What is Islamophobia? 

According to the definition provided by MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development), Islamophobia is a prejudice, aversion, hostility, or hatred towards Muslims and encompasses any distinction, exclusion, restriction, discrimination, or preference against Muslims that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life. 

However, each person’s experience of Islamophobia may be different. Some common examples include: 

• Making derogatory comments or jokes about Muslims. 
• Criticizing or mocking Islamic practices, such as prayer or fasting. 
• Belittling someone for wearing a hijab, kufi, or other religious clothing. 
• Suggesting that all Muslims are linked to terrorism. 
• Vandalizing mosques or Islamic centers. 
• Harassing someone based on their Muslim identity, whether in person or online. 

Islamophobia Awareness Month 

Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), launched in 2012 by MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) alongside other British organizations, is held every November. The campaign aims to challenge and dismantle stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. IAM’s mission is to highlight the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK and raise awareness about the impact of Islamophobia in society. 

For information about MEND and IAM please visit:

• https://www.mend.org.uk 
• islamophobia-awareness.org 

2024 Theme: "Seeds of Change" 

The theme for this year's Islamophobia Awareness Month is "Seeds of Change", highlighting how small actions can lead to significant transformation. Just as seeds require nurturing to blossom, initiatives like education, awareness, and allyship can cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for diverse cultures. By planting these seeds of change, we can challenge stereotypes, foster meaningful connections, and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Why is Islamophobia awareness important?

Islamophobia is an ongoing issue that deeply affects Muslim communities in the UK and globally. Here are some key statistics: 

• In the year ending March 2023, over 4 in 10 (44%) of religious hate crime offences were targeted against Muslims, more than any other religious group (Reference: Hate Crime, England and Wales, 2022 to 2023 second Edition: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2022-to-2023/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2022-to-2023) 

• Over 70% of Young Muslims say they experienced mental health struggles and also say that they have been victims of Islamophobia (Reference: BCBN, 2021: ‘Hidden Survivors, Uncovering the Mental Health Struggles of Young British Muslims’, http://bcbn.org.uk/Hidden_Survivors_Full_Report.pdf) 

• 7 out of 10 Muslims in the UK have experienced Islamophobia in the workplace with 58% of Black Muslims having experienced discrimination at the recruitment stage (Reference: Savanta ComRes, The Staff, 2022. “7 Out of 10 Working UK Muslims Experience Islamophobia: Poll”)

• People submitting CVs with ‘Muslim-Sounding’ names are 3 times less likely to get a job interview (Reference: Adesina, Z and Marocico, O. (2107) “Is It Easier to Get a Job If You’re Adam or Mohamed?” BBC News, February 06, 2017. Accessed 17/10/24) 

Message from VP Education - Fahmida Yesmin 

At London Met, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards Islamophobia and all forms of hate crime. Our goal is to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for every student. Let’s come together to learn from one another and celebrate the diversity that makes our university community so vibrant.  

We understand that Islamophobia can have a serious emotional impact. If you need support, reach out to the Counselling Services on campus for confidential help. https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/life-at-london-met/student-services/counselling-service/