Abstract

Islamophobia is the process of ‘fear of Musulmans’ which has led to hostility, intimidation, harassment, humiliation. This concept began to develop after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and other horrific attacks carried out in the name of Islam, with the first fears of Muslims and people perceived to be Muslim.
Today, there is a growing number of radical groups using Islam as a weapon. Furthermore, as a result of their distorted interpretation of Islamic teachings, there is a growing number of groups that cannot distinguish between true Islam and the political phenomenon of Islam and see Muslims as representatives of groups that are detrimental to society. This leads to an increase in ‘Islamophobia’ among society.
Propaganda of religious hatred that leads to discrimination, hostility or violence is prohibited by law and requires enhanced ways of combating it. While international norms and standards are the basis for combating discrimination and violence, laws alone are not enough, states must also adopt policies and programmes that promote diversity and freedom of expression, especially in multicultural and interconnected societies. This requires an in-depth study of the topic and state-specific solutions.
The article analyses the development of the term ‘Islamophobia’, the influence of destructive religious movements on it, and suggests ways to reduce it.