Understanding Islamophobia in British and European Context.

Ishtiaq  Ahmed

Islamabad: Over the past four decades, Britain has indeed witnessed a troubling increase in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crimes.

Tell Mama, a UK-based organisation focused on monitoring and documenting hate incidents against Muslims, recently reported a sharp increase in Islamophobic attacks following the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict earlier this year.

These incidents range from physical assaults and verbal abuse to threats and vandalism, reflecting a disturbing trend where Muslim women are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of the reported cases.

The impact of the growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred in Britain cannot be fully understood in isolation; it is deeply intertwined with historical European, colonial, international, and contemporary far-right political rhetoric.

This rhetoric, fuelled by longstanding prejudices embedded in the British psyche, is often exploited for political gain, as seen in the influential but misguided narrative championed by figures like Nigel Farage  of Reform UK Party.

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1.  Historical Roots and European Context: Islamophobia in Britain, like elsewhere in Europe, is deeply embedded in a historical narrative that dates back to the Crusades and beyond. This centuries-old narrative has left a legacy of mistrust, viewing Islam as an ideological or civilisational challenge to European, often Christian, identity. The colonial era compounded this by creating stereotypes of Muslim societies as “other” or “backward,” which reinforced prejudices that linger today.
2. International Conflicts and Political Rhetoric: The ongoing conflicts between the West and parts of the Muslim world – such as those in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan – fuel perceptions of a fundamental clash, painting the Muslim world as inherently oppositional to Western values. The “axis of evil” and, more recently, statements from Western leaders that frame Islam as a monolithic threat contribute to the narrative of mistrust and antagonism. These messages resonate within British society, reinforcing age-old biases and fears that are easily activated during times of political and social unrest.
3. The Role of Far-Right and Anti-Immigration Campaigns: Politicians like Nigel Farage and his UK Independence Party have exploited these historical prejudices, framing Muslim immigrants as a threat to British culture and security. Anti-immigration rhetoric, framed around fears of lost national identity and economic insecurity, often equates Muslim communities with foreignness and danger. This rhetoric finds resonance in far-right circles but also extends to mainstream politics, subtly influencing public perceptions and normalising Islamophobia.
4. Consequences on Society and Policy: The consequences are severe: increased hate crimes, attacks on Muslim neighbourhoods, and a hostile environment that extends to asylum seekers and refugees. Anti-Muslim sentiment is no longer relegated to the fringes of society but has found in the mainstream of society.
5. The lack of a decisive response to the crisis in Gaza has indeed intensified feelings of frustration and alienation among many Muslims, particularly in Western nations. The perception of a dismissive or indifferent approach toward the suffering of Palestinians has led to deep disillusionment with mainstream political institutions. Many Muslims feel that their concerns are marginalized, both in public discourse and in political decision-making. This perceived disregard for their perspective has impacted Muslims involved in mainstream politics, where they often strive to balance their political roles with the values and expectations of their communities.
6.  Resignations of UK Muslim politicians: In the UK, for instance, several Muslim politicians have recently resigned from the Labour Party, citing their party’s stance on Gaza as inconsistent with their own values and the expectations of their constituents. This trend highlights a growing division and mistrust within political structures, with some former members choosing to run as independents or even advocate for alternative platforms. The result has been an increasing polarization of political views and a notable erosion of trust in traditional party politics among Muslim voters and representatives.
7. This situation could have significant long-term consequences for political engagement. With trust in established political parties waning, many Muslims may seek alternative avenues to make their voices heard, potentially reshaping political landscapes in countries with significant Muslim populations. Political parties may need to address these concerns meaningfully to avoid further alienation and re-establish trust within these communities.
8. Over recent decades, Britain has experienced a significant economic downturn due to competition from abroad. This decline is particularly evident in the closure of the country’s industrial base, which once provided mass employment opportunities. As these industries disappeared, so did many secure jobs and reliable income sources. Reduction in economic security has also led to a widespread decline in the quality of life. People face reduced access to essential facilities and services, with poverty escalating as wages stagnate and inflation rises. Consequently, millions of families are caught in a vicious cycle of poverty and insecurity. This atmosphere allows those with ulterior motives to spread misinformation and shift blame onto convenient targets, often portraying certain groups as “others” responsible for national hardships. This cycle of blame and frustration not only deepens social divisions but also distracts from the structural issues at the root of the economic decline.

Conclusion based on thoughts from Mohammed Ajeeb CBE , the former first none-white and Muslim Lord Mayor of Bradford.

The sense of helplessness and disappointment is a heavy burden, and it’s magnified by the complex socio-political factors at play, especially when young people see their communities not only ignored but sometimes misrepresented in Western media.

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This can certainly exacerbate divisions, making mutual understanding and integration seem like distant goals. The frustration young Muslims feel often emerges from a genuine desire for justice and dignity for all, and when these principles are not upheld equally, resentment can understandably grow.

The rise of Islamophobia is deeply painful for many Muslims, especially when it follows tragic events that have already taken such a toll. This kind of hostility not only divides communities further but detracts from the very real humanitarian goals that most people of conscience want to focus on.

The political situation, ongoing trauma, and lack of consistent accountability in these conflicts often leave young Muslims feeling marginalized and with few outlets for their concerns.

The social media often exacerbates the situation. While it can raise awareness, it can also amplify misunderstandings, deepen biases, and trigger emotional responses that may unintentionally fuel more division. It’s vital for young people to have balanced, accurate information and constructive avenues to express their concerns and advocate for change.

For those in the UK and other Western countries, feeling conflicted about integration and loyalty is an understandable response in such a climate.

However, building alliances with those who also seek justice and peace—including non-Muslims who care about humanitarian issues—is often a positive, constructive path forward. Many non-Muslim allies also oppose injustices and stand for peaceful, equitable solutions. Working together can create a broader foundation for meaningful change and support.

The concerns about  religious and cultural sensitivity highlight the need for more genuine dialogue, empathy, and understanding between communities.

Efforts to bridge divides, while challenging, are essential for fostering a more inclusive, compassionate society that values all its members. In the meantime, finding constructive outlets, support groups, and community networks may offer some relief and provide a way forward, even amid these very difficult times.

The author is a British citizen of Pakistani origin with a keen interest in Pakistani and international affairs.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.