You must not forget that Islam was the religion that normalized polygamy, granting men the religious legitimacy to marry multiple women while denying women the same autonomy, thereby institutionalizing gender asymmetry.

You must not forget that many classical Islamic legal systems prioritize male authority over female autonomy, particularly in marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

You must not forget that under traditional interpretations of Islamic law, a woman’s testimony has often been valued less than a man’s, raising serious questions about justice and equality.

You must not forget that Islam historically fused religious authority with political power, making dissent not only a social offense but a moral or spiritual one.

You must not forget that apostasy has traditionally been treated as a punishable offense in many Islamic legal traditions, creating fear around freedom of belief.

You must not forget that freedom of expression in many Muslim-majority societies has been constrained by blasphemy laws rooted in religious doctrine.

You must not forget that rigid interpretations of Islamic morality have been used to police behavior, dress, sexuality, and thought, particularly targeting women.

You must not forget that the concept of modesty in Islam has frequently placed the burden of male behavior onto female bodies.

You must not forget that religious texts interpreted literally can freeze ethical standards in time, even when those standards conflict with modern human rights.

You must not forget that Islam, like other religions, has been shaped and enforced by human institutions, yet is often presented as beyond critique.

You must not forget that criticism of Islamic doctrines is often discouraged by social pressure, accusations of bigotry, or fear of retaliation.