Islamophobia: Time for world to act

2026-03-15 - 23:14

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is being observed on March 15 each year. The day was established after the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution during its 67th Session on March 15, 2022, calling for global efforts to counter rising prejudice and discrimination against Muslims. Pakistan played a leading role in presenting and advocating this resolution, highlighting the urgent need for the international community to address Islamophobia as an emerging form of racism and intolerance. While presenting the resolution, Pakistan’s representative emphasized that Islamophobia had become a widespread phenomenon, manifesting in discriminatory policies, hate speech, and acts of violence against Muslims and Islamic symbols. Such manifestations include media campaigns that portray Islam negatively, attacks on mosques, the burning of copies of the Holy Qur’an, discriminatory travel bans, harassment of Muslim women for wearing the hijab, and the targeting of Muslim communities in various parts of the world. Through the adoption of the resolution, the international community acknowledged the need for expanded global dialogue aimed at promoting tolerance, respect for human rights, and the protection of religious diversity. The choice of March 15 for the observance of this day carries profound significance. It commemorates the tragic Christchurch Mosque Shootings that took place on March 15, 2019, in Christchurch, New Zealand. In that horrific terrorist attack, Brenton Harrison Tarrant, an Australian extremist, opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayers, killing 51 Muslims and injuring dozens more. The attack shocked the world and exposed the dangerous consequences of hate-driven ideologies targeting Muslims. The UN resolution, therefore, seeks not only to commemorate the victims but also to reaffirm the global commitment to preventing such acts of hatred and violence against any religion or community. Nevertheless, despite this landmark step, Islamophobia continues to persist in many regions. Reports from international human rights organizations indicate a steady rise in anti-Muslim hatred, discriminatory rhetoric, and attacks on Islamic institutions. According to the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV), Islamophobia can be described as an exaggerated fear, hostility, or hatred directed at Islam and everything associated with itincluding Muslims, mosques, Islamic centers, the Holy Qur’an, and Islamic practices such as the hijab. These prejudices often manifest in violent acts, including the vandalizing of mosques, harassment of Muslim women wearing headscarves, and insults directed toward the sacred symbols of Islam. Such developments are increasingly visible even in societies traditionally known for their tolerance and democratic values. Over the past decade, several incidents in parts of Europe and North America have highlighted a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim sentiment. Public desecration of the Holy Qur’an in countries such as Sweden and Norway has sparked global outrage and raised serious questions about the misuse of free speech to justify acts that deliberately provoke religious hatred.Roots of contemporary Islamophobia can be traced to the aftermath of so called 9/11. After this incident, western narratives portrayed Muslims as security threat and anti-Muslim rhetoric increasingly entered political debates in several countries, contributing to the marginalization of Muslim communities.Beyond the West, Islamophobia has also become a matter of concern in India, where Muslims were marginalized and done away with their citizenship. The spread of Islamophobia reflects a broader challenge confronting the global community: the erosion of tolerance and the rise of identity-based polarization. When fear and misinformation dominate public discourse, they create an environment in which prejudice can flourish. Misrepresentations of Islam as inherently violent or incompatible with modern values ignore the historical reality that Islamic civilization has long contributed to science, philosophy, culture, and interfaith harmony. In truth, the core teachings of Islam emphasize peace, justice, and compassion. The very word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root “Salam,” meaning peace. The ethical framework of Islam encourages harmony among people, respect for human dignity, and coexistence among followers of different faiths. When these principles are understood, they challenge the stereotypes that often fuel Islamophobic narratives. It is therefore essential for the international community to adopt practical measures to counter this growing phenomenon. Governments, civil society organizations, media institutions, and educational systems all have a role to play in promoting accurate understanding of religions and cultures. Responsible journalism, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive public policies can help reduce prejudice and foster social harmony.Islamophobia often relies on “imaginary constructs” about Muslims that are used to justify discrimination, hostility, and violence, ultimately undermining the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. The International Day to Combat Islamophobia thus serves as a reminder of the need for sustained global cooperation to confront intolerance in all its forms. Combating Islamophobia is not merely about defending one community; it is about upholding the universal principles of dignity, equality, and respect that form the foundation of peaceful coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world. — The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.