Haqq Dawah Media Presents: A Glad Tidings Special: Islamophbia (Show Notes)

AsSalaam Alkuim

Is·lam·o·pho·bi·a

izˌläməˈfōbēə,is-/

noun

1. dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force.

A phobia, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation.

The name Islamophobia found it’s way into common vocabulary 1997 by the Runnymede Trust. It was as a term condemning negative emotions such as hatred, fear and dread towards Islam and Muslim. It is sometimes called racism, but it is really a misunderstanding and miseducation of a beautiful way of life.

Islamophobia in America increased soon after September 11, 2001. Around the world it also began to rise due to increase of Muslims in European countries.

Islamophobia does not just affect more than  small group of Muslims but , it affects the world as a whole. There has been a rise in Islamophobia in the recent years due to how easy it is make someone the bad guy, the boogie man. There are groups who are funded millions of dollars a year to support this phobia.

The call to make Islam the devil of humanity has even become popular by candidates running for political office. This used to rally up support and build momentum for their evil agendas.

Some reasons of 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.

The media is often used as an escape goat, like the man in the grassy knoll. Or the entity that is always keeping up trouble. In the case I will have to agree to a certain point. There are more tv show, movies, and news broadcast that show Muslims as the quote on Bad Guy. A lot of times there are whole news shows dedicated to making Islam seem as the one causing all trouble in the world. Lets not forget the millions that hollywood spends enforcing a negative light on Islam. This not to say all are doing this, there are some who fight against Islamophobia.

Over the years there have been attacks on Muslims men and woman. Even arson, and graffiti to our mosque. This has grown alarming since 2001.

So what can we as Muslims do to  eliminate not only the crime against Muslims, but the hate also. Also to eliminate the world of Islamophobia.

1. Educate the people around us about Islam. Teach them and the good news will spread.
2. Be an example. Let your good manners,and charter show what this deen is all about.
3. Make dawah part of your life.
4. Support organizations that are working against this divider that is named Islamophobia.

 

“Islam is not a race, ethnicity, or nationality: It’s a set of ideas, a way of life for Humanity.”