Islamophobia has become an increasingly prominent problem in many societies, originating from the deep-seated prejudices of the powerful or influential majority over those of Islamic faith or background. To combat this bigotry, we must understand what drives it, and strive to promote appreciation between people of all backgrounds, faiths, and identities.
In his speech at the International Forum on Islamophobia in Putrajaya held on 27th February 2023, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the international community to stand together against the forces of hatred and bigotry and establish peace and understanding among all people on earth.
He highlighted the disproportionate discrimination and hate crimes Muslims were facing across the world due to rising Islamophobia. He also emphasised the fundamental right of respecting human dignity and diversity in the spirit of equality and justice for all. Finally, he urged for the use of discourse and contestation of ideas as a vital tool in countering Islamophobia.
Dialogue across religious divides plays an important role in weakening the sense of dehumanisation that often serves as the basis for extreme antagonism and violence. Discourse provides a space for people of different backgrounds to meet and exchange perspectives and understand one another, rather than relying on stereotypes and mistrust. Engaging in discourse and contestation of ideas is an important way to illuminate the multi-dimensional and unique perspectives of those affected by Islamophobia.
Paul Bloomhead, a professor of politics and international relations at the University of Manchester states that “If we want to create meaningful change, then dialogue and debate must be fundamental. It is through the understanding of both sides that we can create meaningful conversations and begin to witness real structural changes.”
By approaching those who have negative views in a respectful and constructive manner, we can begin to bridge the gap between what we think we know and what we can learn. Hence, discourse and contestation of ideas are key in opposing extremist views and ideologies. In order to make use of dialogue and debate as a tool in fighting Islamophobia, it is important to engage in both formal and informal conversations.
According to Professor Mark LeVine who specialises in Middle Eastern studies at the University of California, “It is important to bring people together for formal discussions and seminars, but it is equally important to create the space for informal meetings and conversations.” This can help to create a sense of understanding and mutual respect among different groups of people and foster an environment of inclusion and acceptance. Additionally, it is important to be respectful and listen to those with different opinions, while also challenging hateful and destructive views.
The Prime Minister extensively quoted Edward Said who in his book ‘Orientalism’ which was then a ‘tour de force’ in academic circles, argued that the only way to counter Islamophobia is by challenging the way it is framed in political, media, and popular discourse. He argued that Islam should not be seen as a monolith, but instead, its diversity should be celebrated in order to combat damaging stereotypes. He argued that mutual understanding and respect is the key to defeating Islamophobia.
He believed that dialogue and debates were the best tools to achieve this, as they allowed for open and meaningful conversations while challenging entrenched opinions.
In that book which was first published in 1978, Edward Said examines the relationship between Western nations and the ‘Orient’- what we now call the Middle East and North Africa – which he argues is based on misunderstanding and power imbalances. The Prime Minister also alluded to how these dynamics play out in the literature, art, and popular culture, and provided an analysis of the underlying ideological assumptions at work.
Ashish Nandy, a well-known Indian political psychologist was also quoted by the Prime Minister during the forum, argued that Islamophobia is rooted in the fear of powerlessness that arises from the knowledge of one’s own limited agency within a system of greater power. He argued that while some communities worldwide may express their fears and hostility towards Islam in violent or non-violent ways, this behavior is generally born from the sense of powerlessness that exists within the dynamics of a worldwide power structure.
Therefore, it is not just an issue of Muslims versus non-Muslims or the West versus the East, but it is an issue of the common misunderstanding of Islam juxtaposed in a far more complex international power structure. There is no single, easy solution to combat Islamophobia.
Instead, we must take a holistic approach that includes both grassroots initiatives to promote understanding and acceptance, as well as larger, institutional changes that challenge the prejudices and power imbalances driving
this form of bigotry.
The road ahead is very challenging, but it is only through collective effort that we can achieve lasting change and a society that truly respects and values individuals of all religious backgrounds.
In conclusion, dialogue and debate are powerful tools in the fight against Islamophobia. Through discourse and contestation of ideas, people can be exposed to different perspectives and find common ground. It is essential to remain respectful and open-minded while being unafraid to challenge extremist and destructive opinions. Dialogue and debate can thus create understanding and acceptance and provide a platform for meaningful change and a more inclusive society
characterised by mutual respect.
Prof.Dato’ Dr. Andrew Mohanraj
President, Malaysian Mental Health Association
Dr. Andrew Mohanraj 