Islamophobia

Islamophobia is the irrational and unjustified fear of, hatred of, or prejudice against the religion of Islam or Muslims in general, especially when seen as a geopolitical force or a source of terrorism.

The scope and precise definition of the term Islamophobia is the subject of debate. Some scholars consider it to be a form of xenophobia or racism, some consider Islamophobia and racism to be closely related or partially overlapping phenomena, while others dispute any relationship, primarily on the grounds that religion is not a race. For some critics, Islamophobia is an expression that, by confusing hatred of Muslims with criticism of Islam, equates racism against Muslims with criticism of religious beliefs and practices, which is legitimate in a secular democracy.

The causes of increase in Islamophobia across the world since the 1990s are many. These include but are not limited to the September 11 attacks, the subsequent war on terror campaign, the rise of the Islamic State during the Arab Winter, terrorist attacks carried out by Islamist militants in the United States and Europe, anti-Muslim rhetoric disseminated by white nationalist organizations through the internet, and the rise of far-right groups which oppose the presence of Muslims in the United States and the European Union.

A study conducted in 2013 revealed that Muslim women, especially those wearing headscarves or face veils, are more vulnerable to suffer from Islamophobic attacks than Muslim men. On 15 March 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus which was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation that proclaimed March 15 as 'International Day to Combat Islamophobia'.