Hello, I am a Muslim myself and I was born into Islam, so I am a devoted follower since young age. Most people imagine Islam as a concept, a place where people are trapped and suffer from giving up time to pray, to fast, to not have pork or drink alcohol, to not dress inappropriately, to not listen to music or watch TV and numerous other things. But that’s the most outrageous thing a person can think. Islam is beautiful religion, it brings peace and reassurance and it is my safe place. It has restrictions, and I would never once be angry or annoyed about them; I am not a perfect Muslim, I commit Haraam (forbidden) acts and sin, I listen to music, I sometimes don’t pray and I don’t respect my parents at times. But that does not define Islam, Allah (God) is the most forgiving being to exist, and I know it is wrong and I repent and I know that I will be forgiven. If I was a non-believer, I would imagine Islam as a intricate religion, with people extremely dedicated: I would be ashamed to say, but I would think it’s a very claustrophobic “cult”. But being a part of such a life-changing religion, I am grateful to be born into an Islamic family. Muslims attend local Mosques to learn about Islam, so I was lucky to have such a useful place to learn and become at one with my faith. I also take Religious Studies as one of my GCSE exam options, and half of the course is Islam. If I was a non-believer, I would most likely know little about Islam but the Secondary School curriculum does teach some of Islam in depth. It isn’t as small as it is made out to be and it has so much more to it than students are taught. The difference is us, as citizens in a majority White-based society, we do not take Islam seriously; it is a place of piety and it is pure. Being a part of Islam is the most satisfying and relaxing part. Allah (our only God) brings each and every Muslim so much self-assurance and we feel so protected and in the hands of the most amazing existence. You learn that Muslims see things in a different way, we are grateful and caring and gentle and look after everyone. We accept and respect and are genuine humans. But more than anything, we are free. It’s ironic. But we are the most free at heart.
That’s the difference in how Islam is imagined and then perceived after learning about it in greater detail.
I hope this helps and was insightful, please take time to read and think about this and I apologise for the length.