“There has never been a more important time to raise awareness of Islamophobia” said Dr Abdulkarim Khalil, Chief Executive of the UKIM West London Islamic centre, reflecting on their recent and compelling exhibition in Ealing for Islamophobia awareness month.
He continued “It has been a challenging time for British Muslims; as a community we regularly face prejudice because of our faith with many crimes going unrecorded. And with the riots in August, this has had a significant and worrying impact on many people’s lives.”
In the past year, the Home Office reported 40% of all religiously motivated hate crimes target Muslim communities, making Muslims the most affected faith group – this doesn’t yet include figures from the far-right rioting witnessed during the summer.
What is Islamophobia?
Islamophobia is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.
Islamophobia awareness month is a campaign founded by a number of Muslim organisations and aims to showcase the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK and raise awareness of Islamophobia. This year’s theme ‘seeds of change’ focused on the critical role of allyship and the need to tackle hatred together.
Dr Khalil said “With our exhibition we wanted to demonstrate the profound and systemic nature of prejudice and how hate can be fuelled through media negativity, disinformation and unconscious bias. We need to work towards a society where people can practice their faith without fear and discrimination. We will continue to do our part in raising this issue, it affects us and our children and unless confronted, will continue to do so in the years to come.”
Councillors, members of the council’s community safety team and Ealing police visited the exhibition and met with mosque representatives who discussed how to work together in partnership to tackle anti-Muslim hate crime, promote interfaith activities and encourage community cohesion.
Councillor Polly Knewstub, cabinet member for healthy equal lives said “Amidst the backdrop of an increasing climate of Islamophobia, seen most visibly in the riots over the summer we need to foster understanding, raise awareness of islamophobia, challenge stereotypes and build a tolerant and harmonious society where all people can live without fear or discrimination.
“We welcome the efforts made by the local Muslim community and mosques who are promoting the positive contributions of Muslims in Ealing whilst challenging the rise of Islamophobia. Crucially if you have been a victim of hate crime, please report it and know that you will be supported. There is no place for hate in our borough”
Find out more
For more information on Islamophobia Awareness Month visit Islamophobia Awareness Month
To know more about Anti-Muslim hate crime, visit Tell Mama: Report in Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia | Muslim Help | Muslim Helpline for Hate Crime
To report an Islamophobia/ Anti-Muslim hate crime call 101 or report online Report hate crime | Metropolitan Police For any emergencies always contact 999
