Khaleej Times: "Islamophobia - why?"

Dear readers, a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Countries has expressed concern over a growing trend in Islamophobia in the West. I think the blame should be on some Muslim countries themselves.

Why do immigrants go west? The reasons are obvious. This is either for economic considerations or for the freedom that they hope to enjoy in terms of speech and movement. These men have lots to say, which they cannot say in their own home countries. They can speak freely in Europe, the major destination for those immigrants, as freedom of speech is guaranteed in the constitutions of those countries.

When these immigrants reach the shores of Europe, they suddenly feel free and elated. They talk, talk and talk, as they know no one is watching them over their shoulder. They might be talking on subjects as alien as extremism and their sense of frustration in their home countries. But, predictably, such long talks create unpleasantness among those in the host countries. Why they bring in all these problems to our midst, and lose our peace, they would ask.

I would say the blame goes to those countries, like the republics in North Africa, where there is no proper means of livelihood for most people, and freedom is in short supply. That is an ideal condition for people to feel frustrated.

Do, say, Indian immigrants to Europe cause any stir there? Or the Filipinos? They have the freedom to talk in their homeland, and they do not have to go anywhere for that opportunity. Those who go to Europe from those countries are there essentially for work and promote their economic interests. They concentrate in various fields of activity there, and have no time to talk.

But, many of those who go to Europe from the republics in North Africa, for instance, have all the time for discussions, holding meetings, and presenting their views on various matters of mutual interest. This kind of congregations might be viewed with suspicion by the people in Europe. That creates conditions for what is termed as Islamophobia.

Reports say the ministers attending the OIC meeting held in Baku, Indonesia, has expressed its "deep concern" over the growth in Islamophobia, and called for "concrete efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, culture and religions by promoting tolerance, respect for and freedom of religion and belief". These are good concepts, but it is also that such freedom should transcend to other areas as well. That should be the effort of the OIC, in particular, if it is serious about arresting the trend of Islamophobia in Europe, the West as a whole, or elsewhere.

Dear readers, I agree that the issue has a wider context as well. Yet we cannot talk in the air. We have to identify the malaise and prescribe the right remedy. The issue is for real. And, organisations like the OIC is well-placed to help change the scenario from within, first, and then call for the outside world to change their perceptions.

By Mohammed A. R. Galadari

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