur in Malaysia, but in other countries as well. Many says that misconceptions toward Islam arose by people from other religion, but the truth is that Muslims themselves are the ones who created this mindset. Muslims are seen and categorized as extremists because of what some of us practice and certain groups’ actions. Other than that, the world thinks that Islam is a very strict and oppressive religion especially towards the Muslim women. This mentality is not supposed to be aroused just because of certain Islamic countries’ practices and laws. Islam is a very holy, modest and simple religion which anyone can follow as we have our own invincible and precise guidelines ; the holy Al-Quran and hadith. Each Islamic country is being left independently on how to conduct one’s government, however, Islamic principles, values and teachings are made as the basics of one’s ruling accordingly. So, logically there should not be that much of differences which can lead to extreme misconceptions among and toward Muslims regardless where they may be. Some of the Muslims blame their governments for not having specific codes or laws in their countries, but it all comes back to each individual himself, whether or not he/she is practicing the teachings in Islam accurately or just making up some nonsense practices which are not stated or mentioned in any of our trustable sources and guidelines. Through my perspective, all Islamic countries should standardize the Islamic codes and laws so that there will be no confusion on what Islam is all about. These problems transpire because of the lack of understanding and knowledge on fundamentals in Islam, not only among the Muslims but the world itself. Muslims all over the world should review on their actions and standing because Muslims nowadays do not have the strong bond and esprit de corp as we used to have in the times of Nabi Muhammad SAW and other prophets. In conclusion, both, the government and the people, play very important roles. One cannot succeed without another’s support. Just as what Islam suggests, the unity and co-operation are very important in order to succeed in whatever we do.