Effects Of Islamophobia

EFFECTS OF ISLAMOPHOBIA: POLITICAL

Anti-Muslim sentiments and rampant Islamophobia has led to many countries taking a legal stand against Muslims. The peoples’ unease towards their Muslim countrymen have caused lawmakers and politicians to restrict Muslim citizens’ freedom to practice their religion and, more recently, to travel. The most notably controversial laws against Muslims in the 21st century are those implemented by the state of France and the United States of America. The French government, on the 15th of March 2004, enforced a law that banned the wearing of any ‘conspicuous signs’ of religious affiliation in public schools. This occurred following the ‘Islamic scarf controversy’; about Muslim girls wearing the hijab

We are brothers and sisters and whatever a group from our society does affects everyone. Islamophobia is a growing threat against all Muslims. Understanding why it is still prevalent and what has caused this fear is imperative in putting an end to it. Most of the negative sentiment towards Muslims stems from the vast media coverage on the violence and terror attacks instigated by Muslim jihadists in the name of Islam . The growing hatred towards Muslims had manifested itself socially and politically. It has reached an extent where it can be argued whether this Muslim hatred is targeted towards the religion, the nationality or simply the way of life . Allah said: O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is acquainted with what you do. Despite the animosity shown towards us, we must not let it cloud the better judgment of our Muslim values. In a narration by 'Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila, the Prophet was reported to have stood up during a funeral procession. When told that the deceased was not a Muslim, the Prophet replied, ‘Did he not have a soul?’ . Despite all the hurtful accusations, boycott, torture and an attempt at murder perpetrated by the non-Muslims, the Prophet did not hold it against them and was forgiving and respectful. He did not have any vengeance or bitterness towards the community that had wronged him and his followers for "God has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds” Is the Muslim community not doing enough to prevent this sudden spike in Islamophobia? Does knowledge about Islam suffice to make the Western world not be afraid of it? Would these Islamophobes still exist if Muslim terrorists didn’t? It may be that our faith and obedience to the Word of Allah will one day be the means where different communities can live