Islamophobia has once again become part of the social debate and with comments that it does not exist.
Tell MAMA looks at how anti-Muslim hatred, racism, bigotry, and discrimination impacts on people, property, institutions and the mental, psychological and physical health of people. Which brings us onto the following – anyone suggesting that anti-Muslim hatred does not exist is playing fast and loose with the facts. The facts are clearly listed in the series of reports that we have put together on the back of hard data and evidence from victims which can be found here, here and here. These are just a few examples of the numerous reports that we have put out. Collectively, we have documented over 6 years of material in this area of work.
Tell MAMA stands up for Muslims in the UK facing hatred, racism, and prejudice. Our work on quantifying this problem and bringing it into public debates remains necessary and unrivalled in scope.
Undermining any form of prejudice, hatred, or racism must be challenged.
Criticism of religion (like freedom of expression) remains a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 10, but so is the right to practise any religious belief free from bigotry, hatred, or violence (Article 9). This freedom extends to the right to wear religious clothing, the right to speak openly about your beliefs or to partake in religious worship.
We also note that our founder was cited around his comments on antisemitism within some sections of Muslim communities. His comments reflect a need to challenge all forms of hatred wherever they are found. His work in setting up Tell MAMA, have led to his harassment and targeting for years, simply for pushing back against anti-Muslim hatred. We also note how a handful of individuals and organisations use the politics of division by citing the reference and by-passing the years of work done by Fiyaz Mughal in challenging anti-Muslim hatred head-on and in ensuring that we can monitor and measure it, whilst supporting victims at point of need.
The last thing victims of anti-Muslim hatred need are the politics of division, despair and cynicism. They need our support and our collective care.