The biggest misconception I had about Islam was that I thought it had its roots in Hinduism. I believed that Islam was polytheistic like Hinduism. I had no idea that Islam is very close to Judaism and Christianity. Judaism and Christianity sound much more conservative and reserved, where as the Middle East appears too revolutionary and unrest to practice these religions. I was prejudiced, and it was difficult for me to connect the Middle East with Jesus.
Instead of relating to Judaism or Christianity, I combined Hinduism and Islam together because they exist around the same area, especially in India. India has very big chunk of its land in the middle occupied by many Muslims and the rest by Hindus. Vague geographic distinction between the two religions contributed to this misperception. Also, I knew that Hindus believe in Samsara. To me, the words Samsara and Islam sounded so similar and drew similar pictures in my head. Several absurd remarks like this automatically made me associate Islam and Hinduism; however, since I learned about the beginnings and the progress of Islam, I should correct more misconceptions I have about Islam and even other religions.
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I agree that people in general tend to associate things with things that sound alike even if they have no real relation to each other.
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting that you said you had trouble connecting Jesus with the Middle East. I think a lot of people have trouble with this and there is definitely a popular notion of Jesus as a white guy. Do you remember the picture Ms. Snyder showed us of what Jesus could have/probably looked like? I think this is it: http://www.kpao.org/blog/2008/07/08/arabic-jesus.jpg
ReplyDeleteI never really thought of that. I think, even in the Christian faith, there is a strong disconnect between the image of Jesus and what we think of the Middle East.
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