Islamophobia is a poorly circumscribed concept, ostensibly used to describe bigotry toward Muslims but many times simply an umbrella term to refer to any and all criticism of Islam or Muslims, real or imagined.

There is a better way forward, a way that upholds both truth and compassion.

Denominational affiliation often tells us very little about individuals, and painting everyone with the same brush is dangerous.

“The word Islam is based upon a military metaphor. Derived from aslama, ‘surrender,’ its primary meaning is to make oneself safe (salama) through surrender. In its original meaning, a Muslim was someone who surrendered in warfare.”

Apart from the first thirteen years of Islamic history, when there were not enough Muslims to fight, Islam has always had an elaborate practice or doctrine of war.

Yet the legitimacy of their personal, peaceful practice does not mean Islam itself is a religion of peace.

many who say they support sharia only do so because it is the “right answer” for a Muslim to give. They have romantic notions of what sharia is, and they do not realize exactly what they are supporting.

The Arabic word Islam means “surrender,” though it is related to the word for peace, salaam.

The common denominator of all radicalized Muslims is their ultimate choice to adhere more strictly and more literally to the foundations of Islam than most other Muslims.