Islamophobia and way of dealing it

These days there’s is a campaign going on around the globe which is “Awareness against Islamophobia” which has been developed in order to raise awareness against the term “Islamophobia” and how can it be reduced?

“Islamophobia” is a feeling of “hatred” or “biasness” against Islam or Muslims in particular, especially when they are labeled as terrorists or Islam is treated as a source of spreading terrorism in the state. This word is constantly in news, discussed in different platforms and different personalities are bringing awareness against this term.

The problem arises when people who don’t follow Islam, relate Islam with unpeaceful activities, put labels on Muslims, associate Islam with terrorist activity, make fun of holy personalities, or in fact disrespect holy places or even spread wrong stories about Islam, and when they themselves haven’t studied Islam at all, all these issues fall under the category of “Islamophobia”. 

Now, the phenomenon is when this Islamophobia happens, sentiments of Muslims get hurt and they try to express their anger through raising voice or through starting campaigns. Here people forget the basic principle that if they are protesting against “Islamophobia” they should opt for proper channels to raise voice rather of starting riots, stopping the country from running its operations or even burning tires, boycotting products or manufacturers or traders, and all.

What’s important is to raise voice and start awareness campaigns in a peaceful manner but if Muslims start opting to go for war or incite religious radicalization then there’s no difference between people who are having “Islamophobia” and protestors. 

This phenomenon can be stopped by highlighting such groups who promote “Islamophobia” or “Hatred against Islam or Mock Islam” and they should be held accountable by law and order which should be strictly implemented and also hurt people should be let to raise voice in a peaceful manner so that operations of the country should not stop nor it affects the diplomatic relationship of countries. Once extremism kicks in this dilemma then this could attract serious issues and friction between countries and can impair relationships. 

Islamic countries leaderships play an important role here, as they know their voices can be heard and understood. But extreme measures like boycotting international products, riots, stopping the business of the country would only hurt the country and its economic life. If you are Muslim and want to show your hurt sentiments due to “Islamophobia” then you should not pick the same track rather go for a decent way of protesting. As we have seen in the past, Pakistan has only been hurt by religious radicals, not the modern Muslims, so do record your protest, do raise your voice but in a way that the world listens and understands.