Iftekhar Ahmed, UK
The denial of common humanity: the core of Islamophobia
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March is marked by a fundamental challenge to the concept of a common human community: the denial of the dignity and equality of Muslims. This denial, which manifests itself in actions and attitudes worldwide, is at the heart of Islamophobia.
This is not just about individual prejudice, but about a worldview that sees Islam and Muslims as an inherently other, fundamentally different and often threatening. This otherness takes many forms, from overt acts of violence and discrimination to subtle but pervasive prejudice embedded in social structures and narratives. It is present in the physical world, where Muslims face harassment, marginalisation and the desecration of their sacred spaces, and it is amplified in the digital sphere, where misinformation, hate speech and incitement to violence circulate with alarming speed and reach.
The consequences of this denial of common humanity are profound. It undermines the foundations of justice, equality and mutual respect and creates a climate of fear and division that harms not only Muslims but the entire social fabric. The challenge is therefore not only to tackle the symptoms of Islamophobia, but also its root cause: the rejection of the fundamental principle that all people, regardless of their faith, deserve dignity and respect.
The architecture of prejudice: Distortion and dehumanisation
The denial of common humanity that Islamophobia is based on did not suddenly appear out of nowhere; it is actively constructed and maintained through specific mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms is important in order to dismantle the structures of prejudice.
At the centre of this architecture of prejudice is the systematic distortion of representation. This is not just an accidental misunderstanding, but a deliberate and consistent misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims that reduces a diverse and complex global faith to a monolithic, negative caricature. This distortion is based on selectively amplifying the actions of a fringe minority while ignoring the overwhelming majority of peaceful, law-abiding Muslims who contribute positively to their societies. This calculated misrepresentation, propagated through media, political rhetoric and online platforms, creates a false narrative that fuels fear and justifies discrimination.
This distortion in turn enables and reinforces the process of dehumanisation. By constructing Muslims as an inherently threatening other, it becomes possible to override the normal rules of empathy and ethical consideration. This dehumanisation is not a side effect, but the essential prerequisite for acts of violence, discrimination and the denial of basic human rights. The question we must ask ourselves is not only how this dehumanisation comes about, but also why it is so readily accepted and maintained in certain sections of society. The answer lies partly in the deliberate cultivation of fear and the exploitation of existing social anxieties.
The accountability imperative: Structures of power and responsibility
The pervasive reality of Islamophobia, fuelled by deliberate distortion and dehumanisation, requires a fundamental shift from passive observation to active accountability. This is not a matter of political correctness, but an ethical imperative rooted in the principles of justice and universal human rights.
This imperative for accountability necessarily centres on two primary areas of influence: the structures of governance and the architects of the digital landscape.
Governments, as the ultimate guarantors of the rights and security of their citizens, have a great responsibility to actively combat Islamophobia. This responsibility goes beyond symbolic gestures and requires the enactment and consistent enforcement of laws that directly target hate speech and hate crimes, as well as proactive educational initiatives aimed at debunking prejudiced narratives and promoting genuine understanding. In addition, governments must actively address the systemic biases where discrimination is prevalent in areas such as employment, housing and access to services.
At the same time, the platforms that dominate the digital space have a unique and inevitable responsibility. The demonstrable link between hate speech online and incitement to violence and harm in the real world requires a fundamental reassessment of their role and obligations. Claiming neutrality is not enough in the face of the active spread of hate and misinformation. Proactive measures such as robust content moderation, algorithmic transparency and a commitment to prioritise people’s safety over profit-driven dissemination are ethically imperative. The digital space is not a separate reality, it is an integral part of the human world and arguably subject to the same moral obligations.
Reclaiming common humanity: Truth, justice and the pursuit of peace
“The International Day to Combat Islamophobia” is therefore not just a day of remembrance or condemnation; it is a call to action, a demand for a fundamental shift in perspective and practice. It is a call to reclaim the primacy of common humanity, to dismantle the structures of prejudice and to build a world where justice, equality and mutual respect prevail.
This requires a consistent and unwavering commitment to the truth. The distorted narratives that fuel Islamophobia must be actively countered with accurate information, nuanced understanding and open dialogue. The voices and experiences of ordinary Muslims, who represent the vast and diverse reality of Islam, must be amplified to counter the monolithic caricature that is so often portrayed. This is not a passive process, but requires a proactive and sustained effort to break down stereotypes and foster genuine empathy. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is an example of how it is possible to bridge these perceived divides.
The pursuit of justice is inextricably linked to this commitment to truth. The systemic prejudices and discriminatory practices that perpetuate Islamophobia must be addressed through concrete policy change and legislative reform. The rights of all people, regardless of their faith, must be protected and upheld to ensure equal access to opportunity and freedom from fear.
Ultimately, Islamophobia is a challenge to the foundations of a just and peaceful society. The way forward requires a collective commitment to upholding universal values, rejecting prejudice in all its forms and actively building bridges of understanding and cooperation. This is not just a Muslim concern; it is a human concern, a call to build a world in which the inherent dignity of every human being is recognised and respected.