Islamophobia is a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by 60 Member-States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which designated 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The UN stresses that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. It calls for a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and belief.
15 March signifies the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a moment that carries profound significance in light of contemporary global dynamics. The imperative for such a commemoration is arguably more pressing now than ever before. This urgency stems not solely from a surge in Islamophobia incidents in Western societies, notably exacerbated following the unsettling events post-October 7, but also from the troubling normalization of anti-Muslim sentiments among mainstream circles. Consider the United States, where the notably Islamophobic tenure of Donald Trump as president underscored the issue, coupled with 774 recorded requests for assistance and reports of bias incidents by the Council on American Islamic Relations in the mere span of October 7 to October 24. Similarly, in the Netherlands, the electoral success of Geert Wilders’ party, characterized by its advocacy for the prohibition of mosques and Islamic schools, underscores a disconcerting trend.
However, the prevalence of Islamophobia extends beyond the Western sphere, permeating global politics, notably in nations such as Israel and India. Israel’s active pursuit of genocidal policies and India’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite allegations of complicity in anti-Muslim violence, exemplify this phenomenon. Modi’s administration has witnessed the illegal annexation of IIOJK, the enactment of citizenship laws disenfranchising Muslim refugees, and a surge in violence and harassment against Muslims. Despite this, the United Nations, the very institution championing the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, controversially extended an invitation to Modi to lead International Yoga Day celebrations at its New York headquarters last year, prompting reflection on the UN’s adherence to its own principles.
While Muslims bear the brunt of Islamophobia, the UN aptly notes that this prejudice can adversely affect non-Muslims as well, based on perceptions of nationality or ethnic background. For instance, Sikhs in the United States, often mistaken for Muslims, frequently face violent and sometimes fatal attacks. The indiscriminate nature of bigotry underscores its broader societal repercussions, jeopardizing the rights of marginalized and minority groups at large. As such, rising Islamophobia poses a threat not only to Muslims but to the collective safety and well-being of all individuals. In an interconnected world, harm inflicted upon one group invariably reverberates across others, exemplifying the universal imperative of combating intolerance and discrimination. Thus, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is not solely about safeguarding one specific community but ensuring the protection and dignity of humanity as a whole.
