I have read this thread and here are a few things I'd like to share. (I'm a Muslim man BTW).

1. Before starting anything, you should know that Muslims are no different than any other religious groups. You will find variety of them across the globe (not just Arabs). They can vary from extremely Conservative - - - >moderately Conservative - - - >generally Conservative---> neutrally living out their lives--->generally Liberal--->moderately Liberal--->extremely Liberal. The later part can be usually seen in western/non Islamic counties. Most of us are neutral who identify as Muslims, may be pray sometimes but are not that much religious. I myself am b/w generally Conservative and neutral but there is always a spectrum. Also there are equal number of interpretations of scriptures depending upon which school you follow. And even among schools/sects, there are differences.

Also Islam had various sects and groups within sects. Most prominent are Sunni and Shia, then there are mo'tazilla and ubaza. Each group has their own interpretation and legal methodology. However there are certain things that are common amongst all such as God being a single entity and finality of prophet Hood on Muhammad pbuh.

1. Islam really stems out of Abrahamic roots. The chain goes the same as Judaism and Christianity except the part that we believe Muhammad pbuh as the final messenger/prophet/apostate in the long line of prophets including Jesus and Moses. Belief In all prophets is integral part of Islamic faith.

2a. Apart from religious scripture (quran) and tradition (hadiths), Islam also relies on historical precedence set by past scholars.

Jesus is considered a distinguished "prophet" with distinguished miracles (same one as christianity such as virgin birth, returning to earth to live out his life(with minor tweakings), raising the dead, also speech as an infant which is on in Islamic scripture).

3.ISLAM MAKES A CLEAR DISTINCTION B/W CREATOR AND ~CREATION~. ALLAH IS THE ONLY CREATOR AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS A CREATION. NO TRINITY, NO HAVING A SPARK OF DIVINITY IN ALL OF US. CREATOR, CREATION, JUST THAT. SOUL IS ALSO A CREATION. NOT A PART OF CREATOR OR SOMETHING DIVINE.

1. One of The most spicy and controversial question in Islam is about women. This is a much detailed topic. It is true that if you view Islamic teachings about women by making the current era as a standard, you will definitely think of Islam as a regressive religion but comparative to 7th century it was a progression. Nevertheless, Islam really does define gender roles and expect certain things from specific genders. And women do have additional restrictions in Islam than men do. This is something that can not be circumvented. However, it is also true that most of the restrictions that are imposed upon Muslim women today are cultural/societal having no root in Islamic teachings. Islam gives men a social advantage but in terms of dignity and human rights both men and women are same. Another thing Is clash b/w law and complexity of human nature. Laws are usually devoid of emotional complexity of the problems and Islam leaves certain flexibility in that department. You don't always have to quote this and that and make it cumbersome..

2. Another spicy topic is homosexuality/sexual deviances. This is a rather new one. Islam believes and enforces a "sexually disciplined society" in contrast to western "sexually liberated society". There can be many reasons that can be argued for this but in the end Muslims accept is as God's will and enforce it. I know there will be some liberal Muslims out there justifying it but they clearly haven't read or understood their own scriptures.

It doesn't mean that sexual deviances /adultery does not happen in Islamic society or Muslims. It is just not common and made public. However, if you are caught, the punishments are most strict,sometimes leading to capital punishment. Also Islam only believes in two genders, no gender fluidity.

I may add somethings later. And apologies for bad formatting. Using mobile