Dr. MOHAMMAD RAFAT, Professor, Department of Applied Sciences & Humanities, Faculty of Engg. & Tech., Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, explored the mind behind the creation of the perception of Islamophobia, challenges before the Muslim community and suggested Qur’ānic and other guidance to counter propaganda and prejudices created against Islam in an interview with MOHAMMAD NAUSHAD KHAN.
First of all, I would like to know how the term ‘Islamophobia’ originated?
The term ‘Islamophobia’ originated in media discussion. For quite some time, print media as well as social media has been using this term. When the media draws attention to a phenomenon, it is not usual for intellectuals to join the debate on that phenomenon. While the term ‘Islamophobia’ may have been coined initially by media, it has now engaged the attention of scholars and academic circles worldwide.
There exists an anti-Islamic lobby, which has recently made deliberate efforts to create a phobia, with reference to Islam. Hence the major of the phenomenon should be identified as malicious and motivated propaganda. A secondary reason of the phobia is ignorance about Islam. A significant section of otherwise educated people holds unfounded views about Islam; ignorance thus breeds phobia.
What according to you was the emergence of Islamophobia?
During the middle of the last century, the imperialist powers had to concede formal political freedom to the Muslim world and the third world, in the aftermath of the World War II. However, they did not give up their imperialist agenda. Subsequently, they continued to colonise the world through indirect means. Very soon they realised that, after the disintegration of the USSR; the major obstacle in their path was the reawakening of Muslims. They noticed the phenomenon of Islamic movement in the third world; which enjoyed popularity with a significant section of the people. To check the onward march of the Islamic movement, which the imperialists perceived to be a threat to them, they tried to create fear about Islam. This was done to divert the attention of truth seekers and at the same time to bring Muslims to a mere defensive stance.
Have we as a community failed to counter this malicious campaign?
Muslims have not shown the required level of consciousness about the events occurring in the world around them. The dominant tendency of Muslims has been of knee jerk reaction; where their responses have often not been mature enough. This weakness is apparent in their engagement with the phenomenon of “Islamophobia” also. A systematic effort was required to analyse the causes of the anti-Islamic propaganda. Based on a realistic analysis, suitable steps to counter the propaganda were necessary.
No doubt, Muslims have made some attempts to counter the malicious campaign against Islam. But Muslim intervention is not well planned and meticulous. It is necessary that backed with factual information; Muslims make renewed efforts to present the true picture of Islam.
What is the impact of Islamophobia on humanity and the world order?
Anti-Islamic propaganda, malicious campaigns and profound ignorance about the real Islamic message; all contribute to Islamophobia. In print media, the debate is at times bitter but often a minimum standard of civilized discourse is maintained. But in social media, the interchanges may assume undignified tones, degenerating into vulgar outpouring. This only shows the intensity of Islamophobia.
Islamophobia has created anti-Muslim attitudes in many sections of the global society. This has had harmful impact on policy decisions and harmonious relations. Muslims have often suffered from discrimination due to negative perceptions about them. The imperialist misadventures in the Muslim world are often justified by portraying a distorted image of Islam and Muslims.
How has Islamophobia harmed the image of Islam?
There is a historical background which provides a wider perspective on the current phenomenon of Islamophobia. There is an ancient prejudice against Islam, going back to the era of crusades. The remnants of the attitudes developed in that period still persist. The more recent anti-Islamic literature has been produced over the last two centuries; particularly by a section of the Orientalists. The Muslim people were politically subjugated by the imperialists. Though victorious, the imperialists were always apprehensive about the possibility of Muslim resistance. In order to demoralise the Muslim world, anti-Islamic writings were their important weapons. The trend has continued in the present century and has displayed a negative picture of Islam.
Are we responsible for having failed to nip Islamophobia in the bud?
Muslims have taken some note of anti-Islamic literature in response to the tirade of the Orientalists; many Muslim scholars presented the true image of Islam. They also sought to dispel any misgivings about Muslim history. They wrote extensively on the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him). Thus it is wholly not correct to say that Muslims have not responded to the malicious propaganda.
However, Muslims should also have been active in making positive efforts to present Islam as it actually is. They should have taken the initiative in talking about Islam; instead of simply responding to the attacks mounted against Islam. In this respect, the Muslim world has indeed not made adequate efforts. An urgent action plan is needed to positively introduce Islam, globally.
What is the way forward to change the mindset that gave birth to Islamophobia?
The worldview of Islam is based on TAUHEED which means that Allah alone is the creator and master of the universe. Human beings should worship Him alone and offer to Him their complete loyalty and unconditional obedience. The second important component of the Islamic worldview is the unity of mankind. All mankind is the progeny of Adam and Eve (the first human pair) and hence they constitute a single family.
Islamophobia is the result of misinformation, ignorance and distorted worldview; the last cause being the most important one. To rid people of the wrong attitude (called Islamophobia), they should be familiarised with the worldview based on TAUHEED and human brotherhood.
What could have been the face of the earth in the absence of Islamophobia?
Islamophobia is an unfortunate reality of today’s world. One would expect that if people were better informed, it would have been easier for them to appreciate the truth of Islam. Greater harmony would have then prevailed in the larger human society. Instead of false propaganda, usually motivated by selfish interests, one would have found healthy exchange of thoughts and views. The universal human values indeed provide the firm basis for Mutual Cooperation among people; in the absence of unfounded fears and apprehensions, such cooperation would be easy. Justice is the primary requirement for a healthy society and Islam has laid great stress on it. With better understanding of Islam among people at large, the efforts to establish justice in global society would receive greater impetus. The contribution of Muslims towards establishment of a just world order would make a significant impact on the global scene.
How does the Qur’ān guide us to counter Islamophobia?
The Qur’ān has taken note of the objections being raised with reference to the Islamic message. It has answered the questions which were being asked and has responded to the anti-Islamic propaganda. The Qur’ān gives the historical example of Pharaoh, who was the cruel ruler of Egypt. The Prophet Moses presented the message of truth to Pharaoh and to the people of Egypt. Pharaoh did not pay attention to the call of the truth. Instead he tried to create fear (phobia) in the people’s minds, about this message. He told his ministers that Moses was creating chaos, disorder and unrest. In spite of such misguided efforts of Pharaoh, there was a significant impact of the Prophetic message. The Qur’ān records that a minister of Pharaoh was among the believers. Initially he hid his faith; but when Pharaoh wanted to kill the Prophet, the minister lodged his strong protest and conveyed the message of truth, in clear terms.
And what about role of Media in Islamophobia?
Media’s role has been generally unsatisfactory. Instead of objective reporting and impartial analysis, media has often presented biased views and created a distorted picture of the global situation. The various anti-Islamic lobbies have also exerted their influence on media. There are apprehensions that money power has also played its dubious role, in giving a wrong direction to the media portrayal.
On the other hand, there have been many healthy instances as well; where correct and impartial investigations have been undertaken. Such analysts need to be encouraged to make even greater efforts to disseminate correct information. The responsibility of media is an ethical issue and its importance cannot be ignored. To make media really honest and impartial is an important component of the action needed for achieving justice.
There is a lot of talk on jihad in media coverage of Islam. What exactly is Jihad?
The complete term is “Jihad fisabeelillah.” This means “to strive in the way of God”. Jihad signifies efforts aimed at defending Islam, Islamic community and Islamic state from unjustified aggression. It includes efforts made to liberate people from oppression, slavery and bondage and restore their human dignity. Attempts to eliminate injustice, exploitation and tyranny and to establish justice in the world form an important part of JIHAD. All efforts undertaken in this respect must abide by Islamic legal code (Shari’ah). At the same time, all treaties, agreements and international conventions (established through due process of law) must be respected. And the citizens of a country must not violate the law of the land in the name of jihad.