Mauao Man

The Two Faces of Islam:

Peace for the Public, Power Behind Closed Doors

How Islam’s Double-Speak Creates a Public Illusion and a Private Reality

Introduction: Two Faces, One Faith — A Religion of Contradictions

Publicly, Islam is presented as a religion of peace, tolerance, and coexistence. Imams at interfaith events speak of unity, love, and respect for all faiths. Muslim public figures emphasize compassion, charity, and the universal message of God's mercy. This is the Islam that many in the West have come to know — a faith that promotes harmony and understanding.

But behind closed doors — in traditional mosques, Islamic seminaries, and classical texts — a very different Islam is taught. This is an Islam of strict obedience, conquest, and supremacy. It is a belief system where Sharia is the ideal law for all of humanity, where apostates are punished by death, and where women are obedient to men.

This is not a misunderstanding. It is a deliberate strategy — two faces of Islam, one for the public and one for believers. It is a calculated form of double-speak, carefully crafted to present a peaceful image to the world while maintaining a stricter, more authoritarian version for internal control.

This post pulls back the curtain, revealing the reality behind Islam’s two faces — the public “PR version” and the private “Sharia version.” It shows how this double-speak is not just a quirk of translation or a misunderstanding but a strategic approach grounded in Islamic history and teachings.

1. The Western-Friendly Qur’an: Peace, Tolerance, and Inclusion

1. The Public Message: A Religion of Peace

When Muslim apologists, public speakers, or interfaith representatives speak to a non-Muslim audience, they present a version of Islam that is peaceful, tolerant, and compatible with Western values. The most common slogans include:

“Islam means peace.”
“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Quran 2:256)
“Jihad means an inner spiritual struggle.”
“The Prophet Muhammad was a feminist who protected women’s rights.”

2. Carefully Selected Verses

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Quran 2:256)
- Often quoted as proof of Islam’s tolerance.
- But classical tafsir (commentaries) explain that this verse was abrogated (canceled) by later verses commanding jihad.
“Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he has killed all of humanity.” (Quran 5:32)
- Quoted without context — the full verse is directed at the Children of Israel (Jews), not Muslims.
- The following verse (Quran 5:33) prescribes brutal punishments for those who “spread corruption.”

3. The PR Strategy: Diffusing Scrutiny, Calming Critique

This softer version of Islam is designed to:

Reassure non-Muslims that Islam is peaceful and tolerant.
Disarm critics by framing them as “Islamophobic” for questioning Islamic teachings.
Create an image of Islam that is compatible with Western values, making it easier for Muslim organizations to gain public acceptance and political influence.

4. Real-World Examples of Public Messaging

Tariq Ramadan (Popular Western Muslim Scholar):
- Publicly emphasizes peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
- Privately teaches that Muslims should work towards establishing Sharia in the West.
Yasir Qadhi (American Islamic Scholar):
- Publicly promotes interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
- In private classes, teaches that apostasy is punishable by death and that Sharia is the ideal system for all of humanity.
Zakir Naik (Indian Preacher):
- Publicly claims that “Islam is the most peaceful religion.”
- In private lectures, defends the death penalty for apostates and promotes Sharia as the ultimate law.

2. The In-House Qur’an: Obedience, Conquest, Supremacy

1. The Private Message: Sharia and Supremacy

While non-Muslims are presented with a message of peace, Muslims are taught a much stricter version of Islam within mosques, madrasas, and traditional Islamic texts:

“Fight those who do not believe in Allah or the Last Day.” (Quran 9:29)
“Strike the necks of the disbelievers.” (Quran 47:4)
“Men are in charge of women… and may ‘strike them’ if they disobey.” (Quran 4:34)
“Do not take Jews and Christians as allies.” (Quran 5:51)

2. The Doctrine of Abrogation (Naskh)

Many of the peaceful verses quoted for non-Muslims are considered “abrogated” (canceled) by later, more aggressive verses.
Examples of abrogation:
- “There is no compulsion in religion.” (Quran 2:256) → Abrogated by “Fight those who do not believe.” (Quran 9:29)
- “Forgive them and overlook.” (Quran 2:109) → Abrogated by “Kill them wherever you find them.” (Quran 9:5)

3. Real-World Examples of Double-Speak in Mosques

UK: Undercover investigations have revealed imams preaching peace in English sermons, but promoting violence and intolerance in Arabic.
Germany: Mosques promote integration publicly, but teach Muslim youth that Sharia is superior to secular law.
Canada: Muslim organizations promote tolerance publicly, but support Sharia family law privately.

3. The Three Stages of Islamic Strategy: How Double-Speak Evolves

1. Stage 1: Weakness (Mecca Period)

When Muslims are a minority, the message emphasizes peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
Example: “There is no compulsion in religion.” (Quran 2:256)

2. Stage 2: Strength (Medina Period)

As the Muslim community grows, the message becomes more assertive.
Example: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah.” (Quran 9:29)

3. Stage 3: Dominance (Conquest Period)

When Muslims become a majority, the focus shifts to enforcing Sharia.
Example: “Strike the necks of the disbelievers.” (Quran 47:4)

4. The Double-Speak in Action: Public vs. Private Messaging

Topic	Public Message (For Non-Muslims)	Private Message (For Muslims)
Violence	“Islam forbids killing.”	“Strike above their necks.” (Quran 8:12)
Apostasy	“Everyone has freedom of belief.”	“Kill the one who leaves Islam.” (Bukhari 6922)
Women’s Rights	“Muhammad was a liberator of women.”	“Beat them if they disobey.” (Quran 4:34)
Jews & Christians	“We all believe in one God.”	“Cursed are the Jews and Christians.” (Quran 9:30)
Slavery	“Islam abolished slavery.”	Slavery is regulated, not abolished (Quran 4:24)

5. Why This Matters: The Consequences of Double-Speak

Blocking Reform: As long as the peaceful “PR version” is promoted, genuine reform is impossible.
Enabling Censorship: Criticism of Islam is labeled “hate speech” or “Islamophobia.”
Misleading Non-Muslims: A false narrative of peace and tolerance is promoted.

Conclusion: One Qur’an, Two Masks

Islam presents two faces to the world — one of peace and tolerance, the other of conquest and supremacy. This is not a misunderstanding. It is a strategy.

A belief system that speaks in two tongues has something to hide.

The Thin Edge of the Wedge: How Gradualism is Changing New Zealand
The Push for an Islamic State: How the Dream of Sharia is Pursued Worldwide
Inside a Pure Islamic State: What Sharia Law Looks Like in Practice

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.