Shehryar Ahmed
Islamophobia appertain to the rising hate against religion, Islam or its preachers, referred as Muslims. Scholars may argue about the definition of Islamophobia but dead sure about the wickedness of concept of Islamophobia. The aftermath of this evil concept endangers the life of millions of Muslims living in Europe. Anti-Muslim sentiment is effecting a large portion of population living in the west and is uprising day by day making the situation alarming for European Muslims.
Islam, a religion of Peace, is related to the evil of terrorism in the west especially after the deadliest attacks, remembered as 9/11 in history. Even before 9/11, there were religious extremists who were afraid of Islam as Muslims never merge but they always try to and also dominate the existing order. Theory of Great Replacement prevails in the west as they think that one day Muslim Population will exceed Europeans and they will take the Europe under their control.
Post-structuralists portray image of Islam as a religion of hate. Westerns repeatedly chatter that Islam is a religion of hate. A generalized fear and hate is evident in European society for Muslims. Perception is built in the western society about Muslims that they cannot harmonize with the western culture which is a misperception. Revival of orthodox Christianity may be the root-cause of Islamophobia.
There are Muslims who believe in one God, Hindus believe in many Gods wherever atheist do not believe in God. There are multiple religions present worldwide but neither any of religion encourage evilness nor hate. Religions are meant to add beauty to the life of a sinful man who often is on the wrong track of life. If anyone do evil in the name of God; he is miles apart from his religion.
A single believer or even hundreds of followers do not represent the true spirit of a religion. Just like the attacker of mosque in Christchurch do not represent the whole religion, same is the case with Muslims suffering from Islamophobia round the globe. Attaching terrorism with any religion is not a sophisticated job. It is misguided individuals of any religion who defame religion.
Secular and liberal Europe is not competent enough till now that in order to preserve their religion: they are using different measures against Islam. Islam, long time ago was competent enough that everyone was allowed to practice religion freely in the Muslim era. It is charisma of Islam that it influence masses and that is what makes it difficult for Europeans to tolerate. Extremist in Europe also blame Islam for rising antisemitism.
A country motivated by principles of Enlightenment (Tolerance, freedom and fraternity), France have fear of Islamization of west as Muslims don’t integrate but dominate. Europeans whose history is filled by disputes and combats are targeting Islam as root cause of terrorism. According to the 2019 study of Alabama, terrorists attacks by Muslims receive 357% more media coverage than those committed by white men.
Same like Hungtinton’s clash of civilization, Muslims are considered violent and undemocratic in Europe. Inciting hate against vulnerable minorities (Muslims) is a new political trend in Europe which is adverse for the future of Muslims in Europe. Uttering words full of hate towards Muslims just for the political interest is quite disgusting and is hurting the Muslim diaspora in Europe a lot. Uttering baseless statements against Muslims in Europe has become a political trend for road to power.
Victimization of rights of Muslims is done by the European alliances, ironically on the claim of Human rights and International Peace. Westerns consider themselves as superior from any other civilization which is not the case. West is ahead from us today in terms of thinking and education but it was not the case in the past.
Since inception of humankind, Cultural domination is what everyone is seeking. Every individual wants to see his culture at the top of the table. In this cultural tug of war, we have overlooked the beauty of distinct cultures. In the anarchic system of International Relations, it is the culture of super-power that will dominate the globe and that is what it is happening.
Islam is a religion of peace that is what every Muslim wants to listen. But Muslims should have to portray their positive image in front of individuals who have a misconception about Islam and knowledge of religion should be conveyed to the individuals who misunderstood the essence of Holy religion, ISLAM.
