Islamophobia Awareness Month

Islamophobia refers to the irrational fear of, hatred towards or discrimination against Muslims or those perceived to be Muslims. In the UK, 38% of all recorded religious hate crimes targeted Muslims in 2024 alone, and 42% of Mosques have experienced religiously motivated attacks in the past three years, with many attacked on a near annual basis. 

This prejudice often manifests as stereotypes, derogatory remarks, social exclusion and even violence. It is not limited to extreme acts, it can appear in more subtle ways such as in jokes assumptions, or biased hiring practices. 

Understanding and addressing Islamophobia begins with education. Misconceptions about Islam and Muslims can fuel misunderstandings and perpetuates stereotypes. Learning about Islamic practices, values and diversity within Muslim communities can enable better understanding and respect. 

The mental health impact of Islamophobia can affect individuals across all ages and backgrounds. For example, 70% of young Muslims who face mental health challenges also report being victims of Islamophobia. Muslims who face discrimination often report higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Feeling unwelcome or targeted can lead to a sense of isolation and loss of security. 

For me, walking outside, especially after dark can feel unsafe- I worry someone might pull my scarf, physically assault me or shout Islamophobic comments. I have seen my father, a visibly Muslim man with a beard, spat on simply for his appearance, an experience that left me with lasting anxiety and a persistent fear for my family’s safety.

There are various examples of Islamophobia in the workplace, but to name a few: 

• A qualified Muslim applicant is passed over for a job due to biases about their religious attire, like a hijab, or an Arabic-sounding name

• A Muslim employee who wears a hijab or traditional attire may be discouraged from wearing it or asked to dress ‘more professionally’ if their clothing is perceived as too ‘ethnic’ or ‘unusual’

• Muslim employees overlooked for promotions or challenging projects because of an assumption they ‘might not fit in’ with certain clients or teams

• Islamophobia microaggressions such as ‘you don’t seem very Muslim’ or ‘you’re different from other Muslims’ implying that ‘Muslim’ is inherently negative or that there is a single way to ‘be Muslim’.

More than two-thirds of UK Muslims in employment have experienced some form of workplace Islamophobia, according to an exclusive poll commissioned by Hyphen. In a nationwide survey, in which more than 1500 UK Muslims answered questions about their socioeconomic standing and future aspirations, seven out of 10 (69%) said they had encountered Islamophobia in a variety of work situations, including engaging with customers, clients or external people (44%) and at work social events (42%). 

58% of Muslim women also faced discrimination for wearing the hijab. According to the poll, conducted with Savanta ComRes, UK Muslims encountered workplace Islamophobia in common scenarios, including team meetings and gatherings (38%) and when tasks are divided up and allocated (37%). 

These statistics are not just numbers but the reality of some Muslims in the workplace. 

1. Encouraging inclusive discussions and educational resources about Islam

2. Asking Muslim colleagues how they are and being aware of religious events such as Eid and Ramadan

3. Addressing Islamophobia incidents promptly

4. Supporting prayer times and accommodating fasting during Ramadan

Islamophobia Awareness Month is a chance for us to educate ourselves and others, to challenge our own biases and work towards implementing methods in our communities that help towards eliminating this fear.

Farzana Abdullah, Trainee Solicitor