The current issue, Islamophobia and the Challenge of Integration: Muslim Perspectives in the Western World is the most discussed topic because it is discussed in Western countries. Islamophobia, a phrase meaning dread of Islam and Muslims due to fear of harassrment, is a common occurence in Western countries. By 11 September 2001, every aspect of Western life was affected, including social relations, economic opportunities, and political participation. In their efforts to integrate themselves, Muslims in Western countries face various difficulties. The process of integrating immigrant communities into mainstream society is often hampered by discriminatory and hateful laws.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Islamophobia on the integration process. In addition, it will discuss how Muslim communities attempt to overcome these barriers. By understanding these dynamics, we can design policies and strategies that support social inclusion and harmony between communities in the Western world.
Islamophobia is a term that refers to prejudice, discrimination, fear, and hatred toward Islam and Muslims. This phenomenon is frequently manifested as negative stereotypes discriminatory behavior, physical and verbal abuse, as well as social distancing from Muslim individuals or communities. Islamophobia not only damages social relations but also reinforces hostility and intolerance in society.
The process by which Muslim individuals or groups attempt to adapt and become a part of the larger society without giving up their cultural and religious identity is known as integration in the context of Muslim communities in countries. Assimilation is a process in which individuals or groups from one culture take on and integrate the cultural characteristics of the dominant group in society.
Discrimination and Prejudice, Western countries today are often faced with a variety of discrimination and prejudice that will affect daily life. This discrimination will occur in various sectors, including the workplace, schools, and society.
Muslims are often discriminated against in the job recruitment process, for example.
For example, reports show that individuals with Islamic-sounding names often get fewer job interview calls compared to those with yan names. At school, Muslim students may experience bullying or harassment based on their religious identity. In the general community, Muslims may face discrimination in the form of verbal or physical abuse, as well as social exclusion.
The Concept of Islamophobia and Integration
Based on the historical development of Islam in the West, our understanding of Islamophobia considers the historical influence of Islamic civilisation within a particular region and across the globe.
The history of Islamophobia in the West began with the medieval crusades, which reinforced negative perceptions of Islam as an external enemy. During the crusades, several military campaigns from Latin Europe were initiated to take back the Holy Land from Muslims. This led to political and military conflicts that often perceived Islam as a threatening force.
Most Muslim territories in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia were controlled by European countries such as Britain, France and the Netherlands in the 1800s and early 1900s. Besides generating labour and natural resources among Muslims, colonialism instilled a sense of religious and cultural superiority among the colonisers. Governments have sought to use religion as a tool for societal and political control by creating negative stereotypes of Muslims as insolent or culturally inward-looking.