Have you ever wondered why a nun can be covered from head to toe and she's respected for devoting herself to God, but when a Muslim woman covers, she's viewed as "oppressed"? Or why a Jew can grow a beard and he's just practicing his faith, and when a Muslim does that, he's an "extremist"?

People in the west seem to have many misconceptions about Muslims and Islam. Many believe that the western world is advanced, enlightened and liberated, while Islam is just the opposite: primitive, ignorant and oppressed. One reason for this belief is that the media has again and again portrayed the Muslims in a way contrary to Islamic teachings. The key to understanding Islam and Muslims is to resist stereotypes and examine each situation according to Islamic teachings, and NOT some Muslims' actions.