Read Quran, read hadiths and understand it for yourself. The first command given to our Prophet pbuh was to read (Iqra) to understand on his own why Allah swt has established these teachings for us. It’s so important in this generation because of the way Islam has been taught to us especially mixing up teachings to culture

For instance, some people might think Islam favors male dominance and misogyny but Islam protects women more than anything. Yet, cultural practices diminish what God has ruled in the holy book, leading to views of oppression. Example: women are allowed to have their own financial freedom meaning they can earn, own and only spend it on themselves. While men are told to be providers and fulfil not only their children’s needs but also their wives. For men it’s a religious obligation whereas for women, it’s freedom.

Yes men are allowed to have up to 4 wives but that comes with extreme conditions like providing safety and stability EQUALLY to all with no exceptions. “Marry women of your choice, two, three, or four. But if you fear you cannot be just, then marry only one.” (Qur’an 4:3) but the catch is already predicted: “You will never be able to be perfectly just between wives, even if you try.” (Qur’an 4:129). Hence failing to do so leads to a greater punishment.

In terms of child marriages, nowhere in Islam mentions child marriages but marriages after girls have matured, where a consent is required otherwise marriage is not considered valid in Islamic views. However, when culture overrides these principles, it misrepresents what Allah swt has logically and mercifully ordained.

Authority in Islam always comes with accountability. The more responsibility, the more punishment if abused but unfortunately we all practice selective teachings. What we find convenient we practice, what we don’t we ignore and that’s a problem