We seem to fear what we don’t know. With the recent backlash against an anti-Islam film, there seems to be Islamophobia – some kind of fear of the religion of Islam, and people who are associated with it. Marywood University in Pennsylvania, has stepped forward to set the record straight. Haroon Moghul from the New America Foundation in Washington D.C., illuminated the subject.
A recent film that portrays the Prophet in a negative light, has seen a huge backlash in the Arab world.
Along with it, there seems to be palpable Islamophobia- because people fear what they do not undertstand.
Haroon Moghul from the New America Foundation in Washington DC illuminated the subject at a panel organized by the Marywood University of Pennsylvania.
Mogul said there are two main types of Islamophobia. The first type is a vague fear based on media portrayal and the 9/11 attacks. And the second is a manufactured type.
Haroon Moghul, Research Fellow, New America Foundation, Washington DC,said: “…. there is Islamophobia industry which is a small group of people who get paid a lot of money and raise a lot of money to very intentionally push negative ideas about lslam in order to score political points.”
Moghul reflected the views of the Libyan President, who said the Benghazi attack was orchestrated by a group, that wants to manufacture hatred.
But students at the panel said, no matter what evil intentions exist, people can change their perceptions.
Mary Turek, Student, Marywood University,said: “We do change our ideas, views and we discriminate against people because of our fears. That’s one thing we really need to hcnage about our country.”
One student thinks people shouldn’t fear Islam because it is a nuanced religion with many manifestiations.
Kelsey Fisher, Student, Marywood University,said: “So people should recognize that Islam isnt one thing, and you can’t categorize it. Then you can better talk to people because then its not one enemy.”
Haroon Moghul thinks the Muslim world should invest in education to raise true awareness about Islam.
Haroon Moghul, Research Fellow, New America Foundation, Washington DC,said: “We need better leaders, communicators, and imams who know more. In Turkiye there’s investment in education, but in Pakistan, there isnt too much investment in religious education. So the kind of people who end up speaking for Islam dont know anything about Islam cause a lot of harm and a lot of hurt.