WikiIslam:Frequently Asked Questions: Difference between revisions

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No, WikiIslam is not Islamophobic, racist or a hate site. To make such a claim requires [[W:special pleading|special pleading]]. If WikiIslam editors are labeled Islamophobes, racists and hate mongers, it is through no fault of their own, but the biases of the individuals who make these claims.
No, WikiIslam is not Islamophobic, racist or a hate site. To make such a claim requires [[W:special pleading|special pleading]]. If WikiIslam editors are labeled Islamophobes, racists and hate mongers, it is through no fault of their own, but the biases of the individuals who make these claims.


WikiIslam is not European or "Western", it is an international site with administrators, editors and contributors from all over the world, and the content and policies reflect this. The site does not have a left or right-wing political agenda, thus articles concerning immigration and other related issues are strictly prohibited. Consequently, readership is vast and not saturated by European or "Western" viewers.  
WikiIslam is not European or "Western", it is an international site with administrators, editors and contributors from all over the world, and the content and policies reflect this. The site does not have a left or right-wing political agenda, thus articles concerning immigration and other related issues are strictly prohibited, along with political topics in general. Consequently, readership is vast and not monopolized by European or "Western" viewers.  


Many of the site's administrators and editors are from a Muslim background and/or are skeptics from Muslim majority nations. The information on WikiIslam reflect what the religious sources say, so any negative or unflattering information in its articles concerning Islam or Prophet Muhammad are not the fault of editors. They are simply what the religious texts relate.  
Many if not most of the site's administrators and editors are from a Muslim background or are skeptics from Muslim majority nations and no infrequently have some level of formal Islamic religious training. The information on WikiIslam reflect what the religious sources say, so any negative or unflattering information concerning Islam or Prophet Muhammad cannot be described as the fault of editors. The information is very simply what the religious texts relate.  


There are also many individuals and websites that critique all forms of beliefs, but this does not make them phobic, racist or hatemongers. For instance, Christians are the most widely persecuted religious group on earth, the majority of worldwide Christians are non-white, and Christianity is even sub-Saharan Africa's largest religion. This does not make criticism of Christianity or the actions and claims of its adherents, racist and phobic.
There are also many individuals and websites that critique all forms of beliefs, but this does not make them phobic, racist or hatemongers. For instance, Christians are the most widely persecuted religious group on earth, the majority of worldwide Christians are non-white, and Christianity is even sub-Saharan Africa's largest religion. This does not make criticism of Christianity or the actions and claims of its adherents, racist and phobic, as is often made to be the case with Islam (even as it is Christians and not Muslims who comprise the most widely persecuted religious group on earth - it is also worth noting that while left-leaning political parties in Western countries often go out of their way to make Muslim diasporas feel included, the same is hardly if ever the case in Muslim-majority countries with respect to their Christian and other religious minorities).
 
Everyone, without exception, is welcome to edit the main site content if they adhere to the policies and guidelines. And unlike most Muslim websites on the net, editors who would like to express an alternate point of view are welcome to create responses.


===Is WikiIslam a propaganda site?===
===Is WikiIslam a propaganda site?===


No, it is not. According to Wikipedia, propaganda is “a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position.” Sites which support women's rights, gay rights, refute Creationism or inform the public on matters concerning the science of Evolution would fit this definition. In fact any site with a point of view could be labeled with the “propaganda” tag, yet this is seldom the case.  
No, it is not. Propaganda is generally understood to be “a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position.” Sites which support women's rights, gay rights, refute Creationism or inform the public on matters concerning the science of Evolution could be argued, along with literally any site that possesses a point of view, to fit this definition.  


===Is WikiIslam a right-wing or counter-jihad site?===
===Is WikiIslam a right-wing or counter-jihad site?===
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No, WikiIslam is not a right-wing or counter-jihad site. We do not endorse any particular political ideology. Thus, contributors to WikiIslam are from all positions of the political spectrum.  
No, WikiIslam is not a right-wing or counter-jihad site. We do not endorse any particular political ideology. Thus, contributors to WikiIslam are from all positions of the political spectrum.  


Also, according to Wikipedia, "Counter-jihad discourse mixes valid concerns about jihad-inspired terrorism with far more complex political issues about immigration to Europe from predominantly Muslim countries," and that "Bat Ye'Or's Eurabia [and other such conspiracy theories] are important to the movement. The main theme of these theories is an allegation that European leaders allow a Muslim dominance of Europe, whether by intention or not, through multicultural policies and lax immigration laws." WikiIslam does not cover political issues such as multiculturalism or immigration. Nor does it entertain related conspiracy theories such as Barack Obama being a secret Muslim.
According to Wikipedia, "Counter-jihad discourse mixes valid concerns about jihad-inspired terrorism with far more complex political issues about immigration to Europe from predominantly Muslim countries," and that "Bat Ye'Or's Eurabia [and other such conspiracy theories] are important to the movement. The main theme of these theories is an allegation that European leaders allow a Muslim dominance of Europe, whether by intention or not, through multicultural policies and lax immigration laws." WikiIslam does not cover political issues such as multiculturalism or immigration. Nor does it entertain related conspiracy theories such as Barack Obama being a secret Muslim.
 
While criticism of Islam is a favorite topic among far-right political groups, it is an unfortunate stereotype that all those critical of Islam are immediately assumed to hold far-right political views. Indeed, the religiously unaffiliated, of whom ex-Muslims are mostly a part, are widely known to favor a liberal political outlook.


===I've heard many good things about Islam. Why doesn’t this site talk about them?===
===I've heard many good things about Islam. Why doesn’t this site talk about them?===


We do in fact have a [[:Category:Pro-Islamic Content|collection of articles]] that aim to provide you with a positive view of Islam. However, for reading and contributing exclusively pro-Islamic content please see the [http://muslimwiki.com/mw/index.php/MuslimWiki Muslim Wikipedia], where presenting alternate point of views are strictly prohibited.  
WikiIslam is naturally comprised of the contributions made to it by its editors, the great majority of whom are interested in critical perspectives on Islam. As a result, often-important "good" and "neutral" matters concerning Islam sometimes receive a less intensive treatment on the wiki. Constructing this base of more general and even positive knowledge about Islam is, like the rest of the wiki, an ongoing project, and it is important to understand, as per WikiIslam's mission statement, that articles on such "polemically-benign" topics are absolutely and incontrovertibly allowed and encouraged on the wiki.


===Was WikiIslam created by Christian missionaries?===
===Was WikiIslam created by Christian missionaries?===


No. WikiIslam was founded by an atheist. However, in regards to the criticism of Islam, being called a "Christian missionary" is a common occurrence and always derogatory. The term is often used in debates as an ad-hominem to encourage Muslim listeners/readers to dismiss any valid points that may have been raised. It is often applied to critics regardless of their religious affiliation or occupation.
No. WikiIslam was founded by an atheist. However, labeling any and all criticism of Islam as "Christian missionary work" unfortunately remains a widespread slur. Any content apologizing for or promoting other religions is strictly prohibited. If one locates such content any where on the wiki, the administrators should be notified, and the content will be removed immediately.  


===Is WikiIslam owned by Jews?===
===Is WikiIslam owned by "the Jews"?===


No.
No. WikiIslam is currently managed by the [https://exmuslims.org/ Ex-Muslims of North America].


===Is WikiIslam funded by Jews, and how much do they pay you?===
===Is WikiIslam funded by "the Jews"?===


No. We are not funded by any individual or entity. However, we do accept donations. A record of all donations can be viewed [[WikiIslam:Join_Our_Team#Donations_Received|here]].
No. However, Ex-Muslims of North America does accept [https://exmuslims.org/donate/ donations].


===Is WikiIslam pro-Israel?===
===Is WikiIslam pro-Israel?===


No. This is not a political wiki. We focus solely on Islam. Any such articles will be updated, [http://www.wikiislam.net/w/index.php?title=Videos_on_Islam:Israeli_Palestinian_Conflict&action=edit&redlink=1 deleted] or [http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wikiislam.net%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DWikiIslam%253ASandbox%252FIsrael_vs_genocide%26action%3Dhistorysubmit%26diff%3D65682%26oldid%3D51243&date=2012-09-06 removed] from the wiki mainspace.<!-- http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwikiislam.net%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DIsrael%2C_Palestine%2C_and_Gays%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1&date=2013-11-30 -->
No. This is not a political wiki. WikiIslam focus solely on Islam. Any politically charged articles will be immediately updated, [http://www.wikiislam.net/w/index.php?title=Videos_on_Islam:Israeli_Palestinian_Conflict&action=edit&redlink=1 deleted] or [http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wikiislam.net%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DWikiIslam%253ASandbox%252FIsrael_vs_genocide%26action%3Dhistorysubmit%26diff%3D65682%26oldid%3D51243&date=2012-09-06 removed] from the wiki.
 
===Is WikiIslam owned by Ali Sina or Faith Freedom International?===
===Is WikiIslam owned by Ali Sina or Faith Freedom International?===


No, we are not. WikiIslam was created on October 27, 2005 in collaboration with various individuals from [[Faith Freedom International]] who provided the site with server space, technical help and exposure. However, in August 2008, the site was moved out of FFI's server and since then we have been an independent site not owned by or affiliated with any organization.  
No, it is not. WikiIslam was created on October 27, 2005 in collaboration with various individuals from Faith Freedom International who provided the site with server space, technical help and exposure. However, in August 2008, the site was moved out of FFI's server and operated as an independent site. In 2015, following excessive amounts of vandalism, the site came under the management of the Ex-Muslims of North America.  


===What is the religious persuasion of the contributors to WikiIslam?===
===What is the religious persuasion of the contributors to WikiIslam?===


WikiIslam contributors come from all religious persuasions, including irreligious contributors of no faith. We do not endorse any religion, nor do we criticize any religion other than Islam. However, we do accept Evolution as a scientific fact.
WikiIslam contributors come from all religious persuasions, including irreligious contributors of no faith. WikiIslam does not endorse any religion. However, certain scientific theories, such as Evolution, are treated on the wiki as fact.


==Content==
==Content==
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===Why are there spelling and grammatical errors in some articles?===
===Why are there spelling and grammatical errors in some articles?===


A lot of our articles have been written by former Muslims who speak English only as a second or third language. The correct use of grammar is important to us, so any corrections are appreciated.
A lot of articles on the wiki have been written by former Muslims who speak English only as a second or third language. The correct use of grammar is important to the wiki, so any corrections are appreciated.


===Why are there so few articles hosted on WikiIslam?===
===Why are there so few articles hosted on WikiIslam?===


Like most wikis, WikiIslam is always growing and we currently host {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles. Many wikis use copies or modified versions of Wikipedia articles. However, as a general rule, we do not allow Wikipedia articles in any form. We aim to provide readers with unique content and believe quality over quantity is the best policy.  
WikiIslam currently host {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles and, like most wikis, is always growing.  


===Why do some pages not adhere to your policies and guidelines?===
===Why do some pages not adhere to your policies and guidelines?===


Wiki sites are always evolving, so there may be a few things which do not completely adhere to our rules. We have updated or deleted a whole host of articles which were unsuitable for this site, and as time permits, more and more pages will closely reflect our policies and guidelines.
Wiki sites are always evolving, so there may be a few things which do not completely adhere to site policy. Administrators have updated and deleted several hundred articles which were deemed unsuitable for the site, and as time permits, more and more pages will closely reflect wiki policies and guidelines.


===I am a critic of Islam but I do not like some of the content on this website===
===I have something to contribute but I do not like some of the content on this website===


Criticism of Islam comes in many varieties. What one critic likes may not be liked by another critic. Nevertheless, content can usually be improved. If you have any constructive criticism please let us know on the relevant [[WikiIslam:Discussions|Discussions]] page or use the talk page of an article to provide feedback on it. Critics of Islam are encouraged to be accepting of differences of opinions, provide constructive criticism when possible and work together on common goals. However, inaccuracy of content falls outside the issue of "accepting differences of opinions" and will not be tolerated.
Content can usually be improved and, when this is not the case, recommended for deletion. If you have any constructive criticism or contribution to make consider sharing as much on the relevant [[WikiIslam:Discussions|Discussions]] page or use the talk page of an article to provide feedback on it, or, if willing, consider joining WikiIslam's community of editors and making changes yourself. WikiIslam is fully that which its editors make it to be, and if there are improvements you would like to see and are competent to deliver, the most reliable way to effect that change will always be to do so yourself.  


==Contributing==
==Contributing==
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