Islam

According to Islamic theology, Islam is a monotheistic and Abrahamic religion, a message from God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel in the form of a book, the Holy Qur'an, in the 7th century c.e. This new Abrahamic religion was considered necessary because it was argued that the previous Abrahamic holy books (the Talmud and the Bible) had been modified several times and a new religion was a way to return to the truth. Thus, as happens with any religion and from the start of Islam, accusations of lying and deception have been traded and [Page 552]debated regarding the authenticity of the newer religion and the accuracy of some information in the previous monotheistic ones.

In the modern world, some Muslims, especially in countries where Muslims are a minority, believe they are victims of lies and deception; in their view, their religion, and sometimes the Prophet, are misrepresented internationally due both to misinformation and to the actions of particular Muslims, who do not necessarily represent the faith. Their feelings of alienation and misrepresentation can lead to marginalization and extremism.

In addition, conflicts over authenticity and truthfulness exist within the various sects of Islam. These accusations and debates, which emerged early in the history of Islam, continue today and have serious international consequences. They sometimes become part of propaganda forming the context for war and contributing to moral disengagement; for example, selected passages of doctrine are used by members of one group to justify violent actions that are seen as a violation of fundamental Islamic principles by other groups. In addition, challenging the truthfulness of something held as true, and even as a fundamental part of identity, by the followers of a religion or sect can sometimes ignite strong emotional reactions.