Role of OIC in Overcoming Islamophobia in United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

The history of Islam's entry into the United Kingdom (UK) can be traced back to a long
period of history. The initial contact between the UK and the Muslim world began in the
18th century through trade relations with Muslim countries such as Ottoman Turkey and
Persia. During this period, some Muslim travelers and traders started living in the UK as
migrants or visitors, although their numbers were relatively small. In the 19th century, a
small number of Muslims came to Britain as part of ship crews or as sailors in the British
Royal Navy. However, their numbers were still very limited and most did not stay long in the
UK.

In the early 20th century, a small number of Muslim immigrants began to come to the UK,
mainly from India, Pakistan and what is now Bangladesh. Most of them came as contract
workers to work in heavy industry or transportation, such as railways and ports. During
World War II, a large number of soldiers from Muslim countries, especially from India, then
a British colony, served in Britain as part of the British forces. Many of them stayed in the UK
after the war ended, bringing their families with them and becoming part of the growing
Muslim community in the UK.

These are some of the stages in the history of Islam's entry into the UK. Since then, Islam
has become one of the significant religions in the UK, with a diverse Muslim community,
comprising of various ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds. However, the journey and
experience of the Muslim community in the UK also involves challenges and issues,
including Islamophobia, integration, and cultural identity.

Islam is a minority religion in the United Kingdom (UK), where a number of Muslims live and
practice. Islam in the UK has a varied history, with different cultural, political and social
influences in different regions and Muslim communities across the country. Because of
being a minority, many people in the United Kingdom are racist.

Islamophobia is an attitude, prejudice, or discrimination against Islam and Muslims based on

negative stereotypes or misperceptions of Muslim religion, beliefs, or life practices.

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Islamophobia can take many forms, such as discriminatory actions, social exclusion, negative
rhetoric, or violence against Muslim individuals or communities. It can occur in a variety of
contexts, including in society, media, politics, the workplace, or in everyday interactions.

The history of Islamophobia in the United Kingdom (UK) can be traced back several decades.
Some of the key events in modern British history that have influenced Islamophobia in the
country include The September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States: The September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks by the Al-Qaeda terrorist group in the United States had a global
impact, including in the UK. After these attacks, there was an increase in tensions and
negative perceptions of Islam and Muslims, including in the UK. These attacks triggered
widespread islamophobia and created negative stereotypes towards Islam and Muslims.

Sensationalistic Media and Reporting Biased or sensationalistic media coverage of Islam and
Muslims in the UK can also influence Islamophobia. Sometimes mass media involves
stereotypical or prejudice-reinforcing coverage of Islam and Muslims, which can influence
public opinion and reinforce negative perceptions of them. And Politics and immigration
policy in the UK, especially in recent decades, have been a factor influencing islamophobia.
Debates around immigration, controversial immigration policies, and refugee and asylum
issues can influence views of Islam and Muslims in the UK, and fuel social and political
tensions.

Infiltration of Extremist Groups, Extremist groups that claim Islam as their pretext and carry
out illegal activities in the UK, such as the BNP (British National Party) or EDL (English
Defense League) movements, have reinforced Islamophobia with their anti-Islamic
campaigns and violent or discriminatory actions against Muslims.

However, it is important to remember that Islamophobia is unacceptable and goes against

the values of inclusion, tolerance and respect for diversity. The history of Islamophobia in
the UK shows the need for continuous efforts to overcome Islamophobia, such as educating
the public, promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and fighting for policies that are
inclusive and fair for all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

The OIC, or Organization of Islamic Cooperation, is an intergovernmental organization of 57

member states with a majority Muslim population. The OIC has played an important role in

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combating Islamophobia in the UK and around the world through a variety of means. In
order to combat Islamophobia in the UK, the OIC can play an important role in intensifying
efforts in diplomacy, advocacy, education, international cooperation, and monitoring. It is
important for the OIC to work closely with the UK government, non-governmental
organizations, and other relevant organizations to achieve significant results in tackling
Islamophobia.

From the description of the background above, the author is interested in discussing more
deeply about how the role of the oic in dealing with islamophobia in the united kingdom.

REFERENCES

Ahmad zainal. 2022. Fenomena Islamophobia Di Inggris: Analisis Pengaruh Mohamed Salah
Dan Implikasinya. VOL. 1 NO. 2 (2022): AL IRSYAD: JURNAL STUDI ISLAM

Chaerul. 2015.ISLAM DI INGGRIS. Jurnal Rihlah Vol. II No. 1 Mei 2015

Joseph. 2016. The impact of Islamophobia on Muslim women in the United Kingdom.
Brusless: European Network Against Racism (ENAR).

Nuraeni. 2020. Perkembangan Islam di Inggris. VOL. 22 NO. 2 (2020): ALHIKMAH