The concept and structure of cults is very well known to most people. Some of these cult definitions can describe multiple religions. However, the definition of a cult is so close to the definition of Islam, that it creates concern. I have created a series of definitions to expose cults and to expose Islam. The following list has bold sentences that represent generic cult definitions, and the italic sentences are the definitions related to Islam.
What is a Cult ?
What is Islam ?
- People are put in physical or emotionally distressing situations; In Islam, they are trained from a young age to mindlessly obey all fellow Muslims, Ayatollahs, Imams, and Islamic leaders. They are told it is their duty to Allah to sacrifice their lives if asked by mosque elders. The heavenly rewards will be worth their loss of life. They will be greatly rewarded for fighting in the name of Islam. As a Muslim they must memorize and submit to every sura in the Qu'ran. All Muslims must completely submit to Allah and Mohammad.
- Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized; It is belief in Allah and Mohammad that will solve all your problems. All your problems are solved when you sincerely submit and believe in Allah and Mohammad, and follow the directions of fellow Muslims, suras in the Qu'ran, and your mosque. Most problems can be linked to ignoring the Qu'ran or associating with infidels. Stay away from infidels.
- They receive unconditional love, acceptance, and attention from a charismatic leader or group; A new member receives new Muslim comrades and leaders in Islam and the mosque is the new social center of the individual, and the group reinforces their personal importance, and their value to the group, and to the new set of "friends". They now are a "good Muslim". They are part of an Islamic family, part of a mosque, and one of many "Good Muslims".
- They get a new identity based on the group; New members usually change their name to a Muslim name to separate themselves as a believer's name that has replaced the old unbeliever's name.This is a major step in their conversion to Islam. Along with their new name, they are encouraged to travel to Mecca during the Hajj to become focused on Islam, and more familiar with just how large your Muslim family is.
- They are subject to entrapment (isolation from friends, relatives and the mainstream culture) and their access to information is severely controlled. They are controlled 5 times a day to perform prayer rituals and memorize the Qu'ran, and informed to ignore all western civilization media and web outlets. Everything the non-believers say is a lie. They are told to not be friends, business partners, or trust any unbelievers. They are pressured to only associate socially with other Muslims. Associations with non-Muslims means you are a "bad Muslim". Always keep yourself separate from the non-believers. The mosque and its followers are your true home.