Title: What should be Done about all the Misinformation about Islam? Question: I have studied (and still am) many religions (especially Judaism and Christianity). I have seen many negative things written about Islam from atheists and Christians and other sources especially on the web. What's worse is that in my studies, I have found that there is a great number within our Muslim community that is completely ignorant... not only that, but I am completely shocked to see so many web sites spewing misinformation from Muslims to Muslims. For example, a person asked if car insurance is 'haraam' . The reply was "Yes, because it is like gambling...". That is outrageous to me. I find more and more that I and your website are in the minority. My question is: What can be done about these other web sites (the Muslim ones) giving out false or incorrect information. If you don't mind answering the question about the car insurance, may be someone will see it and know the truth. May Allah bless you for your deeds, you the true Muslims of the world and you have become the source of inspiration and guidance. I thank you with all my heart and soul. Answer: As far as my opinion on insurance is concerned, please refer to one of my earlier responses on the topic [1] . As far as the difference of opinion and the difference in the presentation of Islam among the Muslims is concerned, I view it in an absolutely different perspective, due to which I would never be in favor of 'doing something about these "other" web sites'. In my view, these "other" web sites are not presenting 'false' information, but information, which is different from the one, which I hold to be correct. We cannot rule out the possibility that our own understanding can be at fault. After all, no one besides God's prophets can claim to be absolutely clear of all errors and mistakes. Thus, the important thing in my opinion is not to control any information, which is different from my own, but to effectively present my own opinion and, wherever necessary, inform the readers that a difference of opinion in the matter under consideration exists. My basic objective is to develop an attitude of 'understanding' Islam, as an academic discipline deserves to be understood. Such an attitude requires empathy, sympathy and acknowledgement of the differences in opinions that exist or may exist. These differences in opinions and presentation are a blessing in the sense that they provide us an opportunity to review our own opinions and thereby help us to be informed of the mistakes and errors that we may have committed in forming our opinions. Without such differences in opinions, we would lose all opportunity of being corrected of our mistakes. The right thing to do, as I see it, would be to present our opinions in an academic manner, stipulating our basis of ascribing to that opinion and then keep our minds open for all differences that may exist in the concerned issue. This is the only way we can hope to reach the truth. 24 th June 2000 [1] Reference is to one of my earlier responses titled ' Regarding Insurance '.