Islamophobia Must End

Friday 15th March is Islamophobia Awareness Day. And I have never been more afraid to be a Muslim in the UK.

The UK is a country that is diverse and more welcoming towards other backgrounds. But over the last few years, I have really felt the rise in Islamophobia and the tolerance of such comments about my faith. As someone with a keen interest in politics, I pay attention to the language of politicians and what they insinuate. From Boris Johnson's comments over Muslim women looking like letterboxes to Lee Anderson stating that 'Islamists had gained control over Sadiq Khan' and that he 'had given (London) away to his mates', Islamophobia has never been so politically accepted. It is almost trendy to make anti-Muslim comments because Islam has become the evil enemy, marred by terrorist groups who do not represent Muslims.

"...his comments are ok...you can't discriminate unless it involves Muslims."

As a Manc, one of the biggest tragedies I've witnessed was the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. After the incident, Islamophobic attacks went up by 500%. My hijabi friend was subjected to stones being thrown at her, and my parents wouldn't let me use public transport out of fear. Muslims had nothing to do with this awful attack and yet we're forced to deal with the repercussions. The words of politicians have exacerbated our experience because being openly Islamophobic is excusable now. Lee Anderson still won't apologise and he doesn't need to because the culture shift means his comments are ok to make, you can't discriminate unless it involves Muslims.

Political parties are so hyperfocused on anti-Semitism and that isn't how it should be, because yes Jewish people should not be discriminated against, but this applies to all religions and shouldn't be at the expense of others. The whole Israel-Palestine situation has become a religious debate and siding with Palestine makes people think you are anti-Semitic, when really, supporting Palestine is supporting a country and people that have been oppressed for decades. Only now are some celebrities supporting a ceasefire but why was support not given before?

I have lived in the UK all my life and to see how leading figures discuss my religion is abhorrent. It isolates Muslims from politics and discussions occurring on a wider level. It reinforces the 'us vs them' mentality and goes against the UK's inclusive attitude. The UK is heading in a dangerous direction with its immigration policy and Rwanda asylum seeker plan. There is no room for those who aren't typically British, as in of white heritage.

But Ishaa, you're wrong! We have a Hindu PM and people of colour in both main political parties. That is a fact, but do I feel that they represent me? It isn't the first time political parties have used tokenism to prove they are not racist. Priti Patel had some of the most disgustingly stringent immigration policies but that doesn't mean she can't be racist because she's of Indian descent. The Conservatives have a very low percentage of ethnic minority individuals but this isn't publicised because the majority are in Cabinet and publicly seen.

"...in 2024...we have people of colour assisting in the failure to stamp (Islamophobia, racism, sexism) out."

We've seen how Diane Abbott was treated in the House of Commons, and she remarked that yes the Conservatives needed to do better, but Labour was also to blame for not standing up for her. She is still suffering from racism - Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch half-heartedly agreed with her but would not lend her full support. Abbott faced racist and sexist comments, but that is ok now in 2024 because we have people of colour assisting in the failure to stamp it out.

On this Islamophobia day, I want you to know how bad things are, and I think it will get worse. No one is speaking out about it and allowing this culture opens the possibility for it to get harder to live as a Muslim. In the month of Ramadan, I will be seeing what politicians do next and if they will take action against Islamophobia. All their actions seem to be targeted at Muslims, such as widening their extremism definition and limiting freedom of speech in general.

There doesn't seem to be a political party that stands up to Islamophobia and in 2024, it is concerning. How can this be a liberal country that protects all its citizens and their faiths?

#islamophobia #islamophobiaawareness #islamophobiaawarenessday #politics #muslims #islam #antisemitism #ukpoliticians #dianeabbott #racism