I received an invitation from the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), a think tank of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to participate in a dialogue on a special day dedicated to the fight against Islamophobia on March 15. I was given the opportunity to speak. My remarks regarding Islamophobia are as follows.

Phobia means an undue fear and hatred, which indicates intolerance, racism, and fear. This term is used in the sense of undue fear, hatred, and a negative mindset towards Islam and Muslims by combining Islam and phobia. Interestingly, this fear is not only about Islam but also includes xenophobia (fear of people from other countries), which is rapidly spreading in the Western world, including the United States and other countries.

Due to anti-Semitism, hatred, or fear against Jews, they still face resistance and challenges in many places. However, Islamophobia is not a new term but has historically been in use. The trend intensified after 9/11, and in 2004, the United Nations held a conference to address the growing trend of Islamophobia in the West. The UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan described Islamophobia as regrettable, painful, and a discriminatory trend. This issue has also been of interest in Western academia, leading to various scholarly and research works. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other bodies have played a significant role in spreading awareness at the political and social level. During the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, Pakistan proposed a resolution expressing concern over Islamophobia, considering it a form of racial prejudice and religious discrimination. The resolution highlighted deep concern over the desecration of the Holy Quran, publication of cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, and blasphemy incidents that hurt the sentiments of 1.8 billion Muslims. The resolution decided to designate March 15 annually as a day to combat Islamophobia, a decision adopted by the UN General Assembly following Pakistan’s proposal supported by all OIC member countries.

Causes of Islamophobia:

The causes of Islamophobia are extensive, fuelled by various global events and political conflicts. However, some common reasons include:

• Misunderstandings about Islam: There are many misconceptions about Islam in Western societies. Unfortunately, the religious literacy among Muslims living in the West is also weak, complicating issues further instead of resolving them.
• Growing Muslim Population: The increasing Muslim population in Western countries has caused fear among local populations, leading some researchers to consider Islamophobia a form of racism. This fear is strengthened by the perceived competition for resources and the inclusion of Muslims in business and government sectors.
• Negative Role of Media: Many people in the West have no direct contact or dealings with Muslims and form their opinions based on media reports. After the 9/11 attacks, the media has often linked every extremist incident to Muslims. Films and cartoons have portrayed Muslims with specific physical characteristics as terrorists and extremists, attempting to create a collective negative public opinion against Muslims. The positive contributions of Muslims, especially in Western societies, have not been highlighted enough. Muslims themselves have also not invested much in media.
• Lack of Understanding of the West among Muslims: Just as there is confusion and misunderstanding about Islam in Western society, there is also a significant lack of understanding about Western institutions among Muslims. This lack of knowledge has led to reactionary psychology, creating more problems. Thus, Muslims need to move beyond conspiracy theories and actively engage in studying and understanding the West as part of their curriculum.
• Lack of a Uniform Stance Against Extremism and Terrorism: There are incidents where minorities face oppression, human rights violations, and infringements on religious freedoms, leading to a significantly weak collective response from Muslims. This further adds to the confusion. In such situations, Muslims need to come forward and respond proactively to ensure that the community’s response is positive, strong, and justice-oriented, free from extremism.
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Moreover, there are numerous other causes that require detailed consideration. The Runnymede Trust, a British think tank, has deeply examined Western views and encapsulated the spread and impact of Islamophobia. Their summary on how people in Western societies perceive Islam or Muslims includes:

• Islam as a Political System Incompatible with Others: It is seen as resistant to change and unable to harmonize with different systems.
• Islam as a Static Religion Separated from Western World: Believed not to adhere to the shared values of life prevalent in the Western society.
• Islamic System Viewed as Inferior to Western Systems: There’s a perception that Islamic governance and societal norms are less developed.
• Islam Associated with Violence: Often branded as supportive of violence, dangerous, terrorist, and inciting civilizational conflict.
• Islam Viewed as a Political Tool Rather Than a Spiritual Path: Considered a means for political and military dominance, rather than a religion focusing on spirituality.
• Dismissal of Muslim Voices Against the West: Any criticism or opposition voiced by Muslims towards the West is quickly disregarded.
• Discriminatory Treatment and Social Exclusion of Muslims: Efforts to isolate Muslims socially and treat them with prejudice are noted.
• Normalizing Oppression Against Muslims: Injustices against Muslims are often seen as natural or routine actions. (Referencing research from 2022 on the Muslim world and religious freedom)
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These viewpoints illustrate how many people think about Muslims and Islam, highlighting the widespread misconceptions and biases in Western societies.

 

How to tackle Islamophobia?

Addressing Islamophobia is currently one of the greatest responsibilities for Muslims.

To tackle this, consider the following suggestions based on personal observation and study:

• Collaboration between the Muslim world and Western institutions that have worked on Islamophobia is necessary. It’s crucial to work together with these organizations to advance efforts.
• Muslims must invest in media, whether print, electronic, or social media, to build a narrative about Islam and Muslims.
• Muslim leaders should avoid incendiary statements, as emotional dialogue devoid of wisdom can exacerbate problems for Muslims.
• Create space for followers of other religions and minorities residing in the Muslim world and provide them with an exemplary environment.
• Include understanding of the West in the regular curriculum of the Muslim world and develop formal courses on this subject.
• Participate in welfare activities. Many Muslim organizations in the West are currently engaged in welfare activities, creating a positive impression of Islam and Muslims. Collaboration and expansion with such organizations are essential.
• Engage in interfaith dialogue. Currently, in the West, there are numerous institutions, organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions where leaders and entities of all religions are active. Muslim participation in these is critically important.
• Legal challenges should be made to incidents of Islamophobia instead of emotional responses, ensuring recourse from police stations to courts and various human rights forums.
• Highlight the positive roles of Muslims in Western societies through social media, films, and documentaries, and showcase exemplary relations with various religions.
• The Muslim academia needs to develop an intellectual stance for Muslims and promote political leaders focusing on religious freedom, human rights, minority rights, women’s rights, international relations, and tolerance, working together on these fronts.
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A series of documentaries and movies on Muslim role in western and multicultural societies especially historical perspectives of Muslim civilisation in Spain.

 

Need to initiate the faith based initiative like Religious diplomacy programs to promote the religion a source of peace and harmony.

Thank you!