How to respond to Islamophobia

'These days, it feels like Islamophobia is a socially acceptable form of bigotry’ said Suzanne Barakat

...as she stood on stage, and talked about her brother, his wife, and her sister, all victims of Islamophobia in America.

As much as I hate to start this post with negativity, it is a fact that Islamophobia is growing in the west. Therefore, I feel like it'd be helpful to give as much advice as I can offer on how to respond to islamophobic individuals.

The first time I experienced Islamophobia was at school as a thirteen-year-old student. What started as harmless slurs and strange looks being given to me escalated quite quickly. Now, as soon as I heard names being thrown at me, I naturally went to the head of year eight's office and talked about it. The teachers were appalled and called the girl from class in the fourth period, telling her to pack up her bag because she was going to be spending two days home. The girl then entered our class, took her belongings, flashing me her middle finger as she stormed out. Naturally, I was satisfied and beyond relieved that the teachers took action so quickly and in the right way.

Although after that, the girl proceeded to attack me on the way out of class, it was over quickly as my classmates and friends, none of which were Muslims defended me against the attacker and pushed her away from me.

Even now, I'm so thankful to all of them beyond words. What I learned from this experience is that although some individuals show their islamophobia boldly, many defend the victims and take the right action against it.

When looking back at it, I regretted not standing up for myself but even if I did stand up for myself at that time, how should I have done it? If we face Islamophobic/ racist individuals, what should we do exactly?

Facing verbal and physical abusers is a part of most people's lives. It is up to us to decide how to respond to it.

'And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better, and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.' [Quran 41:34]

This Quranic verse highlights the importance of countering evil with good; in this case to be kind and forgive those who have wronged you. Islam indicates good actions have more significance than retaliation, as the abuser could potentially become a friend in the future if they see your good actions towards them and/or other people. so the message here is to be kind: don't let your anger control you and try to approach the situation sensibly. Yes, you should stand up for yourself and tell those in charge but at the same time, try to act with responsibility and patience. Islam recognises the fact that this is not easy. Therefore, one of the most famous sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is that "The person who is strong is not strong because he can knock people down. The person who is strong is the one who controls himself when he is angry."

'And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say: "For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant."' [Quran 28:55]

In addition to this, it'd also be best if you leave the gathering if you hear something offensive being said. Try to distance yourself from the abusers as quickly as possible and make sure to notice the signs early to avoid the situation escalating. Acknowledge that they have hurt you and make sure to stay away from them. Don't harshly address them and still act kind if you happen to meet again, but at the same time, don't put yourself in a potentially hurtful situation.

'Many of us experience microaggressions on a daily basis...we've all been in situations where we've witnessed something wrong and didn't speak up' continued Suzanne Barakat. It was clear that she, like many of us wants this world to change for the better, so there would be less discrimination and less hate against anyone of a different background or different beliefs. Her advice is to speak up, no matter how small you think these microaggressions are. Tell someone in charge, try to push the evil with good, and stay safe!