Bigotry Of Islamophobia

Islamophobia or Anti-Muslim is a neologism that refers to prejudice or discrimination against Islam or Muslims, probably caused by the misunderstanding of Jihad (Islamic seeds of hate and martyrdom?) or threat of Jihad and Islamic extremists. Some critics argue that it is real, but is just another form of racism and does not require its own category, while others argue that it is used to censor criticism and that its use threatens free speech.

But does Islamophobia really exist? Or is the hatred and abuse of Muslims being exaggerated to suit politicians' needs and silence the critics of Islam?

Terminology of Islamophobia

The term itself dates back to the 1980s, but came into common usage after the September 11, 2001 attacks. In 1997, the British Runnymede Trust defined Islamophobia as the "dread or hatred of Islam and therefore, to the fear and dislike of all Muslims," stating that it also refers to the practice of discriminating against Muslims by excluding them from the economic, social, and public life of the nation. It includes the perception that Islam has no values in common with other cultures, is inferior to the West and is a violent political ideology rather than a religion.

Definitions of Islamophobia

In 1996, the Runnymede Trust established the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia, chaired by Professor Gordon Conway, the vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex. Their report, Islamophobia is defined as an outlook or world-view involving an unfounded dread and dislike of Muslims, which results in practices of exclusion and discrimination."

The American writer Stephen Schwartz has defined Islamophobia as the condemnation of the entirety of Islam and its history as extremist; denying the existence of a moderate Muslim majority; regarding Islam as a problem for the world; treating conflicts involving Muslims as necessarily their own fault; insisting that Muslims make changes to their religion; and inciting war against Islam as a whole.

Perceptions Of Islamophobia

The Runnymede report identified eight perceptions related to Islamophobia:
1. Islam is seen as a monolithic bloc, static and unresponsive to change.
2. It is seen as separate and "other." It does not have values in common with other cultures, is not affected by them and does not influence them.
3. It is seen as inferior to the West. It is seen as barbaric, irrational, primitive, and sexist.
4. It is seen as violent, aggressive, threatening, supportive of terrorism, and engaged in a clash of civilizations.
5. It is seen as a political ideology, used for political or military advantage.
6. Criticisms made of "the West" by Muslims are rejected out of hand.
7. Hostility towards Islam is used to justify discriminatory practices towards Muslims and exclusion of Muslims from mainstream society.
8. Anti-Muslim hostility is seen as natural and normal.

Trends of Islamophobia in blogging

Islamophobia has become a topic of increasing sociological and political importance. As far as blogging is concerned, perceptions of Islamophobia offer different meaning and ideas. This give us the opportunity to pen article on Islamophobia and since Islamophobia referred directly to Islam, the religion, we are treading on dangerous ground. So don't be to blunt about it when you are writing articles on Islamophobia, else you will be inviting hostilities.

Noteable efforts against Islamophobia

There have been efforts against perceived Islamophobia by many organizations in many countries; some of these are detailed below.

* In 2006 the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) set up an observatory on Islamophobia which will monitor and document activities perceived as Islamophobic around the world.

Islamophobia: Exposing the Islamophobes

“Nothing in our faith says it’s OK to kill anyone.” (Ahmed Bedier of the Council on American-Islamic Relations)

"Slay the unbelievers wherever ye find them..." (The 'Holy' Qur'an, Verse 9:5)

Islamophobe (is-slahm-o-fohb) - A non-Muslim who knows too much about Islam.

Islamophobia is a fear of losing life or liberty to Islamic rule merely because the laws, sacred texts, and modern practices of Islam demand the submission of culture, politics, religion and all social expression.

Common Misunderstandings About Muslims

Misconception: The terms "Muslim" and "Arab" are synonymous.

Truth: Only between 18 and 20 percent of Muslims worldwide are Arab (source: the Council on American-Islamic Relations). The largest Muslim population in the world is in Indonesia (source: the CIA World Factbook). Most American Arabs are Christian, not Muslim (source: U.S. census figures). "Arab" is a geographic/cultural term. "Muslim" refers to an adherent of Islam.

Misconception: Muslim women are oppressed and forced to wear the hijab.

Truth: Women often see it as empowering because they are not viewed as sexual objects but judged by their character. Muslim advocacy groups point out that four out of the five countries with the largest Muslim populations — Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey — have had female heads of state, something the United States cannot claim.

Misconception: Islam promotes violence and terrorism.

Truth: According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, prominent Muslims, Islamic organizations and Islamic scholars have repeatedly denounced the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and terrorism in general. One letter sent to President George W. Bush was signed by leaders from nine American-Muslim organizations, which together represent most of the seven million Muslims in the United States. Jihad is a term that is often misunderstood and associated with violent radical militants. However, according to Muslim advocates, the word jihad means to "strive, struggle and exert effort." It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle by military forces in the battlefield for self-defense or fighting against tyranny or oppression (source: the Council on American-Islamic Relations).


Related links
* The Thailand Jihad - Photographic Evidence (WARNING: Violent images inside)

* Islamophobia Watch - Documenting the war against Islam

* The Islamophobia Myth Essay

* The Annual ISLAMOPHOBIA AWARDS