Why the term “Islamophobia” is misleading
SINCE the 11 September attacks and Huntignton’s Thesis, the term “Islamophobia” has gained considerable popularity.
The western media has attempted to demonize the fastest-growing religion while inciting non-Muslims against the faith whose Arabic name translates to “Peace” through twisted interpretations of Quranic verses and labelling of the Last Prophet (PBUH) as a promoter of hatred and terrorism.
A decade after 9/11, Gallup surveyed to find whether the Western societies respect Muslim societies.
The result showed that 52% Americans, 48% Canadians and 38% Britons believed that Western societies did not respect Muslim societies.
The data was collected from people of different faiths and communities. The survey also revealed that Muslims were one of the least desirable neighbours in major European countries, falling only behind drug addicts and homosexuals.
People who harbour hatred against Islam or have an irrational fear of Muslims are considered as Islamophobes.
But a question arises — are these “Islamophobes” afraid of Muslims or are they just filled with loathe and animosity towards them.
The word ‘Phobia’, according to Cambridge dictionary, means an extreme fear or dislike of a particular thing or situation, especially one that is unreasonable.
The dictionary also refers to this word as an anxiety disorder. To comprehend what the second half of the term Islamophobia actually implies in this context, it would also be beneficial to have a medical explanation.
The NHS states that phobia arises when a person perceives a circumstance or thing as being more dangerous than it actually is.
Unsteadiness, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, perspiration, an elevated heart rate or palpitation, shortness of breath, trembling or shaking, and an upset stomach are some of the symptoms that people who develop phobia may experience.
Furthermore, according to NHS, a person may only feel these symptoms when they are in close proximity to the phobia’s trigger.
The Holy Quran was burned at Easter in Sweden by individuals who didn’t seem to be experiencing any of these symptoms.
Unfortunately, those who have been acting intelligently and expressing their personal views in order to intentionally harm an entire community are labelled as having phobias.
Another instance is the mosque gunman in Christchurch who televised his heinous deed after posting an “Islamophobic” (or more correctly, anti-Islamic) manifesto the day before he slaughtered more than 50 Muslims while they were praying.
Anyone familiar with the RSS and Hindutva ideology would know that what is happening in India right now is not because Modi is afraid of Muslims but because he wants to establish Hindu dominance in the country.
What the media highlights as “rising Islamophobia” is actually the BJP government wanting to subjugate minorities through fear.
India is working on a clear and calculated strategy to marginalize Muslims.
There is no irrational fear in the approach adopted by Hindutva leaders; it is only their mindset that doesn’t allow them to accept Muslims as equal citizens.
A Hindutva leader said during a speech that there is a “Jihadi in every Muslim home… if we want humanity to last, we will need to clean it of jihadis.
” A person who engages in jihad is known as a jihadi, and in Islam, a jihadi is someone who struggles in the way of God and overcomes his own desires.
However, because the international media prefers seeing things in their own bias, the holy term “Jihad” is often used in a derogatory manner.
A jihadi is defined as someone who gets up every morning with the sole purpose of terrorising others around him.
Philip Dick noted that “the basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words.
If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the words.
” Thus, an entire discourse has been produced to create and reinforce hatred and prejudice against Muslims.
India is adhering to the Lebensraum philosophy, which was first embraced by the Nazis. According to it, Muslims are seen to be “inferior” and should either convert to Hinduism or be put to death, as India is treated as a holy place reserved for the “superior” Hindus.
If a Muslim commits a crime anywhere on the globe, his religion is blamed and he is called a “terrorist,” whereas all other offenders are just criminals.
Returning to definitions, Britannica defines anti-Semitism as animosity or prejudice towards Jews as a religious or racial group.
They were being murdered because of political ambitions, and today’s India and many other nations still carry out similar atrocities against the Muslim minority.
The growth of far-right leadership serves as a stark example of the intolerant nature of western civilization, which the term “Islamophobia” seeks to hide.
It is not true that Muslims or Islam has bred terror into them; rather, it is a manifestation of their innate animosity toward other populations. Therefore, it is important to change how the word “Islamophobia” is used.
—The writers are Islamabad based Researchers.
