Allegations

Critics allege that several verses of the Holy Qur’an incite believers to commit violence against non-Muslims by way of aggression.

Critics allege that several verses of the Holy Qur’an state the inferior status of non-Muslims or non-believers. Several verses (as given below) are cherry-picked unreconciled with the teachings of the Qur’an and the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) to illustrate this allegation.

Critics allege that some verses of the Holy Qur’an deny freedom of religion and conscience which can form the basis for extremist ideology that looks to enforce conversion of non-Muslims to become Muslims.

Critics allege that the Holy Qur’an supports a concept known as Taqqiyah, where by a Muslim may conceal the true nature of his or her beliefs while outwardly declaring something contrary to their true beliefs. They would supposedly do this to wait upon favorable conditions when they can pursue their true beliefs.

The allegations that Islamic teachings advocate slavery or don’t outright outlaw slavery can be broken down into the following points:

Critics allege that the Holy Qur’an and the Islamic tradition is oppressive to women. Verses of the Holy Quran are showcased by detractors as promoting the inferiority of women, misogyny and abuse against women.

Critics allege that the Qur’an commands death as a punishment for homosexuality. Verse 7:81 is oft quoted as validation for such allegations.

Critics allege that since verses 18:66-83 speak of slaying a child because he would rebel and bring dishonor to his righteous parents, they are the inspiration for the crime of honor killings. Honor killings are done to a member of one’s family if they are thought to bring a grave dishonor or shame upon the family by indulging in sinful activity such as adultery. However, as evident in the explanation below, there is no such sanction in these verses. Islamic teachings forbid the unjust taking of a life.