Islamophobia

The Arab News June 23 Editorial entitled "Islamophobia" is another example of the misguided notion that, if Muslims explain Islam to the West, there will be an outpouring of respect and admiration for us. Many Muslims go a step further, expecting that once they hear “the truth,” non-Muslims will fall in awe of Islam and Muslims and come running to us with open arms, anxious to embrace our religion.

Relatively few Westerners are interested in learning about Islam so long as Muslims continue to demonstrate the character and behavior that have come to define us. The more we explain, the clearer it becomes that we do not live up to the moral and ethical standards we so arrogantly spout off. We speak of Islam as the exclusive religion of peace, justice, patience, tolerance, equality, humility, and generosity. Sadly, this is not how the world sees Muslims and, therefore, Islam. This is our fault, not theirs.

Western Islamophobia is not so much an irrational fear, hatred, or misunderstanding of Muslims as it is a lack of trust. Trust must be earned, and it will not be given in exchange for a few flashy slogans, pretty pictures, and television commercials featuring smiling Muslims. Western wariness of Muslims comes largely from the oppression and violence they see us visit upon one another.

Expecting others to see Muslims as anything other than what we are is naive. For them, Muslim behavior defines Islam. Blaming the West, America, Israel, and our leaders for our internal condition is equally foolish. It is the immature avoidance of the pain of taking an honest look at ourselves, getting off our high horses, and getting down to the business of practicing what we preach. Change comes from within, not from self-deception or external public relations campaigns.