This document discusses Islamophobia, including its definition, causes, manifestations, and effects. It defines Islamophobia as an irrational fear or dislike of Islam and Muslims that can lead to prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination and hatred. The document explores several causes of Islamophobia like ignorance of Islam, negative media portrayals, and actions by anti-Muslim groups. It describes how Islamophobia manifests through discrimination, hate speech, laws targeting Muslims, and general social exclusion. Finally, the document outlines some negative effects of Islamophobia like preventing Muslim participation, social unrest, and potential radicalization. It suggests interventions like anti-discrimination laws, education, awareness campaigns, and the work of NGOs to help

1. Sample Essay on Islamophobia
Today’s society comprises of populations from different economic, religious and social backgrounds
hence, quite diverse. The diversity plays a very crucial role in cushioning people and supporting
social grown from negative impact of social problems. To enjoy peaceful coexistence, members of
the society have to be tolerant at all times bearing in mind that societal survival is threatened by
unnecessary conflicts.
Any form of prejudice as well as discrimination denies part of global population an opportunity to
share the natural resource base. Therefore, from an ethical point of view, discriminatory practices
are considered unjust and immoral. This is based on the fact that they do not allow populations to
benefit from their entitlements as well as their rights. In this regard, this paper offers a clear and in-
depth analysis of islamophobia concepts.
After defining islamophobia, the paper also discusses a different practice that is manifested currently
as well as the impact it has on affected groups. Lastly, the paper explains several measures that can
be adopted to use to address the concern and to ensure peaceful coexistence between the people.
Definition
Lean (2012:23) in his research study explains Islamophobia as an irrational and powerful fear or
dislike of Islamic religion. Islamophobia according to Lean attacks followers by perpetuating
prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination and hatred amongst them. Essentially, Islamophobia is a kind
of religion based resentment and it encourages people.
Proponents of Muslim religion also present Faithfull as people who are highly resistant to change.
From the point of view in regards to the western culture, the religion is an extremist, inferior, primitive
and irrational (Kumar, 2012). These are prepositions that enhance hostilities against devotees and in
the end, results in their exclusion from the society. In this regard, practices that are anti-Muslim are
known globally to be normal and hence, live in line with social, political, religious and moral values
that ensure the society stays put. It is a move that affects the afflicted individuals negatively.
Causes
There are many causes of Islamophobia. Weller (2006:295) believes that ignorance of the religion by
non-Muslim societies is one of the reasons that have contributed a great deal to the current state of
affairs. In this relevance, non-muslims do not truly understand ethics and values of the religion. They
also presume that it promotes hatred and violence towards non-believers.

2. This is a believer against practices and western ideals that global community consider highly
instrumental for harmonious co-existence and living. There is also misconception and it propagates
discrimination based on the fact that Muslims are considered to be anti-social.
The other cause of Islamophobia according to Igbal (2010:82) is poor reporting that Muslim nations
are victims of violent attacks pursued by Islam extremist groups. The media and political leaders
state that Muslim states have not be disseminating and reporting factual information in regards to
any violent attack. This has made the global community strongly believe that Muslims are
perpetrators of the attacks and not victims.
Similarly, incitements by groups, organizations and individuals contribute to Islamophobia. In this
regard, Igbal (2010: 83), states that there are different groups globally whose sole intentions are to
cause and spread cross religious violence and intolerance. By perpetuating such acts in certain
geographical regions for example, they are in a position to access different resources especially in
the affected areas and benefit a great deal from them.
However, they cannot achieve this objective under peaceful coexistence. Since it is also globally
known that many extremist groups embrace Islam, they take advantage of this to create violent
conditions. The media is additionally known to play a role in the rise of prejudice and discrimination
against Muslims. Khalil (2013: 87) believes that western media have played a crucial role in the
growing number of people who are hurt and insulted by Muslims.
They use the strategy to achieve their economic and social interests. By perpetuating hatred
amongst believers, western countries have also had an opportunity to speak out their ideals and
remain highly competitive. What’s more, with the fact that the media is highly influential and powerful
tool, it makes it easy to convince global population that Islam is an inferior and irrational religion.
Additionally, Lean (2012:92) also assumes that there is no legal binding instrument that presently
addresses the concern. This has led to increased perpetuation of statements that incite religious and
intercultural intolerance. Individuals across the globe are also free to spread false information on a
certain religion as well as its cultural values that people hold in the same regard.
What’s more, the go unpunished and as a result, they consider the practice to be socially
acceptable. Debates have also emerged on intolerance and religious discrimination that are more
confined to the elite group in the society. In other words, a good percentage of global population
doesn’t really understand different forms of religious intolerance and its impact on wellbeing of those
affected.
Grass root populations are also unaware of statuses and public dialogues of these vital debates.
Therefore, the objective of the malpractice has prevented them from achieving objective and rational
decisions related to the malpractice (Weller, 2006). The political groups are also not willing to
engage in dialogues aimed at resolving the issue amicably (Bleich, 2011). In this regard, it is worth
noting and appreciating the fact that political classes are influential and authoritative.

3. Political classes are also responsible for creating laws and regulations that guide an individual’s
behavior in different ways. Political class by showing reluctance in addressing the issue promotes its
growth in the society. It also gives room for perpetrators to continue with their mission and at all
levels.
Finally, following the September 11 attack, there has been exacerbation of many anti-Muslim
tendencies in the global society. Muslim involvement in such event also intensified generalizations
and stereotypes against Muslims. What’s more, the global community and population employ the
use of collective punishment for the Islamic community focusing on adherents to be violent thus,
associating them at all times with terrorist activities.
Manifestation
Manifestation of Islamophobia in the current society manifests itself in different ways and in different
ways. Besides social agencies, the media, political and religious leaders are also known to
perpetuate the malpractice in different ways. In his study, Bleich (2011: 1583), he cites a renowned
figure in Italy who planned a competition aimed at choosing the most beautiful pig.
The event organizer considered mosques as the best locations used by perpetrators to recruit
terrorists who engage in violent crimes. These remarks were no doubt unfounded and the event was
derogatory. It was also insulting to the Muslim community and it underestimated the fact that there
are certain society facets that are ignorant of the virtues and values advocated for by Muslims.
Danish caricatures are also a classic indication of hostility towards the Islamic religion (Buehler,
2011). The caricatures of Prophet Muhammad were not only provocative but also insulting and
discriminatory. These were additionally accompanied by inflammatory remarks and publications.
Instead of speaking peace, making the commentaries led to social unrest and violence. Even though
western governments regretted over the matter later on, they did not make any step to prevent a re-
occurrence.
Such practices have continued to undermine and unabated sustainable peace. They are also
pursued under the pretense of freedom of expression. The degree of negativity and hostility towards
Islamic religion is additionally manifested on different types of media. Besides social media, there
are also a good number of scholars that closely relate Islam to violence (Kumar, 2012).
Additionally, influential social leaders, political leaders and policy proposals portray the Islam as a
religion that backs up violent practices. Therefore, the media truly succeed in convincing global
populations that Islam is an extremist religion based on such speeches and publications directed at
large target audience. The remarks shape up the society’s attitude.
Lean (2012:93) in his review indicates that media personalities use print and film media to propagate
islamophobia. The films they present to the audience confirm that many global terror events were
and are planned by Muslims. In this regard, they discriminate against and hate adherents to Muslim

4. religion. Similarly, Poynting (2007:66) indicates that Islamophobia manifests itself through
workplace discrimination.
There is also a lot of statistical evidence that confirms that since the September 11 attack of the
pentagon, Muslims in different western countries have continued to live or struggle with
unemployment (Igbal, 2010). Many companies as a matter of fact are not willing to employ Muslim
followers despite their qualifications. This is a fact that has had a great impact on the financial or
economic well being and quality of life lived by the individuals.
It is a fact that prevents Muslims from actively participating in formal employment and benefiting from
opportunities presented by the society. On the other hand, political leaders are known to promote
Islamophobia in different ways. Use of derogatory remarks when making public address in rallies is
also not willing to cooperate with them in pursuit of economic objectives and goals. Through the
speeches, they also inform the public that Islam embraces radicalism.
Muslim settlers are also faced with many challenges emanating from Islamophobia. Sheehi and
Churchill (2011:89) states that there are western countries that introduce stringent regulations and
laws that prohibit Muslims from exercising their cultural rights comfortably. For example, Muslim
émigrés are prevented from putting on or using their religious attires and symbols publicly on the
premise on claims that they cause culture clash.
Laws from Denmark and Netherlands among other such western countries have laws created to
prevent Muslims from having cultural centers or erecting religious symbols public places (Igbal,
2010). Governments of such countries arguably consider Muslim as a religion that promotes values
that disregard its legal provisions. They also fear the fact that expansion and growth of Muslim
across the globe can undermine harmonious living. Muslim immigrants also find it very difficult to
gain entry into certain countries. This is largely attributed to the fact that there is widespread fear that
they engage in terrorist activities. Moreover, law enforcement agencies in many countries across the
globe use the attribute in criminal reporting.
Islamophobia in modern day society is also demonstrated in many ways and fundamentally aim at
alienating Muslims from the society. The negativity and hostility related to islamophobia prevents
people from appreciating and understanding desirable attributes and values of Muslim religion
upholds. This is a fact that has a negative impact on the welfare and functioning of the global
society.
Effects
Gottschalk and Greenberg (2007:114) also points out that the concept prevents Muslims from
participating in cultural, economic and political activities held in the society. For example, their needs
and demands are not addressed adequately by political leaders. Negative attitudes from the public

5. also do not give Muslims an opportunity to engage in constructive or critical debates aimed at
addressing the issue.
In the end, it enhances hatred and strains vital social relations that are critical for grown and
development. At this point, it is also worth noting that Muslims are an important social group.
Therefore, excluding them from vital economic and social processes, the society also fails to achieve
sustainable and holistic growth and development. Therefore, the practice prevents economic
development and hurts Muslims (Gottschalk and Greenberg, 2007).
Social exclusion and social hostility characteristics holds on to the idea that Islamophobia has a
negative impact on mental wellness of the affected persons. Apart from preventing them to
participate in vital social projects, it also exposes them to a wide range of mentally distressing
conditions. They also feel alienated from the society that is in normal circumstances required to
support them in different ways.
(Khalil (2013: 48), also agrees disrespect from the global society leads to development of destructive
anger feelings, alienation and disaffection. This underrates performance of young Muslims in
different spheres of life. Apart from leading to their educational failure, negative treatment also leads
to unemployment. Social alienation generally prevents young Muslims from living a normal life.
Mainstream parties also use anti-muslim messages and slogans to succeed in elections. The
messages convince the masses that they do not support Islam. This indicates that they distance
themselves from the religion. Since they assume vital political positions and leaderships later on, it
also implies that laws and rules formulated by the politicians, implemented and enforced by the
same people do not favor the general wellbeing of Muslims. Lack of political will to address Muslim
problems also has an adverse impact on their survival.
It also reveals that social programs and other development initiatives do not focus on the needs of
the Muslim brothers and sisters. This kind of exclusion deters Muslims from sharing and benefiting
from available resource base. Finally, injustice and violence drive young Muslims to engage in
criminal activities. According to Sheridan (2006:324), characteristic disaffection towards Muslims
leads to violent radicalism. This can also be used to explain rising representation of this group in the
criminal justice system.
From a psychological point of view, populations that are considered to be violent reach a point where
they actually engage in violence to assert the claims. Rising incidences of violence also prevent
governments from addressing terrorism and initiating development. It also exposes the masses to
negative religious extremism and violence. It also divides the society and leads to significant losses.
Ultimately negative effects across the nation outweigh and overwhelm the benefits of Islamophobia.
For this reason, it is vital for governments to employ ideal ways to address the matter effectively and
efficiently.

6. Intervention Measures
Different stakeholders need to formulate, implement and affect laws addressing religious intolerance
to counter the effects of Islamophobia. These will help to define clearly the meaning of freedom of
expression and to advocate for exercise of related rights to the later; Kumar (2012:72) in his study
indicates that laws should promote cultural and religious tolerance. Those who contravene the
provisions should be held responsible for their actions.
The strategy will be quite instrumental in ensuring that religious and political leaders refrain from
making insulting or inflammatory comments. Additionally, it will reduce incitement as well as negative
impact on the general wellbeing of Islamic religion. To ensure its effectiveness, legal provisions
should also be quite comprehensive and inclusive.
Non-governmental organizations and civil society should also assume active roles in reconciling
differences and in addressing the concern. Therefore, in his research, Weller (2006:295) is
contended that these are the institutions that play a very critical role in today’s international relations.
They also contribute significantly in addressing global matters of great importance. Specifically, their
activities help to bring together different stakeholders including academicians, religious leaders,
diplomats and the media.
Therefore, they can make the most of such a platform to discuss important issues that relate to
manipulation of religious practices and faith by radical groups and unlawful justification of their acts.
Additionally, they can make suggestions on the best solutions that can be used to manage the trend
and to ensure the wellbeing of Muslims.
Governments should also incorporate important also incorporate changes in the educational
systems used in their institutions. Such vital changes enhance sustainability and in this regard,
Gottschalk and Greenberg (2007:98), recommend that the syllabi should be revised by the
government at all education levels. The revision should additionally include incorporation of vital
concepts that focus on religious tolerance as well as the negative effects associated with cultural
defamation.
Philosophy, history, religious studies and human sciences among other related disciplines are vital
avenues that can be used to achieve this goal. They should also in this respect focus on presenting
a balanced view of religion, civilization and cultures to target audience. Education is a vital tool
because of its capability to align and change attitudes towards achievement of set goals. What’s
more, it redefines behaviors and beliefs of the people.
Education is no doubt an important instrument that can be used efficiently to address the issue in a
sustainable and effective manner. Similarly, the national, local and state governments should focus
on developing and engaging in campaigns against Islamophobia. As earlier indicated, such
institutions are highly influential and they can use their authority to bring change.

7. They can also use the strategy to relay factual and important information on religious and cultural
diversity. The government should involve relevant stakeholders from all facets in the society actively
and utilize all forms of media. This will be very effective in creating awareness amongst current
population on Islamophobia, its negative effects and its implications on the wellness of the society.
Most importantly, it will enhance objectivity in decision making process by ensuring that the masses
base their decisions on informed choices or opinions.
Conclusion
Islamophobia is a delusion that has affected Muslim population negatively. It is a concept that
enhances aggression and hostility towards this group of the population. From the preceding review,
the concept of islamophobia is caused by many factors including misuse of the freedom of
expression, ignorance on Muslim religious values, lack of legal instruments addressing the concept
and misinterpretation of the idea of freedom of expression among others. It is highly manifested
through enhance media coverage of islamophobia, discriminatory employment tactics and political
commentaries that are derogatory.
Besides propagating hatred, the concept compromises economic development, strains social
relations and prevents Muslims from sharing or benefiting from natural resource base. This is a
concern that can be addressed efficiently by educating the society on the importance of cultural and
religious respect as well as tolerance. It is a step that will take the efforts of the civil society as well
as nonprofit organizations and pursuing anti-discriminatory campaigns to achieve the goal.
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8. References
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Emerging Comparative Concept.” American Behavioral Scientist, 55 (12): 1581-1600.
Buehler, Arthur. 2011. “Islamophobia: A Projection of the West’s Dark Side.” Islam and Civilisational
Renewal, 2 (4), 639-653.
Gottschalk, Peter, and Gabriel Greenberg. 2007. Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy. New
York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Igbal Zafar. 2010. “Islamophobia or Islamophobias: Towards Developing A Process Model.” Islamic
Studies, 49 (1), 81-101.
Khalil, Mohammad. 2013. Between Heaven and Hell: Islam, Salvation, and the Fate of
Others. Oxford: University Press.
Kumar, Deepa. 2012. Islamphobia and the Politics of Empire. New York: Haymarket Books.
Lean, Nathan. 2012. The Islamphobia Industry: How the Right Manufactures Fear of
Muslims. London: Pluto Press.
Poynting, Scott. 2007. “The Resistible Rise of Islamophobia: Anti-Muslim racism in the UK and
Australia before 11th
September, 2001.” Journal of Sociology, 43 (1): 61-86.
Sheehi, Stephen, and Ward Churchill. 2011. Islamphobia: The Ideological Campaign Against
Muslims. New York: Clarity Press.
Sheridan, Lorraine. 2006. “Islamophobia Pre and Post September 11th
, 2001.” Journal of
Interpersonal Violence, 21 (3): 317-336.
Weller Paul. 2006. “Addressing Religious Discrimination and Islamophobia: Muslims and Liberal
Democracies. The case of the United Kingdom.” Journal of Islamic Studies, 17 (3), 295.
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