Harun Ibrahim on Islamophobia

Understanding Islamophobia

Definition and Origins

Phobia is defined as an irrational, unrealistic, persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. In this context, Islamophobia is a widely used term to describe an irrational fear, hatred or prejudice against Islam and Muslims. Popularized in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the term has been used by both activists and scholars to refer to a range of behaviors and attitudes, including discrimination, hostility and violence against Muslims, particularly in Western societies.

Why is the Term Controversial?

The term “Islamophobia” is controversial for us, particularly for the following three reasons:

- It is often used to suppress legitimate criticism of Islamic doctrine and practices that may be harmful or intolerant.

- It blurs the line between unfounded prejudices and legitimate concerns about Islamic extremism and terrorism.

- It is used as a political and social tool to advance agendas at the expense of freedom of expression and honest discourse.

Christian Perspective

As Christians, we oppose discrimination, hostility and violence against individuals or groups of people for any reason. In the Bible, Jesus Christ commands us to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31), to live in peace with everyone (Rom 12:18) and to love even our enemies and wish them well (Matt 5:44). However, within the framework of human rights and freedom of expression, we believe it is important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of beliefs and practices and anti-Islamic actions and speech. We also believe that as Christians we have a duty to speak the truth and warn our communities locally and globally about issues that conflict with our faith and values.

Persecution of Believers of Muslim Background

Although we often hear complaints about acts and rhetoric of so-called Islamophobia, many Believers from Muslim Backgrounds (MBBs) face serious persecution and difficulties after their conversion to Christianity. They are often subjected to violence, exclusion and various forms of discrimination because they are Christians. We also see a general silence in this situation.

Conclusion

While it is essential to combat unjustified prejudice and discrimination against any community, it is important to allow space for honest and respectful criticism of potentially harmful ideologies and practices. As Christians, therefore, we believe that we are not being unfair in striving to balance our actions with love, truth and wisdom, and in expecting others to do likewise in action and discourse. .

Islamophobia and the Situation of Believers from Muslim Backgrounds (MBBs)

At Communio Messianica (CM), we serve as the voice of persecuted Believers of Muslim origin (MBBs). This mission is at the heart of our founding foundations and is at the forefront of the persecuted reasons for our existence. It is certain that Messianic Believers from an Islamic background face serious difficulties due to the negative influence of militant Islam and Islamic Sharia law. For this reason, we believe that the term “Islamophobia”, which certainly has a political dimension, has been deliberately coined in the West with the intention of forcing the West to tolerate violence and attacks perpetrated by Muslims, and to refer to situations in which individual and collective rights are claimed for themselves that are denied to others. Therefore, we would like to state that the term “Islamophobia” has no reality.

We are not alone in suffering from the violence of Islam and its teachings. According to numerous human rights organizations and religious freedom associations, as well as historical evidence, many Christians of Muslim descent have been murdered for their faith in Christ by Islamists citing Islamic Sharia law. Likewise, many Christians have been killed for similar reasons, mostly at the hands of Islamist terrorists. Numerous churches have been burned and Christian property destroyed, especially in the Middle East and Africa. Armenians, Assyrians, Assyrians and Copts, Nigerians and Christians of Muslim origin have suffered countless persecutions and have been murdered by adherents of a religion with the aim of exterminating them.

As believers in Christ of Muslim origin (MBB), we live in a constant dilemma in Muslim-majority societies. We cannot openly practice our faith without facing persecution. We face problems with our children, our marriages and even our ability to attend Christian camps. Even attending conferences that we organize as Christians is perceived as a security threat, while attending conferences abroad requires us to change our names or come illegally. Because of Islamic terrorism, everything we do in our faith is seen as abnormal, is not seen as a right, and on top of that is violently tried to be prevented.

CM, whose members have had substantial knowledge of Islam, have been clear that there is no justification for irrational and hateful acts against Muslims and Islam, but that Islamophobia has been weaponized to block any comments on Islam and the actions of violent Muslims. Furthermore, it is a modern term that tends to justify various Islamic doctrines derived from the Qur’an and Hadith—doctrines such as the prohibition of commentaries about Islam by non-Muslims, anti-blasphemy laws, persecution and prosecution of MBB’s as “Murtads” (Reverts from Islam), the “Thimma” regulations regarding the “People of the Book, i.e. Christians and Jews”, and of course acts of violence by self-proclaimed Muslim groups such as ISIS, Boko Haram, Al-Shabab, Al-Qaeda, and others.

CM and the Islamophobia