KARACHI:
The Muslim world has constantly been facing several internal and external challenges. Internal challenges include social, political and sectarian war, whereas the rise of Islamophobia has been the biggest external challenge thus far. Islamophobia first emerged in response to the 9/11 attacks because Western politicians and the media called these attacks “Islamic terrorism”.
Thereafter, Islam was viewed as a threat to the Western world, and Islamophobia was subsequently developed to express fear and prejudice against Islam and Muslims. In the last two decades, hostility towards Muslim immigrants has risen in Western countries. Western media has continuously portrayed Muslims in a negative light and news reporting on acts of terrorism have become biased. In addition, Muslims are regularly subjected to violent verbal and physical attacks in most Western societies. To put an end to Islamophobia, political leaders and transnational organisations need to end anti-Islam rhetoric from political discourse. They must end the dehumanisation of Muslims and the demonisation of Islam. The Organisation of Islamic Council needs to make a collective diplomatic effort to address Islamophobia in the West.
Muslims must understand that cultural differences cannot be addressed with violence. The youth exploited by terrorist outfits should be rehabilitated and taught real Islamic values. The media must also make a conscious effort to quit prejudiced reporting. Instead of portraying Muslims in a negative light, they need to present a positive image of Muslims. As far as terrorism is concerned, it is a global problem that needs to be tackled by all the countries collectively.
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.
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