What Does Islamophobia Mean?
The Muslim religion is spreading all over the world. But Islam's phobia is anti-Muslim sentiment in the West.
It is defined as the fear or threat of Muslims and their religion Islam.
Let's agree first that human nature tends to get attracted to similar people and be confused or distant from those who show the difference. As it is said, "birds of the same feather flock together." So imagine non-Muslims living in their bubble in the West and receiving their Islamic background since childhood exclusively from the media.
How distorted their vision might be. The only Muslim picture they have in their mind is the extremists and terrorists highlighted by the news. Feeling unease is the least that could happen when these people meet a Muslim-looking person.
So do we stand still and let this Islamophobia phenomenon spread? Or is there something that we can do about it?
Acts to overcome Islamophobia in West
-
It is Sunnah to Smile in Muslim Religion
Yes, you heard it. Never underestimate how far your smile's warmth can reach people's hearts and melt the ice. Smiling makes you look friendly and approachable, and it's a Sadaqa (Act of charity).
-
Mini chats
A simple "Good morning," "How are you today," or "Take care" to your neighbours, coworkers in the elevator, or service workers will show how much you care about them to get off this islamophobia image.
-
Small Favors Generosity to Defame Islamophobia
Allah immensely rewards those who help others in Dunya and Akhira. Offering your seat on public transit, giving up your turn at the cashier for older people or families with kids, or volunteering in your community are acts encouraged by Islam and perceived as generosity by Non-Muslims. We should always be naturally giving because this is the essence of our religion.
-
Dialogues of Muslims
Many people with islamophobia in the West have misguided perceptions of Islam. Whenever we get the chance, we must explain the difference between culture and religion. Acknowledge that there are wrongful behaviours in the Muslim culture and that this is being astray from true Islam. And remember to always stay calm during the conversations, as Allah said in the Quran.
ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَٰدِلْهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ ۖ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and argue with them in the best way. Indeed, your Lord knows most who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowledgeable of who is [rightly] guided.
-
Work sincerely
Being a great Muslim role model and setting up the standards at work, university, or even in sports is a great way to convey sincerity and devotion to our religion. If you know Mohamad Salah, the Muslim Egyptian football player in the Liver Pool team, you must have seen how he cast his magic on soccer fans worldwide with his ethics, teamwork, and sincerity.
Imagine if we have more like Mohamad Salah in all fields of life we will obviously kill this islamophobia thins!!
-
Publicity
Celebrate your fellow Muslims and share their achievements on social media in all fields of life. Let the world be their hall of fame because they deserve it.
Living as a Muslim in the West and dealing with Islamophobia can be challenging, yet with small actions here and there, the fog will gradually lift insh'Allah.
