Arab League Calls for Firm Action Against Islamophobia

Photo: AFP

On Tuesday, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said that Islamophobia is a very dangerous problem in the world today. He said this issue should not be ignored or overlooked by anyone because it affects people’s lives and peace in society.

What Did the Arab League Secretary-General Say?

Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that countries need to work together to study the different parts of Islamophobia. They should understand where it comes from, why it is spreading, and how it can be stopped. He called for finding clear and strong solutions to fight this problem and make sure it does not happen in the future.

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Who Delivered His Speech?

Although Ahmed Aboul Gheit is the Secretary-General, his speech was read by Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi. He is the Arab League’s Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communication Department. Ambassador Khattabi read this speech at a very important international conference.

Where Was This Conference Held?

The international conference was held at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt. The conference was about how to fight Islamophobia. The theme of the conference was “Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context.”

What Was The Purpose of This Conference?

This meeting was organised to discuss Islamophobia as a humanitarian and moral issue. Ahmed Aboul Gheit said it is not just a political problem, but a big challenge to human values like peaceful coexistence, understanding each other, and showing respect to every person, no matter their religion.

Why is Islamophobia Increasing?

Ahmed Aboul Gheit explained why Islamophobia is increasing in many parts of the world. He said there are many reasons for this. Some of them include:

• Weak Laws: There are no strong laws in many countries to protect Muslim people from hatred and discrimination.

• Wrong Links Between Islam and Terrorism: Many people think Islam teaches terrorism or extremism. This is not true, but this wrong idea spreads fear about Muslims.

• Lack of Knowledge: Many people do not know about the true teachings and values of Islam. They only see what is shown on TV or social media, which is often negative.

• Media Influence: Some media organisations spread negative news about Muslims, which creates fear and hatred in society.

• Fear of Other People: Some people are scared of those who are different from them. This fear creates hatred and wrong ideas about Muslims.

• Anxiety About National Identity: Some people think that Muslim immigrants will change their country’s culture and traditions. This creates tension between local people and Muslims.

What Problems Does Islamophobia Create?

Because of all these reasons, Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that Islamophobia is now seen everywhere. It has created many problems like:

• Hatred towards Muslims

• Bad stereotypes about Muslims

• Fear of Muslim people in society

• Discrimination in jobs, schools, and public places

• Violence and attacks on Muslims in some countries

How Did The Arab League React?

The Arab League believes that this problem should be handled with seriousness and responsibility. They said that it is important for all countries to work together to solve this problem.

What Did The United Nations Do About It?

Ahmed Aboul Gheit also said that the United Nations (UN) understands how big and serious this problem is. The UN has declared an International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This special day is meant to remind everyone in the world about the need to stop hatred and discrimination against Muslims.

The UN has also appointed a special envoy. This person’s job is to look into Islamophobia issues, talk to different countries, and suggest solutions to reduce discrimination and hatred against Muslim communities.

Why is This Conference Important?

This conference is very important because:

• It brings together leaders, diplomats, scholars, and experts to discuss Islamophobia.

• It helps people understand that Islamophobia is a real threat to peace and human rights.

• It encourages countries to make strong laws to protect Muslims.

• It spreads the message that all people, no matter their religion, should be treated with dignity and respect.

What is Islamophobia?

Islamophobia means fear, hatred, or prejudice against Muslim people. It can be seen in the form of:

• Bad comments against Muslims on social media

• Negative news coverage about Muslims

• People attacking Muslims because of their clothes, like hijab or skull caps

• Refusing to give jobs or houses to Muslims

• Making fun of Muslim beliefs and practices

What Should Be Done To Stop It?

According to the Arab League, there are many things that need to be done to stop Islamophobia:

• Educate People: Teach people about the real teachings of Islam which talk about peace, kindness, and humanity.

• Strong Laws: Make laws that punish people who spread hate and violence against Muslims.

• Responsible Media: Ask media organisations to avoid spreading negative stories about Islam and Muslims without proof.

• Promote Understanding: Organise cultural events, seminars, and programmes where people from different religions can come together, talk, and understand each other better.

• Global Efforts: Countries should work with international bodies like the UN to fight this problem in a united way.

Why Should Students Know About It?

Students should know about Islamophobia because:

• It teaches them to respect all religions.

• It helps them become good citizens who believe in equality and justice.

• It stops bullying and teasing of Muslim students in schools.

• It creates a peaceful environment where everyone feels safe and accepted.

Final Words from the Arab League

Ahmed Aboul Gheit ended his speech by saying that Islamophobia is a danger to peace, humanity, and values of mutual respect. The Arab League will continue to raise this issue and will work with the UN and other international organisations to protect Muslims and ensure they live with dignity in every part of the world.