Beyond the Headlines: The Reality of Islamophobia in the UK

26 September 2024

In recent times, the rise of Islamophobia has brought to light significant concerns about the safety of Muslims in the UK. Recent riots and the spread of hate speech on social media have heightened fears, particularly for our elderly, women, and children. The Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU) has reported a notable increase in cases since October 2023, and a Newcastle University study reveals that 83% of Muslims in Scotland report experiencing Islamophobia, with incidents seemingly on the rise.

My first encounter with Islamophobia was an intimidating one. As we returned from a museum visit, my brother was playing with a flashlight. A stranger, an elderly white woman, launched into a tirade of verbal abuse. She accused him of being a terrorist; he was 12. Turning her attention to my mother, who was wearing a hijab, she continued her hateful tirade. No one stepped in, no one stopped her; they all watched as she racially abused my family before leaving the train. The attack was intimidating, but it was not violent, unlike similar ones you may see on social media today.

Although I have not personally encountered similar incidents of Islamophobia since then, does that mean we are safe? We’ve had anti-Muslim riots in the past couple of months, racist incidents have surfaced on social media, and Twitter has become a hot spot for hate speech, highlighted by accusations of inciting riots, particularly directed at Elon Musk. Combined with the figures above, this does not help the British image; an idea of extreme xenophobia and a nation of open jingoism is portrayed to those outside the UK.

That being said, there is much evidence to show that we are relatively safe in the UK. The Britain that we have made our home is different from that which we see in the media today. We have made a strong community for ourselves, with many safe spaces, community events, and voices in the mainstream.

The government has done a decent job throughout the years in tackling Islamophobia both within the government and in the public sphere. For example, they have dealt with racially charged rioters with an iron fist, and we are protected under the Equal Rights Act 2010.

Even Boris Johnson, when his party faced accusations of Islamophobia, called for an investigation into the claims. The digital world has rewarded only the extremes; it is only that which incites extreme emotions of shock and anger that benefits from the digital world. There is no room for nuance.

It is important to balance awareness with perspective. We should avoid letting fear-mongering narratives overshadow the positive strides we’ve made. Our safety does not come from hiding or repressing our cultural and religious identities but from standing together and fostering understanding.

I urge parents to maintain open dialogues with their children about their safety and experiences. Encourage them to speak up if they face issues and stay engaged with their communities. Don’t let the actions of a few individuals create divisions between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Ultimately, while extreme incidents of Islamophobia should not be dismissed, they must be seen as exceptions rather than the norm. By staying connected within our communities and reaching out to others, we can build a more inclusive and supportive environment. Stand up against injustice wherever you encounter it, and let’s work together to show the true beauty and strength of our faith and community.