Islamophobia

A demonstration in Cologne; amongst others it was against Islamophobia (and right-wing nationalism in Germany)

A billboard saying that Islamic Law (Sharia) threatens America.

Islamophobia is a political term used against people critical of Islam. It literally means the fear of Muslims. It is sometimes used to describe a hatred of the religion and its followers. "Islamophobia" can supposedly take the form of criticisms against certain ideological positions taken by believers but almost always state the religion itself as the actual problem.

In 1996, the Runnymede Trust researched public opinions about Islam. The research showed people have different opinions about Islam. The most negative opinions that some people have about Islam are:

1. That the Islamic World ("Islam") is seen as a single block that will not change.
2. That Islam does not have common values with other cultures.
3. That Islam is inferior to "the West". It has a barbaric culture, which is also irrational and sexist.
4. That they think Islam is aggressive and threatening. Some people think it supports terrorism.
5. That it is seen as an ideology which can be used in politics or war.
6. That if Muslims criticise "the West", these criticisms are not tolerated.
7. That Muslims are discriminated against in society, Islamophobia is used as a justification.
8. That hostility against Muslims is seen as natural and normal.

A study found that Muslim women experienced Islamophobic attacks more often than Muslim men, but almost all are committed by Muslim men.

In France it is illegal for Muslim women to wear veils (burqas and niqabs) that cover their faces.

Related pages

• Racism - the idea that one race is better than most or all of the others
• Antisemitism - the hatred of Jews