Islamophobia has risen exponentially since September 11, 2001. Though semantics dismiss word ‘Islamophobia’ but the stream of rhetoric against Muslims and Islam portray ‘Islam is inherently a violent religion.’ Islamophobia existed before 9/11 attack but the islamophobic industry got unbridled sympathy post 9/11 tragedy to muscle its powers. The attacks were undoubtedly most brazen and shocking terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda but in the name of ‘Global War on Terrorism’ America unleashed war on Muslims. Media outlets were used to tarnish image of Islam and people involuntarily believed the stuff spread. Similarly, Indian news channels frequently spread virulent content against Muslims, disturbing the secular structure of India. We have witnessed in secular country like India right wing media is not doing journalism, they are fueling Islamophobia. Muslims have been victims of huge abuse at the hands of every major belief, still media houses portray Islam as an annihilator of democracy and campaigner of resurgent atavism (the return of Middle Ages). Muslims are fighting Islamophobia on multiple fronts but the right wing and multinational corporation-controlled media is happening boon for Islamophobic industry.
Though conspiracy theorists believe that 9/11 was an inside job to gain support on waging war on Muslim world, yet Muslims are seen as perpetuators of violence. For instance, we accept conspiracy theorists are right but we cannot regain our public image by mere sympathy. Following western model of conspiracy, Indian news outlets are busy in tarnishing image of common Muslims and bigot people have been accustomed to it. The exaggerated fear, hatred and hostility toward Islam and Muslims are almost shared by majority of non-Muslims in India, now. In this state of apathy, Muslims are simultaneously fighting the perpetuators of islamophobic hysteria (Right Wing Christian Evangelical Groups, White Supremacists, Jewish Supremacists, Hinduvta Supremacists, Buddhist Supremacists and Democratic and Republic demagogues) and ISIS and other violent Muslim groups who think ‘Muslims are virtual slaves of west.’
Muslims are easy prey, why? Because, Muslims still believe in sectarianism, in the name of false divide between different schools of thoughts. Should Muslims mourn or wail on their apathy; in this rising wave of Islamophobia, the sectarian demagogues don’t let inter-sectarian disputes settle, rather they are strengthening line of divide. Fewer scholars are challenging anti-Muslim bigotry. Often, during news debate we have seen Muslim panelists are being bullied, harassed and even labeled anti-Indians. The Indian media (like western media did post 9/11) by presenting distorted facts and misleading figures, created propaganda which alienated Hindus against Muslims. Facts are presented twisted and selectively, fanning communal flames. For example, interfaith marriage has been termed as Love Jihad, if boy is a Muslim and if boy is Hindu, it called is liberty of choices. Similarly, latest tsunami of hateful bigotry surfaced in the shape of pandemic. They call it Covid-19 Jihad. Annual Muslim gathering is terrorism and temples gathering are nationalism. Even Muslims believe that holding annual meeting was irresponsible and endangered, yet the event has been linked with terrorism. Various religious groups held temple gatherings across India during the same period of time, putting many lives at risk. Why to blame Muslims only?
Islamophobia is everywhere in India. Muslims have been demonized and dehumanized. The verbal and physical attack, mob lynching, and destroying religious places are direct outcome of Islamophobia. While it’s here on social media that bigotry against Muslims is more pronounced, it takes inspiration, and content, from the news channels that engage in hate round the clock throughout week. Leaving pride and prejudice aside, if we talk about Islam or Hinduism, every religion teaches its followers about serving humanity irrespective of religious bonds. The very foundation of India is based on a secular bond that holds “unity in diversity.’’ But the secular socio-cultural fabric of India has been disturbed by bigot media.
Although, optimists call Islamophobia a moral blind spot of 21st century and semantics didn’t approve the word, yet Muslims bear the brunt of Islamophobia. In this state of helplessness, we should not rely solely on prophecies. It is responsibility of every individual to prove every anti-Muslim bigot wrong. How unfortunate it is, during this global crisis, when we should lay more emphasis on saving humanity, the bigot media is forcing people to focus on prejudice.
Sheikh Nissar can be reached at sheikhnissar@outlook.com. Views expressed are authour’s own
