For far too long Muslims have been the victims of islamophobia. From racial slurs being shouted in the streets to job applications being rejected, Islamophobia is inevitable and unfortunately on the rise manifesting itself in every level of society. Although the fact of it is unfortunate we must find ways to combat it.

To make it easier to navigate, below is a list of ways in which we can combat islamophobia generally and in the workplace

Use social media to your advantage

Social media has become a place where we spend a lot of our time. Whether its for leisure or work we are constantly on our phones. The best way to combat islamophobia is to talk about it and bring it to light. You don’t have to be an influencer or someone with many followers. All you need to do is recognise that Islamophobia does exist and discuss how it impacts your life and allow those who are not fully aware of how serious this issue is to understand that it is a form of hate crime against Muslims. This way you not only remind your fellow Muslims that you know what they go through but also educate non Muslims on the matter and encourage them to speak up on the issue.

Another thing Muslims can do is educating people on what Islam REALLY is about, after all the art of our religion is dawah . You can start from Islam- the name itself means peace. Many people are brainwashed by the media they are exposed to, they are fed unreliable and inaccurate information which shapes their understanding to be one sided. A great way to combat Islamophobia is to increase people’s awareness on what Islam is and how it is greatly different from how the media portrays it. Those who see the truth for what it is, will learn to realise that Islamophobia is a form of racism and hate crime.

Create a comfortable environment for Muslim employees / colleagues

From an employers perspective :

– do not require your employees to dress a certain way that may be against their religion

– promoting an inclusive work culture.

– Encourage an open door communication policy where staff members feel comfortable to approach you about concerns they might have in the workplace.

–  implementing policies is at the core of every organisation. It is crucial that every company has a strong set of  equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies that leave no room for discrimination. The essential thing is that everyone is educated and briefed on these polices to highlight their importance.

– Offer a range of social activities to increase the chances of accommodating, and appealing to, all employees from different backgrounds. Moreover, as a fellow colleague, if you wish to meet up after work as a group and one of  the members of  the group is Muslim suggesting to meet at a cafe or a restaurant would be more suitable than a bar or the pub. This way you do not neglect anyone and rather make room for Muslims to socialise.

Organise a program, association or even a support group. Many of us have countless experiences where we felt prejudice or were victims of racism. Talking about it with others who have shared similar experiences and went through painful times is crucial to the healing process. Knowing that you are not alone is one of the best ways to tackle this issue. Together you can comfort one another and come up with ways to protect yourself and others from hate crimes in your area. Making it ongoing and consistent is crucial.

To our non Muslim readers , you also play an significant role in combating Islamophobia. Islamophobia can be seen anywhere whether it’s in your neighbourhood or workplace. Your role is to speak out when you see a fellow Muslim being treated unfairly, that way not only will you be comforting or recognising what is happening but also showing the person responsible that they are wrong and that they should be held accountable for their actions.

A constant phrase used is “ you people are…” –  instead of plating into the  stereotype or generalising,  talk about the specific people you are referring to for example terrorists or extremists. A tiny percentage of Muslims are what the media portrays them to be. Moreover – “ all Muslim women are oppressed” – many Muslim women wear the hijab and/or niqab and are categorised as being oppressed. This is far from the truth and is largely based on a stereotype. We are in fact proud of what we wear and it is a way in which we obey our creator. It is a symbol of our identity rather than a piece of accessory.

No matter where you stand in society Islamophobia is and will be apart of your life, but the important thing is that you stand and fight for your rights. Never let a slur or a hateful comment make you feel inferior, your are worthy of every accomplishment and where ever Allah takes you, you deserve to be there. 

By: Terrteel Muawia