Ziyad Gilani 3/9/25 Ziyad Gilani 3/9/25

Islamophobia Definition

Recognizing Anti Muslim Bigotry/Islamophobia - A Toolkit

“Islamophobia”, more accurately described as Anti-Muslim Bigotry or Anti-Muslim Racism, is not only the fear of Islam and Muslims, but bigotry towards Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. As defined by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2018, “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”

References to the term “Islamophobia” in this toolkit are made as direct quotes from other organizations, but otherwise Anti Muslim Bigotry shall be used.

Anti-Muslim bigotry can discriminate against to oppress, limit the rights of or otherwise harm those perceived to be Muslim.

Current published definitions of Anti Muslim bigotry are not explicit in what behaviors could indicate anti-Muslim bigotry. Thus this toolkit seeks to provide a framework to appropriately identify the behavior listed below as bigoted or hateful and showcase common generalizations that reinforce anti muslim bigotry and create an atmosphere of hate and discrimination.

It is important to protect freedom of speech, and as such, this is not intended to enforce limits on protected speech.

Anti Muslim bigotry/ can be present in both verbal and non-verbal communication, online or offline. It may manifest itself in stereotypes, prejudice, and othering of Muslims and Muslim communities. In its worst forms, Anti Muslim bigotry may lead to intentional violence towards or the genocide of Muslim communities.

Muslims are protected under law from discrimination on the basis of their faith, like any other religious group. . Hate crimes, including violent crimes and criminal threats, against Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim may be prosecuted in a court of law.

The following examples will guide us in our efforts to combat all forms of Anti Muslim bigotry in educational institutions, places of work, public spaces, governmental institutions, and other environments.

Anti Muslim bigotry includes

Using dehumanizing rhetoric, language, and images when discussing Muslims or Islam (e.g., references to savagery, barbarism, animalistic behavior).
Making statements that are demonizing, false, or stereotypical about Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim (muslims wear turbans, women are forced to cover, they are all immigrants/brown/arab)
Accusing or implying that Muslims and/or Islam are incompatible with Western/democratic values (they want to establish a caliphate, they hate our freedom, they don’t assimilate)
Assuming that the religion of Islam is inherently bigoted towards any group (e.g., assuming all Muslims are antisemitic).
Assuming that the religion of Islam is inherently violent, or that Muslims are inherently bloodthirsty. (demanding that Muslims condemn violence committed by other Muslims, equating terrorism with Muslims)
Making false assumptions or accusations about the contents of the Quran and/or beliefs held by the Muslim community as a whole, or purposefully misrepresenting words or quotations from religious texts.
Holding the entire Muslim community responsible for any real or imagined wrongdoing by individuals/governments/liberation movements/terrorist groups that explicitly or implicitly align themselves with Islam, or asking them to condemn these organizations because of their Muslim identity (e.g., asking Muslim peers to condemn Hamas unprompted, categorizing muslims as radical vs moderate).
The burning or desecration of Qurans or other holy texts and materials.
Approving discriminatory policies that target Muslims (e.g., banning religious coverings like hijab or niqab, blocking access to mosques, prohibiting accommodations during Ramadan).
Calling for, aiding, justifying, or remaining complicit in the intentional targeting of Muslim populations.
Accusing Muslims of fabricating genocides or ethnic cleansings of Muslim or majority-Muslim communities.
Associating Muslims or Islam with terrorism and anti-Western movements (using terrorist and terrorism as a synonym for Islam and Muslims)
Questioning and demanding proof of integrity and alliance of Muslims citizens to their nation without cause.
Intentionally minimizing a complex conflict in muslim majority countries as solely religious.
Limiting the democratic freedoms of Muslim citizens when the country is under threat by other Islamic countries (e.g., restricting free speech, prohibiting peaceful demonstrations for issues involving the Muslim community).

Common Islamophobic Dog Whistles

"Sharia Law" as a Threat

Meaning: Suggests Muslims are working to impose Islamic law in non-Muslim societies.
Impact: Frames Muslims as a threat to democracy and civil liberties, portraying them as intent on undermining legal systems.

"Caliphate" as a Global Threat

Meaning: Implies Muslims aim to establish a global Islamic empire and impose their rule over others.
Impact: Evokes fear of Muslim unity, portraying political movements or advocacy as dangerous attempts at domination.

"Martyr" Associated with Terrorism

Meaning: Frames Muslim martyrs as extremists or terrorists, ignoring the broader meaning of martyrdom in Islam.
Impact: Reinforces the idea that Muslims glorify violence and invalidates legitimate struggles by portraying them as fanaticism.

"No-Go Zones"

Meaning: Claims certain areas with large Muslim populations are unsafe for non-Muslims and governed by Islamic law.
Impact: Fosters distrust toward Muslim communities, implying they reject integration and create enclaves of hostility.

"Radical Islam" vs. "Moderate Muslim"

Meaning: Creates a false binary where Muslims must prove their moderation to avoid suspicion.
Impact: Pressures Muslims to constantly distance themselves from extremism, reinforcing suspicion toward ordinary Muslims.

"They Don’t Assimilate"

Meaning: Suggests Muslims are unwilling to adopt local values and norms, remaining isolated from the rest of society.
Impact: Promotes xenophobia by framing Muslims as perpetual outsiders who threaten national cohesion.

"Islamization" or "Cultural Invasion"

Meaning: Suggests that growing Muslim populations endanger national identity or culture.
Impact: Fuels demographic fears and justifies restrictive immigration policies, reinforcing anti-Muslim sentiment.

"Jihad" Misrepresented as Violence

Meaning: Reduces the Islamic concept of jihad to violent holy war, ignoring its personal, spiritual dimensions.
Impact: Frames Muslims as inherently militant, contributing to fear and misunderstanding of Islamic teachings.

"Honor Killings" and "Barbaric Practices"

Meaning: Highlights isolated acts of violence as representative of Muslim culture.
Impact: Reinforces stereotypes of Muslims as backward or inherently violent, promoting exclusion and prejudice.

"They Hate Our Freedom"

Meaning: Simplifies complex geopolitical conflicts by framing Muslims as inherently opposed to Western values.
Impact: Justifies interventionist policies and discrimination by portraying Muslims as irrational and hostile.

Sources: All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, Professor Imran Awan and Dr. Irene Zempi for the 46th Session of Human Rights Council, Khaled A. Beydoun for the Columbia Law Review, The Bridge Initiative, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

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