The foundations of Islamophobia and its effects on the world of faith

Islamophobia is defined as "Fear of Islam". The fear of Islam and hostility to Islam, which started from the first revelation in the time of the Prophet Muhammad, continues today. After the events of September 11, there has been an increase in Islamophobia for historical, economic, political, religious and sociological reasons. Today, Islamophobia, which has replaced antisemitism, has resulted in discrimination, hatred, verbal and physical attacks against Muslims. In this context, Muslims' suffering these injustices is evaluated within the scope of Islamophobia. The concept of "Islamophobia", which has just entered the literature, is supported and fostered by the negative attitudes of Westerners towards Islam and therefore Muslims, their excluding attitudes and their prejudiced mindset. In addition, the fact that Muslims are visible in all areas of working life in Europe and the United States, and that they are productive in the society they live in, disturbs those who harbor hostility towards Muslims. Today, the wave of Islamophobia in Western countries has reached dimensions that cannot be ignored. Values such as coexistence, multiculturalism and respect for differences began to be questioned in the United States and Europe. Today, in the Western world, which is considered the cradle of democracy and human rights, we observe that, for whatever reason, the historical fears and atrocities experienced in recent years deepen and reveal prejudices against Muslims. One of the important factors feeding these prejudices is the efforts of Muslims to act with their own worldviews and traditional lifestyles within the social fabric of Western societies. In this study, firstly, the concept of Islamophobia was examined; Then, the most striking examples of Islamophobia in Western countries will be examined. Finally, the causes of Islamophobia were discussed, the attitudes that Muslims should take against Islamophobia and the measures taken against Islamophobia were examined.