Having been brought up almost entirely in a post-9/11 United States, I grew up under the notion that countries on the other side of the planet were entirely representative of a massive cult following that seeks to spread hatred and fear through western culture as a way to destroy us for or freedoms. The reality of it is that those countries don’t represent Muslims, Islam is not a cult, and the religion of Islam does not seek to destroy the United States. Radicalized individuals have spent decades building a coalition that distorts the peaceful fundamentals that make up one of the world's largest established religions. Neglect has led us to make many strong misconceptions about Islamic beliefs. Below are three of what I believe are the largest.

3. Religious Intolerance

The Quran reads “God does not forbid you, with regards to those who fight you not for religion nor drive you away out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them, for god loves those who are just.” Muslims are not intolerant of others. Scripture doesn't promote the hatred of Christians or Jews - radicalism does.

2. Women's Rights

Islam in and of itself does does not forbid women from seeking education, from leaving their home, from showing their face, from disavowing her husband. These are all facets of the countries in which people live, ruled over by barbaric laws that claim to have rooted themselves with Muslim belief. Scripture does not promote the condemnation of women - radicalism does.

1. Islamic Terror

Especially after September 11th, 2001, the notion that Muslims inherently spread terror has been easy to grasp. Throughout the Middle East, there are rulers that abuse the teachings of Islam and warp them to help build followings and spread their own dogma. However scripture is written against terrorism, exclaiming that Muslims are only to fight a respectable fight of self-defense. The Quran reads “fight...those that fight you but do not transgress limits, for God does not love transgressors.” Contrary to western belief, scripture is written against killing the innocent too, noting that “if [you're opponents] seek peace, then you seek peace.” Scripture doesn't promote terrorism or harming the innocent - radicalism does.

Are there aspects of Islam that I'm uncomfortable with? Of course, but in the same regard that there are aspects of every religion that are unpleasant to me. It's the nature of religious belief. Nevertheless the world can't afford to assume the worst of people, especially if the assumptions are so utterly based on other assumptions. It's viscous cycle.