Combating Islamophobia: A Global Call For Justice, Equality, And Religious Tolerance – OpEd
Islamophobia has emerged as a pressing global issue, leading to widespread discrimination, violence, and institutional biases against Muslims. The rise of anti-Muslim sentiments, particularly in Western countries and regions where Muslims are minorities, underscores the urgent need for international intervention.
Recognizing this, Pakistan, in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), successfully championed a resolution at the United Nations, resulting in the official designation of 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022. This historic milestone institutionalizes the fight against anti-Muslim discrimination on the global stage and urges states to implement legal and policy measures to safeguard Muslim communities.
Pakistan has long been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of persecuted Muslim communities. As a leading voice in the Muslim world, the country has persistently raised concerns about Islamophobia at global forums such as the United Nations and the OIC. Pakistan has strongly condemned rising hate speech, religious profiling, and violent attacks against Muslims, calling on the international community to take tangible steps against these injustices. The resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly is particularly significant given the increasing incidents of mosque attacks, bans on Islamic practices, derogatory depictions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the misuse of free speech to target Islamic beliefs. By championing this initiative, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom, interfaith harmony, and global peace.
One of the most alarming cases of institutionalized Islamophobia today is in India, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has weaponized anti-Muslim sentiment as a political tool. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discriminatory policies and hate-driven narratives have led to the systematic persecution of Muslims. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) are prime examples of legislation that effectively marginalize Muslims, rendering many stateless. Additionally, mob lynchings and hate crimes have surged, with Hindutva extremist groups carrying out attacks with impunity while law enforcement agencies often remain passive.
The situation is further exacerbated by the demolition of historical mosques and Muslim properties under the guise of development projects. The Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent legal verdicts favoring Hindu extremists reflect an ongoing effort to erase Muslim heritage in India. Religious freedoms have also been increasingly restricted, as evidenced by the hijab ban in Karnataka, limitations on adhan (call to prayer), and restrictions on Quranic studies and Islamic gatherings. The BJP leadership, including high-ranking officials, has repeatedly promoted anti-Muslim rhetoric, inciting violence and justifying discriminatory practices. Despite clear evidence of human rights violations, many Western nations have remained silent, prioritizing their political and economic interests with India over addressing these grave injustices.
By designating 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Pakistan has ensured that this critical issue remains at the forefront of global discourse. This initiative calls upon world leaders, human rights organizations, and international bodies to take decisive legal and diplomatic measures against Islamophobic policies, hate speech, and violent attacks targeting Muslims. Additionally, Pakistan has urged Western nations to abandon double standards regarding free speech, particularly in matters related to blasphemy and the desecration of Islamic symbols, which are often justified under the pretext of “freedom of expression.”
The institutionalization of this day marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Pakistan, reinforcing its role as a defender of Muslim rights worldwide. However, the fight against Islamophobia is far from over. The international community must take concrete actions to address state-sponsored discrimination and hold governments accountable for policies and actions that promote anti-Muslim hatred. Only through unified global efforts can the world effectively combat Islamophobia and foster a future rooted in religious tolerance, mutual respect, and peace.
One wonders how the UN accepted Islamophobia as a term and institutionalized it, knowing well who are creating the problems the world over!
Population percentages of minorities in Muslim majority states have drastically diminished due ethnic cleansing because of their deep-rooted religious intolerance of other religions. Muslim population is skyrocketing the world over! And, Yes, their fight with pseudo-Islamophobia continues and is far from over.
Population projections by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life (Jan, 2011 report): The world’s Muslim population is expected to increase by about 35% in the next 20 years, rising from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion by 2030. The Global Muslim population is likely to grow at about twice the rate of the non-Muslim population over the next two decades – an average annual growth rate of 1.5% for Muslims, compared with 0.7% for non-Muslims. If current trends continue, Muslims will make up 26.4% of the world’s total projected population of 8.3 billion in 2030. The international community must wake up.