Islamophobia Report en

In Their
Words
Untold Stories
of Islamophobia
in Canada
IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 1

Acknowledgements
Islamic Relief Canada would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the
individuals who shared their personal experiences with our researchers.
Recounting Islamophobic incidents and experiences of discrimination
can be very difficult, and we truly appreciate each and every individual for
having the strength to share their stories.
Lead Researcher and Author
Miranda Gallo | Policy, Research and Advocacy Advisor
Contributing Writers/Editors
Mashaal Saeed | Communications Specialist

Sanam Islam | Communications Manager
Reyhana Patel | Head of Communications and Government Relations
© Islamic Relief Canada, 2022
2 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

Table of Contents
4 Introduction
5 Islamophobia FAQs
6 Stories/Summaries
Sanaa
Aysha
Saleha
Aymen
Noura
Hamza
Nabil
Zahra
Sonia
Sara
Sukaina
22 Postscript
24 Manifestations of Islamophobia in Canada

& The Government’s Response
28 What Can You Do to Respond to Islamophobia?
29 Conclusion
30 Appendix - IRC Recommendations to the Emergency

National Summit on Islamophobia (2021)

We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return

As we release this report ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Quebec City mosque attack,
we would like to dedicate this piece to honour the memories of those who were killed, their
loved ones and children surviving them, and the many others who have lost their lives and
continue to be impacted by Islamophobia in Canada and around the world.
In Islam, the concept of death is not considered the end of one’s life but rather the beginning
of the final phase of one’s true journey. Though our physical bodies may perish, our spirits
continue to to live on and are destined to return to their Creator in the hereafter. This belief
is what holds us together in times of devastation, and the above prayer is most commonly
used when someone passes away or at times of distress and calamity to bring peace and
understanding.
Through every trial, we must remind ourselves of the power of community and the strength
in healing we can bring for one another when we stand together proud of our identity. We
must also remember the power in our duas (prayers) and simultaneously be vocal and take
action for positive change.
Islamic Relief Canada will continue to pray for those who have been impacted by racism and
discrimination, and work toward creating a safe world for everyone, inshallah (God willing).

Introduction
In June 2021, just weeks after celebrations provincial governments to immediately Canada, ranging from discrimination at
marking the end of the Muslim holy month implement concrete measures to address work and casual racism at the dinner
of Ramadan, a Muslim Canadian family and eradicate Islamophobia in Canada. table to discriminatory legislation and
was out for an evening stroll when they even physical attacks. Despite confronting
were targeted in a hate-motivated terrorist In the wake of the London attack and overwhelming challenges as a result
attack. Tragically, four family members increasing levels of Islamophobia in of Islamophobia, each person we spoke
were killed, leaving the youngest son as Canada, Islamic Relief Canada embarked to showed resilience — often through
the lone survivor. upon “In Their Own Words: Untold Stories a renewed devotion to their faith — as
of Islamophobia in Canada” to hear well as compassion, even in the face of
Unfortunately, this was not the first from Canadians about their experiences ignorance.
violent Islamophobic attack to take place with Islamophobia in an effort to better
on Canadian soil. On January 29th, 2017, understand how this form of hatred There is a strong sense amongst those
six Muslim men were killed and 19 more manifests itself in Canada, to learn more we spoke to that human beings are
injured in a terrorist attack at a Quebec about response and coping mechanisms, intrinsically good, with an accompanying
City mosque. In response to both these and to gauge opinion on governmental hope that through education, social action
attacks, Islamic Relief Canada immediately responses. and government legislation, universal
dispatched teams on the ground to provide human values of love, peace and harmony
support for survivors, widows and orphans Each story has its own unique set of will triumph over hatred and intolerance.
who lost loved ones. Since then, we have circumstances and shows the various
consistently been calling on federal and ways Islamophobia manifests itself in
Photo Credit: The Montreal Gazette

Islamophobia FAQs
+ + +
When did the term Is Islamophobia a type of Does this mean any criticism of
Islamophobia develop? racism? Islam is Islamophobic?
Although there have been negative Yes. While Muslims are not a race, No. Rational discourse and criticism
tropes in Western society surrounding Islamophobia is racism. Scientifically, is a very important tradition both
Islam and Muslims since the Middle no population is a race; Races within the Muslim faith, and has often
Ages — especially when used to are created by bundling together been encouraged. The Quran itself
justify the Crusades — the specific common features and mapping them says, “Do not debate with the People of
term “Islamophobia” dates from onto a population. Resulting racial Scripture except in the best manner…”
around the start of this century. hierarchies treat outsiders as an
However, the meaning and our inferior “Other.” As with racism — Rational discourse differs from
understanding of the term continues Muslims are conceptualized collectively Islamophobic expression in its
to evolve over time. Our modern use as a distinctive and “other” group of terminology, manner and — most
of the term “Islamophobia” was first people who are considered to have importantly — in its intention. The
developed in a 1991 Runnymede Trust uniform and inherent characteristics purpose of Islamophobic expression
Report (UK), which defined it as an that are perceived as backward, is to villify, discriminate and create
“unfounded hostility towards Muslims, hostile and a threat to mainstream hostility towards the Muslim
and therefore fear or dislike of all or society. community.
most Muslims.”
As a form of racism, Islamophobia is
closely linked to white supremacy,
which seeks to maintain white
dominance and privilege over other
+ races and beliefs. Islamophobia is +
What is a good working therefore related to other forms of Why do we need the term
definition of Islamophobia? racism and discrimination including “Islamophobia?”
antisemitism, anti-Black, anti-Asian,
As defined by the Ontario Human and anti-Indigenous racisms. Just as with antisemitism, sexism
Rights Commission, “Islamophobia or racism, we need a term that gives
can be described as stereotypes, bias a name to the broad spectrum of
or acts of hostility towards individual expressions given to Islamophobic
Muslims or followers of Islam in feelings and behaviour. This is not
general. In addition to individual acts only for the purposes of legislation
of intolerance and racial profiling, and definition, but it is also to help
Islamophobia leads to viewing people identify, analyze and change
Muslims as a greater security threat thought and response patterns that
on an institutional, systemic and may have previously gone unnoticed
societal level.” even to oneself.
SOURCES
https://bridge.georgetown.edu/about-us/what-is-islamophobia/
http://partnershipfornewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FAQ-on-Islamophobia-and-Muslim-Communities_2.2.17.pdf
https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/myths-and-facts-about-muslim-people-and-islam
https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/explainers/islamophobia-europe
https://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/Islamophobia%20Report%202018%20FINAL.pdf
https://mcb.org.uk//islamophobia/
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/599c3d2febbd1a90cffdd8a9/t/5bfd1ea3352f531a6170ceee/1543315109493/Islamophobia+Defined.pdf
https://www.islamophobia-definition.com/
https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/human-rights-and-rental-housing-ontario-background-paper/appendix-glossary-terms

In Their Own Words “We are resilient. We
should be really
proud of ourselves.
Untold Stories People should know

our stories and our
of Islamophobia
history. We shouldn’t
hide. It’s taken me
my whole life to come
in Canada to this conclusion.”
SUKAINA

Sanaa*
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
In her mid-20s, Sanaa is a vibrant and For me, this is me; I just happen to be a because it can be good for you. This situation
outgoing young woman who has a passion Muslim woman, I love my religion and am has taught me so much and I am so thankful
for teaching both inside and outside the not planning on changing it on anybody’s for it.”
classroom. When you speak with Sanaa, terms. After months of being suspended and
you can see the sparkle in her eyes when threatening to take the school board to court, Being thankful to God doesn’t, of course,
she starts to get excited about teaching you I managed to find a loophole in my contract mean that the perpetrators aren’t 100
something new or challenging your way that enabled me to recently return to my percent in the wrong. Sanaa encourages
of thinking. As a fairly new teacher who position. But it was an extremely close call anyone else who is facing similar
wears hijab in Quebec, life has not been and I’ve learned that I can’t stay here. Canada challenges related to Bill 21 to use all
easy for Sanaa, but she has bravely faced is constantly telling us we can be ourselves their energy to fight back against this
each day that comes her way with gratitude as Muslims but then doesn’t do anything discrimination. She emphasizes the need
and thanksgiving. to protect us or defend us. Because of Bill to practice consistency, persistence and
21, I am now taking foreign teaching exams determination. “Be consistent with the fact
When asked about her experiences with and am even thinking about leaving Canada that you are not backing down or letting
Islamophobia, Sanaa firmly stated that next year to teach abroad. It sucks that this go of this situation that has happened to
she believes Islamophobia is getting happened and I’m scared — not for myself, you; be persistent in the fact that you are
worse in Quebec. “I’ve never felt so much because I managed to conquer this — but for insisting this will not keep on happening,
Islamophobia in my life as in the past three others because not everyone can.” especially to those you care about; and
years — and I was sitting at home during practice determination, knowing you will
Covid — so that should say something. You While Sanaa acknowledges that the federal get this done and you will overcome.”
realize there’s Islamophobia when people government has offered many ostensibly
start to say they aren’t racist to preface a kind words to the Muslim community,
racist comment, harass you in public, ask you she sees these statements as formalities
if you have any hair under your hijab, or when lacking any substance. “They are actively
your coworker tells you they don’t want their letting us suffer. So many organizations are
daughter to wear the hijab because they don’t trying to contest Bill 21, yet our government
want her to experience the discrimination still refuses to intervene, saying it is not
they see happening.” affecting anyone’s human rights when in
reality there is so much mental, emotional,
While Sanaa has had to endure many trials physical and financial damage being levied
and tribulations related to Islamophobia, upon people for simply being who they want
the most profound challenge she has had to be. It just sucks to know there is no one
to face occurred this past year as a result out there defending us. You feel as though
of Bill 21. “I got hit by Bill 21 really hard. At you are walking alone because no one can
the beginning of this year, I lost my job. I understand what you are going through. But
got called into the office, and was told that ultimately, I don’t want someone to feel bad
I had to remove my hijab to comply with Bill for me. I want them to fight with me and for
21 regulations. I was outraged and so were me.”
the majority of my students, who vocally
expressed their opposition to my removal. Despite facing the prospect of being
I tried in every way to negotiate with them, permanently unable to teach in the
even explaining that I just like to wear a scarf province in which she grew up, Sanaa
on my head for fashion reasons — that it is exudes strength and courage that comes
not necessarily religious but just something from her faith in God and the support she
*Note: Sanaa is a pseudonym given to protect the identity
I like to wear — but I was told it didn’t matter has received from her friends, colleagues of the participant.
and that I was being fired for my beliefs.” and students. “You thank God for everything
you go through. Even that which you hate,

“I got hit by Bill 21 really hard. At the beginning of
this year, I lost my job. I got called into the office, and
was told that I had to remove my hijab to comply
with Bill 21 regulations. I was outraged and so were
the majority of my students, who vocally expressed
their opposition to my removal. I tried in every way to
negotiate with them, even explaining that I just like to
wear a scarf on my head for fashion reasons — that it
is not necessarily religious but just something I like to
wear — but I was told it didn’t matter and that I was
being fired for my beliefs.”
SANAA

Aysha
CALGARY, ALBERTA
Aysha has lived in Calgary for over

20 years. While she doesn’t feel that Even in the face of these incidents, Aysha
Islamophobia has been a major driving believes that most people in Canada are
force in her life, since coming to Canada friendly and welcoming. She believes it
she has experienced several incidents of is important to always make an effort to
Islamophobia, many of which are directly get to know people from other faiths and
related to her decision to wear the hijab. backgrounds. “Some people can be hesitant
to talk to Muslims if they don’t know us. Once
“I started wearing the hijab in 2018. At my they see how friendly and approachable you
job, most of my co-workers were indifferent are, you might be able to change someone’s
that I started it, but there was one woman view of Muslims from a negative one to a
in my department who gave me so much positive one.”
trouble over it. For months she made fun of
me, telling me I was ‘backward’ and ‘old- Despite her experiences, Aysha has not
fashioned.’ She kept asking if my family was allowed discrimination to put her faith into
forcing me to wear it, which wasn’t the case question. “While people will try to put me
at all. It was my choice to start wearing it. down, these experiences actually made me
She once went so far as trying to physically stronger in my faith. I started to pray more
grab my hijab off my head. I pushed her away, regularly, I started to learn more about Islam
and she told me I looked ugly in a hijab. The and dive deeper into my Islam. I feel proud
entire saga of Islamophobic abuse from her of being a Muslim and try my best to follow
went on for months.” Islamic teachings. As for the hijab, it took me
a very long time to come to that decision and
While Canada prides itself on being a I feel so proud wearing it now. It makes me
multicultural country that welcomes feel complete.”
everyone, Aysha recognizes that the
government has not done enough to
protect the Muslim community against
Islamophobia. She believes everyone —
regardless of race or religion — should be
able to feel safe here, but unfortunately
this is not always the case. “In 2021, for
a few months we saw so many attacks on
hijabi women —most of them being in my
home province of Alberta. During that time, a
lot of hijabis, as well as Muslims in general,
felt very unsafe in certain situations, and it
shouldn’t ever have to be that way.”
AYSHA | CALGARY, ALBERTA

Saleha
ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saleha is a student majoring in Global At first I was scared and wondered if they for those who are ignorant. “In this society,
Development Studies while working were going to beat me up, but they just people can search what they want on the
with a local Fraser Valley not-for-profit started laughing and left. I was furious and internet about Islam and find all sorts of
that focuses on youth services. Saleha’s ran after them. They turned around and I things. We live in our own bubbles. At the
commitment to helping her community, yelled, ‘Do you know what you just did? This end of the day, in Islam we believe human
devotion to her religion and passion for is my identity as a Muslim woman — this is beings are intrinsically good. This is what I
educating others about Islam shines important to me.’ try to keep in mind to give the benefit of the
throughout her conversations. In her spare doubt. A lot of these people are good and
time, Saleha can be found giving back to “I even used the Arabic phrases and said, as a Muslim, I don’t judge individuals — I
the community or planning programs and ‘Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) I am judge their actions. Hatred is an exhausting
teaching the Quran to young kids at her not afraid of you. I am stronger than this. emotion and I feel a lot of sadness and pity
local mosque. Alhamdulillah, this will not impact me. Had for those who harbour these feelings.”
you done this to anyone else, that is what
As Saleha says herself, “My Muslim identity I’m afraid of. Never do this to anyone else When asked if she would like to send a
means everything to me.” However, she because it really hurts them. This is their message to Canadian politicians, Saleha’s
has not always been able to express this identity. This is not something you play answer was simple: “At this point we are
identity without difficulty. around with.’ They were scared, realized just asking not to be killed.”
this was not a joke and started stuttering
“My town has diversified so much more in apologies. I still went to the bathroom and While Saleha recognizes that the
the past 20 years, but as a child I felt like a cried, but I was proud I stood up to them and government has a lot on their plate, she
black sheep. We were one of only two Bengali taught them to know better.” believes that politicians need to make an
families. Growing up, I didn’t feel Canadian effort to immerse themselves into the
enough and I also didn’t feel Bengali enough. Saleha has faced other Islamophobic community and really understand what
I saw many brown people around me but I incidents in public spaces. She has their constituents are going through in
wasn’t their kind of brown ... I am a Muslim.” experienced people yelling at her and order to make impactful changes.
her friends in the street, calling them
“As early as kindergarten, I felt the ‘terrorists’ or ‘filthy.’ She recalls being on “It takes a human perspective and a human
difference. In my scrapbook at school we a public bus with her little brother and her connection for people to realize the truth and
were asked to write a note to ourselves niece — both of whom were young children be better.”
using crayons and I wrote, ‘It is okay to be a — while being subjected to an array of
different colour.’ Even today I know that I am misogynistic obscenities being screamed
different, but by the Grace of God, I am okay at her because she wears a hijab.
with that.”
“Because of these experiences, growing
Saleha believes that Islamophobia has up I was very anxious … I was afraid and
definitely had an impact on her life. While uncomfortable, thinking I may be attacked …
Saleha wanted to be the first in her family especially after seeing people verbally attack
to wear hijab, her father urged her to wait, my parents at a young age, being amongst
worried about her status as a minority people in general became extremely
living in an area with a historical Ku Klux frightening. I can’t lie; sometimes that fear
Klan presence, especially in the wake of is still there but I try to look at it through
9/11. an Islamic perspective and remember the
lessons of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬who faced so
“High school was especially difficult when I many trials and tribulations. We can take so
started wearing hijab. I remember walking many of those lessons into our lives. At the
into the computer lab one morning in Grade end of the day, everything comes from God.
10. There weren’t a lot of people there; I just That’s how I deal with it.”
went to print an assignment I needed to hand
in. Out of nowhere a group of boys grabbed Despite these circumstances, Saleha is full
my hijab from the back. I was stunned. of mercy, compassion and understanding
SALEHA | ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Aymen Derbali
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC
Aymen is a Quebec City terrorist attack forget about this tragedy. I see [it] all the When Aymen received a bravery award
(2017) survivor. He has two MBA degrees time.” in 2018 from the Quebec Parliament, he
and is the father of three children. He was responded to the Premier’s denial that
severely wounded during the terror attack “My physical paralysis, not being able to there was any Islamophobia in Quebec
— surviving more than seven bullets — and play a role as a father [is difficult.] I have by saying, “You are in front of a live person
is now paralyzed from the chest down. He three kids, the oldest one is 13 years old and who is a victim of Islamophobia. How do
understandably describes what happened my daughter is five… I also have a son with you qualify the attack on the mosque?
as, “a very hard experience.” autism and not being able to help my wife [That] it wasn’t an Islamophobic attack?
look after my children is very difficult. So, the [The terrorist] was targeting Muslims in the
Aymen was in a coma for two months after main impact of islamophobia was the impact mosque.”
the terror attack, and goes on to say: “[It on myself, our family, our balance.”
is] now almost five years after this tragedy … Aymen ended this interview by declaring,
I’m struggling in order to gain some physical In addition, due to these challenges, Aymen “Canada is a huge multicultural country —
abilities so…it’s really difficult, but I try to is no longer able to work and provide for we Canadians are from all over the world.
keep my faith strong and to remain with my his family. We are all immigrants and we need to live
brothers — remain near the mosque.” with each other in peace and harmony. We
“Alhamdullillah (thanks be to God) there are human beings and we need to build our
“Alhamdulillah (thanks be to God) those are two most important things in my life — country by helping each other and, you know,
things helped me a lot to pass through this having my heart functioning correctly and loving each other. Our children go to the
tragedy and its results — [the] emotional, being able to breathe. I had a lot of breathing same schools … We need to teach them real
physical and psychological results of this problems when I was in the coma. Even human values.”
tragedy.” though I lost the use of my legs and ability to
walk, I still focus on those two main things as “[We need] to have more open-minded
Before the terrorist attack on the mosque, the biggest rewards from God for me.” children in the future, a more open-
Aymen recalls how members of the minded generation; not having killers
congregation noticed Islamophobic actions When asked how he finds relief and and murderers in our society because of
and hate crimes around the mosque. For manages to cope through all he has been Islamophobia.”
example, during the month of Ramadan through, Aymen cites his work in the
before the attack, congregants found a humanitarian field. “My main relief comes
pig’s head wrapped as a present with the from working in the humanitarian field … and
words “bon appetit.” On another occasion [doing] my best in order to help many people
they found a Christian cross on the walls of all around the world. For me it’s a way to
the mosque and some graffiti on the back honour the memory of our brothers who fell
of the mosque in the parking lot. that night, to honour our wounded brothers
and to honour the Muslim community all
Then, of course, came the horrific terror around the world. Alhamdullillah, this
attack on the mosque where six people work in the humanitarian field makes me
were killed and five others severely stronger and stronger, and it has helped me
injured, including Aymen. to strengthen my faith.”
Aymen acknowledges many direct impacts Reflecting upon the smaller incidents
of Islamophobia upon his life, including on their mosque prior to the major
his physical health, personal and familial terror attack, Aymen’s advice for those
wellbeing, and his career. encountering Islamophobia is to “stay calm
but to report everything.” He is in favour
“I was shot seven times so I used to suffer of the National Day of Remembrance
from pain all the time. Twenty-four hours of and Action, and pays short shrift to
pain all the time. I [have] a lot of medicine to those who play politics by either denying
take three times a day every day since the Islamophobia’s existence or by demonizing
beginning … so in every moment I cannot a minority community for votes.
AYMEN DERBALI | QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC

Photo Credit: The Toronto Star

Noura*
CALGARY, ALBERTA
In addition to raising three adult children is also just as real. She feels she has been and only then reacts. “What makes people
as a single mom, Noura works with the passed over for many promotions unfairly mad is the reaction of the government to
government, holds a second job as a and without proper explanations given, and Islamophobic attacks. The government is
private driving instructor, and is also that there is generally a lot of ignorance always more reactive than proactive. They
involved with Palestinian community towards Islam amongst her coworkers and wait for the disaster and then quickly work
activities in her local area. Sadly, Noura even superiors. to act against it, versus being proactive and
encounters Islamophobia in all her trying to prevent the disaster in the first
different activities and jobs. Rather than asking her to explain things, place.”
Noura’s coworkers usually place her on
Even though Noura is not visibly Muslim the defensive and hold her responsible for She asks how it can be that a parent can
and doesn’t wear a hijab, she sees the anything a Muslim does anywhere in the have her very own children removed by
different malicious ways that many drivers world. For example, a few years ago there the state for any sort of abuse — and yet,
react to her students who wear hijab were public information advertisements on nothing happens when a stranger on the
during driving lessons. “I notice a difference buses against domestic violence, and the street hurls insults and gestures towards
in the behaviour of drivers on the street victim pictured was a hijab-clad woman. a passerby.
when I have a student who wears hijab. There Noura says her coworkers seemed to
is more road rage directed towards them, agree with the campaign and kept saying Noura says that all her community asks
from harassment to tailgating to getting the things like, “Look at these women … all for is to live in peace, and even though
middle finger. I’ve had so many close calls this abuse happens to them,” to which she always feels on the defensive, at the
that; for one student who wears the niqab, Noura’s response was that the same same time she believes that she needs
I actually purposely tried to avoid certain happens to white women if one cares to to be an open book and ready to have
neighbourhoods because I knew I would be look — meaning that domestic violence uncomfortable conversations to help build
placing her in danger if she were to drive is primarily a cultural problem and not a greater mutual understanding.
through there.” religious one, wherever it occurs.
At her government job, the Islamophobia Politically, Noura feels the government
*Note: Noura is a pseudonym given to protect the identity
she faces may be a bit more subtle, but it always just waits for something to happen of the participant.

Hamza
ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA
At only 21 years old, Hamza owns and When 9/11 anniversaries would come around a community in pain to bleed, it will only
operates his own marketing business while they would point to me and say ‘Muslim.’” make things worse for that community and
studying for a dual degree in business and everyone around them. Because when you
psychology. Hamza has lived in British “I honestly believe that these comments were let them bleed, you are letting others know
Columbia nearly his entire life. Growing just a reflection of what kids were hearing at it’s okay to walk into a mosque with a gun, or
up in what he describes as a primarily home. It’s so clear that the wider community drive over a family, or say things verbally that
conservative Christian community was not exposed to Islamic culture or should be condemned.”
with little to no Muslim presence was religion. I think it’s less people hating on
difficult for Hamza, as he spent most of Muslims and more a lack of knowledge and Despite all that he had had to endure,
his life feeling like an outsider. Hamza exposure to our community. We need more Hamza has kept his faith close to his heart.
acknowledges that he has had to deal exposure, to show that Muslims are not any As a business student, Hamza offered a
with a lot of emotional trauma from these different from you. We are human beings who pertinent analogy to describe the impact
experiences, but that they have also make the same mistakes and do the same of Islamophobia on his faith and identity.
shaped him to be the person he is today. good, just like anyone else.” “Our iman (faith) levels fluctuate like the
stock market, going up and down. The reason
“From kindergarten to Grade 6 I went to a While Hamza initially expressed that he they go up or down is because of experiences
Christian school where I was the only Muslim is blessed Islamophobia hasn’t had such that we go through in life, whether it’s
in the entire school. I felt like an outsider, a pronounced impact on his life as with work, school, family or things related to
but it wasn’t to do with my skin colour. There others, later into the discussion he realized Islamophobia. Allah (God) will test you so
were a lot of other South Asian kids there — that Islamophobia has actually impacted much in difficult times to show you that you
Sikhs, Hindus or even Christians — who all him in a profound way, but is so normalized can get through it. The dark moments, as
had a sense of community, but I was a Muslim it can be difficult to identify. much as they can drive you away, they pull
and I was alone. Even the idea of eating halal, you in just as fast and closer to God.”
I felt different. From field trips to the lunch I “At the end of the day we all feel it in some
was bringing or going to the canteen, I always way. I feel like Islamophobia happens so Hamza has relied on his faith in God to
had to opt for the cheese pizza or say ‘no’ to much on a daily basis to the point where we get him through the difficult times and is
pepperoni. People would ask me a million just say, ‘okay, this is normal.’ Even thinking dedicated to teaching people about Islam
questions as to why I was bringing in meat about our parents’ generation, they went through giving back to the community. “We
today when yesterday I said ‘no’ to the meat. through so much and just repressed it. have to continue to teach, raise awareness
Whether it was the food, prayer or Ramadan, People were being physically and verbally and share more about Islam in ways that
these three things played a significant role to attacked with no support from authorities. others can relate to.”
me being an outsider on the playground, in Muslims felt so vulnerable because they
project groups — you name it.” couldn’t do anything; they thought people
could get away with saying whatever they
Unable to cope with emotional difficulties want and that nothing would change. So
stemming from feeling like an outsider, in when it came to our generation, our parents
middle school Hamza switched schools told us to brush it off. It is what they have to
and began to attend a public school. While tell themselves to keep surviving and moving
his situation improved —having two other forward. There is a saying of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬:
Muslim friends to rely upon — he still faced ‘speak good or remain silent.’ As Muslims, we
an array of verbal confrontations. always want to treat people with respect and
goodness, but this is a systemic crisis and we
“We were living in a time when Osama bin have to do something about it.”
Laden was killed. People assumed because
I was Muslim I should know all about bin When asked about Canada’s response
Laden. I guess one of his family members to Islamophobia, Hamza described the
was named ‘Hamza’ so I had to deal with a problem of Islamophobia as a cut that will
bombardment of comments like, ‘Are you continue to bleed. “If we don’t support our
Osama bin Laden’s cousin, brother, etc.?’ communities, they will bleed. If you leave
HAMZA | ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Nabil
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Nabil is a dedicated business professional “There were times that teammates would on my faith and has actually made me closer
who was born and raised in Edmonton. Just call us [Muslims] ‘sand*******’ or ‘pakis,’” he with my faith for sure. Turning back to faith
like any other kid growing up in Canada, says. This impacted Nabil so deeply that gave me more of a sense of peace [and] a
Nabil played an array of sports including he completely stopped playing with these sense of calm. Faith has made me calmer;
basketball and hockey as a child. Even up organized leagues for two or three years, I’ve been able to let things go because I
until today, at the age of 35, Nabil continues traumatized by the ugly and hurtful things believe in something greater.”
to participate in team sports as a hobby to people would say. Instead, Nabil opted to
help him get through the daily stresses of play in leagues that were created by his Politically, Nabil feels that Islamophobia is
life. Despite his passion for sports, racism community — people who looked like him still prevalent and that change must come
and Islamophobia have made it difficult and and understood where he was coming from from the top through policy changes. Nabil
even unbearable at times to participate in — so he wouldn’t be subjected to racist or is particularly frustrated by Canada’s ban
the sports that bring him ease in life. islamophobic remarks. on adoptions from predominantly Muslim
countries — an ongoing issue that has been
In the past two years of the pandemic, “I’m someone who grew up playing sports raised by Canadian media outlets over the
Nabil has been taking a lot of time to reflect my entire life. It’s something that is kind past several years1.
on his life, his faith and his purpose. In his of a release for me; it gets my mind off
reflections, he recalls moments growing everything. But after these incidents, More broadly, Nabil believes there need
up where he was faced with people and it became too much, whether it was to be programs to educate and provide
communities that didn’t accept him for who Islamophobic slurs or racist slurs, I stopped more understanding to the general public
he is and what he believes in. playing for two or three years because about what Islam really is about and what
of it. The referees would hear it and not Muslims stand for, and how we are not at
Growing up, Nabil and his family lived in a do anything about it … you weren’t really all different from one another.
predominantly white neighborhood where protected. You felt you were going there to
they were the only people of colour. “I used be made fun of … Because I love sports, this Despite everything, Nabil also places
to have neighbours that were all Caucasian. really affected me mentally.” strong faith in the new generation and their
All the kids [from the neighborhood] used to power to make the world a better place for
play at this one neighbour’s house who had “When I was a kid, I tried to fit in and move everyone. “It’s a different generation. It’s
swing sets and a trampoline. All the kids forward, but as I get older, I realize that their world soon and I think they can make a
in my neighbourhood wanted to be there. I [Islamophobia] has made me reflect more big change for the community.”
remember everyone was allowed to go into
the house to grab water and whatnot, but me
and my sister weren’t allowed inside based
on the colour of our skin.”
As Nabil began to get more involved with

sports, he also began to experience similar
feelings of being othered. “I remember we
had a [basketball] playoff game on a Saturday
and I told my coach that I had something
religious on Friday with my family and I
wouldn’t be able to make it to practice ahead
of the game. The next game I was benched
for the entire game and I didn’t get to play —
[all] for choosing my religion … but if it was
Christmas and I was Christian it would have
been completely fine.”
The situation only worsened as Nabil began

to take part in more organized sports.
1. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/adoptions-kafalah-pakistan-canada-ban-muslim-1.4855852; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMelKs7OlS8

Zahra
TORONTO, ONTARIO
As a Black Muslim woman who expresses positions of authority should be taking: “We commanded us to know all the different
her faith in different ways, Zahra feels that are seeing Islamophobia playing out in these nations and tribes. It is our duty to know
her experience of Islamophobia has been institutions of power [and] we should be each other in ways that are liberating. It is a
something of a variable in her life. scared. If our leaders are afraid to align with very important part of our faith.”
Muslims when they are in these positions
“I feel like I’ve had very layered experiences of power it’s scary, because this has a very For those who are struggling to overcome
of Islamophobia because I can be quite a real impact on the lived experience of the everyday Islamophobia, Zahra says it’s
chameleon with different expressions of everyday Muslim trying to teach, or trying important to find ways to prioritize joy.
my faith. There have been times I wore the to be of service to community, or even just She recognizes it can be overwhelming,
hijab more traditionally, and the way people access resources in the community.” daunting and hopeless at times, but
respond is different than if I wrap my head in maintains that the world is still joyful and
a more ambiguous way. In those cases, the “[Politicians] will acknowledge things when abundant.
response is always a bit more exoticized like, the violence happens through nice talking
‘Oh this is interesting, tell me more,’ whereas points, but when it comes to any real policy “The simplest charity you can give is a
when I wear a full hijab, what would be initiatives or even real positions, they are so smile to someone. Maybe you’re not ready to
assumed about me is different. Sometimes empty.” use your voice yet — we are all at different
people are surprised that I can even speak stages in the process —we need to allow
English.” In the context of many morally wrong ourselves and others that grace. But do the
practices, such as slavery and work and stay committed to the work.”
Reflecting upon her position as a antisemitism, being legal for many years
female who is racially ambiguous, and in many countries, Zahra says: “You can
the perceptions of those around her, say Bill 21 is constitutional — but then the
Zahra says: “Even the sexual violence is very laws that are created to embody these
interesting to me. I found I was hit on a lot principles, you are using [these laws] to deny
more by Caucasian men when I’m more fully the rights of specific communities —you [can]
conservative looking,so I do feel like it’s say that yes, what Quebec is doing with
also Orientalism at play. Ultimately, it’s what Bill 21 is lawful, but in principle, it’s just
people feel they have the license to say to you wrong.”
depending on how you look [and] how you
present yourself.” But, in spite of the ongoing frustrations
and political ambiguity, Zahra’s overall
Zahra feels that the microaggressions message is optimistic and incredibly
of everyday Islamophobia have not gone uplifting:
away, even if the problem is recognized a
bit more nowadays. “Islamophobia presents opportunities to
reaffirm my faith. It forced me to confront my
“[I remember] being called ‘towelhead’ and at own values about where I stand in my faith.
times, ‘Pakistani’ — there are so many slurs Islamophobia clarifies things for myself and
and it’s treated like it’s okay. This was in the to explore Islam’s stance on certain issues.”
90’s but things are no different today and it’s
sad. [But at least] in the 90’s, in a way there Zahra says Islamophobia has also affirmed
was more openness to Islam. Even in hip-hop her commitment to her community,
culture — I remember being able to relate to explaining that now she sees justice as a
my identity as a Muslim through artists like form of worship. She feels it is a duty of
Mos Def — but this generation now doesn’t hers as a Muslim to stand for oppressed
have that anymore. It’s constantly those communities regardless of whether they
violent assumptions around Islam.” identify as Muslim or not.
Politically, Zahra has powerful words “We do the work of justice as part of being
about the stance politicians and those in Muslim. That’s how we submit —Allah (God)
ZAHRA | TRONTO, ONTARIO

“We do the work of justice as part of being Muslim.
That’s how we submit —Allah (God) commanded
us to know all the different nations and tribes. It
is our duty to know each other in ways that are
liberating. It is a very important part of our faith.”
ZAHRA

“The simplest charity you can give is a smile to
someone. Maybe you’re not ready to use your voice
yet — we are all at different stages in the process —we
need to allow ourselves and others that grace. But do
the work and stay committed to the work.”
ZAHRA

Sonia*
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
Sonia is a full-time worker with three won’t say something because otherwise they
children. She has been married to a Muslim will say something.”
convert from an Italian-Canadian family for
around 30 years. Nevertheless, the insults and provocations
extend beyond the table. “My father-in-law
Food and religious celebrations seem to makes all these comments like, ‘All terrorists
have always been an issue with Sonia’s are Muslim and all Muslims are terrorists’
in-laws in that not only do they not show [or] ‘we don’t want Muslims coming to
respect for her traditions, but they also this country — they are just a bunch of
actively try to introduce pork and other trouble.’[All of this is happening] at the table with pork meat, made fun of their halal
forbidden foods into her family’s diet. in front of my kids. And after 30 years, me food, and mocked them for their prayers.
and my husband still can’t convince them “I believe it is because of all this prejudice
“When I was a student at Concordia otherwise, and every time we try, it just that my kids didn’t keep their [Islamic faith]. I
[University], I had friends from all walks of erupts in a fight.” tried my best to raise them as Muslims, have
life and when I was fasting, they were very them eat properly [and] pray. I even made an
respectful and they would wait for me to eat. Sonia says even her neighbours and local Islamic Christmas and it didn’t work … my in-
But when I got married, it wasn’t like this — priest have insulted her in the past. laws would still bring their wine and distract
just two weeks ago my brother-in-law came from [what I was trying to do.]
over and brought a bunch of pizzas with pork When Sonia, who is not visibly Muslim,
pepperoni and gave it to my kids.” moved to a new part of the city, her “I used to take my kids every Friday to
neighbour met her outside and told her, ‘Jummah’ [the Friday congregational prayer],
Sonia recounts some of her experiences “Welcome to the neighborhood! I knew the but they didn’t understand anything. We
around this: “Twenty years ago we had a previous owner really well and I told her have to re-educate our imams as well — the
barbecue at my house and my kids were make sure you sell the house to good people khutbahs [sermons] can’t just be in Arabic.”
small. I was raising them Muslim … but my — I’m so happy because I didn’t want her
brother-in-law brought over pork sausages to sell the house to a Muslim.” The same “The government has to do something, but
and snuck them onto the barbecue. I didn’t neighbour had also made a gesture of the the mosques also need to be more inclusive
say anything —he was treating it like a joke hijab on another occasion and said, “I’m to keep the youth. I would stop bringing
behind my back, laughing at how sneaky he sick and tired of seeing people like this,” my kids to the mosques because it was
was putting the pork on my barbecue, but I which subsequently led to an argument. reinforcing their prejudice. My kids felt a lot
found it so disgusting and rude.” of barriers that were just reinforcing what
“[Another time I was at a wedding] and the my in-laws were saying.”
“I’m bringing this up because the worst part priest said, ‘Parishioners, you have to come
is, my brother-in-law just reminded me of to the church! It’s very important that we But, looking forward, Sonia has these
this last month in a very rude way ... it was keep our faith as most of our people are words of encouragement and resolve: “In
offensive. His wife doesn’t eat fish and we converting to Islam and the next thing you the Quran it says we made you into different
all love fish and seafood, but whenever I am know … Islam is going to take away all of our tribes so that we can know one another.
invited to her house, I never bring fish or provisions!” There is a huge benefit in knowing one
lamb … it’s a form of respect. But when it another.”
comes to my house, because I am brown and While Sonia has never tried to exclude
Muslim it’s complete contempt and there’s no her in-laws from her family, she did try to “My message for people going through
respect.” raise her children Muslim and introduce Islamophobia is that you have to speak up!
her children to an Islamic way of life and I was quiet for 30 years and I regret allowing
Sonia says she doesn’t want to isolate her the mosque. For the moment, however, it them to sideline me and marginalize me. We
in-laws or cut them off. On the contrary, seems that her children have chosen not to have to know how to speak up and address
she tries to make constant efforts to develop their Islamic faith. the situation with respect. It’s not okay to be
appease them. “I try my best to host dinners treated like that.”
that will blow my extended family away. I Despite Sonia’s best efforts, her extended *Note: Sonia is a pseudonym given to protect the identity
always buy the most expensive meats so they family constantly tempted her children of the participant.

Sara
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Sara is a hard-working woman who is “They especially like to cherry-pick some anymore, they are still in their minds and that
happily married with a six-year-old son. parts of the religion to spread hate and is still bothersome. Things haven’t changed.”
She is raising him to be proud of his show Islam is not very inclusive for women.
culture and religion so that he can stand These are just some of the xenophobic and In order to feel safe, Sara says she needs
up for himself and his community. While Islamophobic comments I have heard at the government to take steps to ensure
Sara has lived most of her adult life in work: there are regulations for hate speech that
Canada without experiencing any direct actually have real-world consequences
Islamophobia, around 2017 she began “Muslim women from Pakistan and so that people will be afraid to speak out
to experience a significant amount of Afghanistan aren’t allowed to study or get of line in their social circles. “Right now
Islamophobia after taking a job with the educated.” people know there are no consequences
Alberta government. Whether it’s the and that they can say whatever they want
lack of diversity in her office or the non- “Muslim women have no rights.” and get away with it … even if it is brought
inclusive mentality of her coworkers, Sara up to HR there won’t be any real results. We
has struggled to carry out her job without “What are you going to tell your child about can have positive and healthy discussion,
hearing Islamophobic comments. Christmas or Halloween? You’re not going to but there need to be laws and regulations
celebrate? He is going to feel left out.” that hold people accountable if they engage
“People just casually bring up these in hate speech.”
comments in workplace small talk or even “When you move to Canada you have to
email exchanges. At first, I didn’t want to adapt to how we live here.” For those who are experiencing
jump into many of these discussions since I Islamophobia, especially in a work
was new at the job and still looking for full- “Muslim women wear hijab and want to be environment, Sara has a word of
time work and I didn’t want to jeopardize my allowed to go like that to swimming pools, encouragement: “Keep doing what you are
career. But these comments are constantly but we aren’t changing our customs for doing and don’t get discouraged by people
raised, right in front of me, even though they you.” like this. We have to try to have healthy
know I am from Pakistan and that I am a discussions and respond in a positive rather
Muslim. I think because of my name and the “What drives me crazy is that some of than negative way. We should smother their
way I look they thought I wasn’t that religious the people making these comments are hate with kindness. That’s the only way to
and I would be okay with their comments immigrants themselves … and while there break through some of the personalities that
or critiques. They tell me not to take their was anti-oppression training at work after I are being divisive.”
comments personally, but if you know who I brought up the issue to management, many
am and where I come from, you should know didn’t attend the training. Honestly, even if
that of course I’m going to take it personally.” they aren’t making the comments as much

Sukaina
TORONTO, ONTARIO
Sukaina, which she pronounces Sakina, is Sakina’s mom had the beautiful name However, this dress and clear expression
an occupational therapist and founder of an of Zaibun, but everyone just called her of her religious identity meant that, back
organization called SMILE. The nonprofit ‘Z’. Her father’s name was Essak, which home, Sakina was much more of a target
stands at the intersection between ableism got changed to Issac for everyone’s than before. Following the 2005 Charlie
and Islamophobia and exists to help convenience. For school, Sakina’s mom Hebdo cartoon furore and terror attack in
families get help for services that they used to give them only Western food for France, Sakina and a friend were attacked
were otherwise uniformed about. lunches, such as peanut butter and jelly in the women’s bathrooms at Hart House
sandwiches, so that they didn’t stand out at the University of Toronto, by someone
In her field of work, Sakina could see that amongst the others. screaming and grabbing at their clothing3.
Muslim families with kids who have Downs
Syndrome or cerebral palsy were not only “My parents always told us to do our best Remembering the incident vividly, Sakina
being kept uninformed about available to fit in,” Sakina says. “My parents always said: “This individual and group of friends
services, they would often get asked told us to put our heads down if someone were swearing, saying, ‘Go back to the f***
prejudicial questions such as whether the was racist and just smile because they to where you came from’ —but the part that
mother and father of the child were related had this idea that we were in their space hurt the most is that no one said anything.
— an issue which had little to do with the as immigrants. My parents grew up in We were in [the foyer,] where everyone
above conditions. poverty and really struggled to come to congregated; there were people eating and
Canada, but me and my sister didn’t have drinking and no one said anything. We felt so
Sakina and her husband moved back to the same experiences and didn’t share their humiliated we put our heads down and went
Canada in 2016 when Trump got elected in philosophy.” to campus police, but campus police didn’t
the States — hoping to avoid the increasing say anything.”
racism during his tenure — only for the One expression of this different and
Quebec mosque shooting to happen. While more assertive approach is that Sakina’s “To be honest, the part I remember most was
she had been telling her husband how son is called Hamza, and if anyone that they said something about the [Charlie
much more tolerant and accepting Canada mispronounces it, he has been taught Hebdo] cartoon. I knew what the person was
was, Sakina was startled by the volume to correct the mispronunciation. And talking about but I didn’t understand what I
and frequency of anti-Muslim hatred when her son’s teacher said she didn’t had to do with it.”
brewing in Canadian society. understand the Muslim festival of Eid,
Sakina and her son made sure to teach her. Continuing her train of thought, Sakina
Since returning to Canada, Sakina has said: “I had another racist incident on the
been trying to assess how the expression With a desire to teach her kids pride in who plane. I had my Quran out and somebody
of Islamophobia might have changed and they are, Sakina and her sister Akila even made a racist comment [about being a
also the different ways minorities now took the initiative to write a representative terrorist,] and I wasn’t even phased. I was
respond to the overt or structural racism prayer book for children2. just like cool, cool… and I just kept reading.
they encounter. But it seems like it’s all getting worse.”
Part of Sakina’s process of rediscovering
Brought up in Southwestern Ontario, her Muslim identity was taking a trip back Sakina also recounts how through her
Sakina’s parents had immigrated to Canada to her parents’ country of origin, Tanzania, work at SMILE, she encountered a teacher
from Tanzania. As first generation Muslim where she started wearing the long black berating a young disabled child for wearing
immigrants — the overall survival and gown (‘abaya’) common to many Muslim a long gown because it was supposedly
coping strategy was “heads down” and “fit cultures. “The abaya is a really beautiful oppressive and that she would “stand
in” at all costs. thing. It’s just the look. I started wearing it out more.” The little girl was very upset
… it wasn’t a religious thing. It was just a because she enjoyed wearing the gown as
cultural thing.” it reminded her of her home in Syria. “I said
2. https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-bedtime-prayer-for-peace/9780615902432-item.html
3. Read more here: https://iqna.ir/en/news/1482633/racist-attacks-targets-canadian-muslims-

to my colleague, we have Bill 21, and then
we are expecting to have good conversations
with a teacher. The problem is we are fighting
a fight knowing full well that politicians
have been silent on this. The teacher herself
quoted Bill 21 — what do you say to that?”
Her message to political leaders is: “We

need action. We really don’t need to hear
‘our thoughts and prayers’ one more time.
We need to feel safe and secure. There have
been a ton of false promises. We need action
to change this.”
All this adversity, however, has done

nothing but build Sakina’s faith.
“Islamophobia has made me want to speak
up about my faith since nothing in my faith is
responsible for this. We held onto faith and
this is how we get through these incidents,”
she says.
Addressing her community, Sakina says:

“To our community I would say we are a
strong community — any difference that
we have we need to put aside and stand
up united because this impacts all of us. It
doesn’t matter what community we are a
part of — it impacts all of us, including our
children and our parents. We are resilient.
We should be really proud of ourselves.
People should know our stories and our
histories. We shouldn’t hide. It’s taken me
my whole life to come to this conclusion.”

Postscript
+ +
Anonymity due to Fear of Islamophobia is Gendered
Repercussions
Almost half of those we interviewed It has been said that Muslim women This trend of gendered Islamophobia can be
wished to retain their anonymity in the bear the brunt of Islamophobia. While seen in our report, as the majority of those
report. When our researcher probed as to Islamophobia operates based on “perceived who responded to our call for research
why they preferred to keep their identity Muslimness,” targeting all genders and even participants were women rather than men.
confidential, it was immediately obvious that non-Muslims who “look Muslim,” women Many of these women’s encounters with
in the majority of cases, these participants are disproportionately victimized by this Islamophobia revolved around their choice
were afraid of potential employment and phenomenon. In Canada, we have several to wear the hijab.
community repercussions arising from the laws that have been accused of being
information they were sharing. discriminatory, including the federal Zero We hear from Saleha, Aysha and Sukaina,
Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act who were all physically attacked for
Participants expressed that they were (2015), Quebec’s Bill 62 (2017), and more wearing hijab. We hear from Sanaa whose
not only afraid to share their experiences recently, Bill 21 (2019)4. teaching career is in jeopardy simply for
publicly for this report, but also afraid to wearing her hijab. Noura, who is a driving
share their employment discrimination All of these laws fixate upon Muslim women instructor in Edmonton, admits “I notice a
experiences with their bosses or human as their primary target, perpetuating difference in the behaviour of drivers on the
resources departments. Sara describes her Orientalist imaginations of Muslim women street when I have a student who wears hijab.
situation as one where, “Right now people as ‘oppressed’ and in need of ‘saving’ from There is more road rage directed towards
know there are no consequences … even if it the State. These laws and their related them, from harassment to tailgating to getting
is brought up to HR there won’t be any real discussions5 are obsessive about the the middle finger. I’ve had so many close calls
results.” And, in the case of Noura, she feels prohibition of the hijab and/or the niqab. that for one student who wears the niqab,
unable to report her government coworkers’ As a result, many visibly Muslim women I actually purposely tried to avoid certain
remarks since there is a tension between in Canada — those that wear the hijab neighbourhoods because I knew I would be
herself and her line manager who has and/or niqab — are disproprortionately placing her in danger if she were to drive
also singled her out for her religion in the experiencing anti-Muslim violence. through there.” These incidents are a direct
past. A denial and lack of any recognition consequence of gendered Islamophobia in
of the problem — let alone any HR support Canadian society.
structures to help victims deal with issues
— is reminiscent and very similar to the
harassment women workers in offices and
workplaces have faced for decades.
And the fact that many participants opted

to retain their anonymity in this report also
indicates that they are likewise feeling
pressured to keep private their experiences
of Islamophobia in their work and in their
public lives. As such, these incidents —like
many others — are failing to be reported
and will remain unchallenged. This speaks
to the insidious, and often unspoken,
nature of Islamophobia, which in many
cases forces its victims into silence. It also
highlights the need for better reporting
mechanisms that take into account the
emotional, financial and physical safety of
those reporting anti-Muslim hate crimes.
4. https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Religion/Islamophobia-AntiMuslim/Civil%20Society%20or%20Individuals/Noor-ICLMG-ISSA.pdf
5. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-barbaric-cultural-practices-law-1.3254118

Postscript Cont’d
+ + +
Islamophobia is Being Normalized Islamophobia is a Form of Systemic Islamophobia Brings Muslims
Racism Closer to their Faith
Notably, nearly every single person we The interviews we conducted have once When asked if Islamophobia has had
interviewed for this report prefaced the again proven that Islamophobia is a form any impact on their faith, participants
discussion with statements like, “I’m of systemic racism. The data sample we responded that the hatred and
not that much of a victim,” or, “I haven’t received demonstrates that it is not isolated discrimination they have faced only brought
experienced that much discrimination to one realm or level of society. Anti-Muslim them closer to God.
compared to others.” While much of this hatred and discrimination is occurring
could be a demonstration of humility, it amongst all age groups at schools and As Saleha told us, “Whenever someone
became clear from the interviews that universities, places of employment, grocery challenges my faith, I see it as an opportunity
hatred and discrimination has become stores, backyards, in airport security, on for me to learn.” This general sentiment was
so routine in Canada that many victims sports teams, and at the dinner table. echoed by all the participants, who when
felt these experiences are simply to be The media has a symbiotic relationship with faced with hurtful remarks about their
expected when living as a minority in the Islamophobic side of society with each religion felt compelled to do more research
Canadian society. one feeding and fuelling the other. Many to better understand their faith. Many, when
participants articulated how they felt the faced with discrimination, turned back for
This normalization is evident as media plays a huge role in being a driving inspiration to the stories around Prophet
participants often did not consider force that dramatizes negative stereotypes Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬and the trials he overcame.
incidents such as discrimination at work, of Muslims, which then seep into everyday
microaggressions at school or racist life and institutions. Through each individual’s articulation
remarks at the dinner table as being of their personal experiences and their
worthy of being mentioned alongside the Muslim identity, we see that Islamophobia
physicial attacks we hear about in the is not breaking down survivors, but, on
media. the contrary, serves to increase their
resilience and move them towards a deeper
Islamophobia, however, is a continuum of understanding of their faith.
aggression and hatred with every incident
— big or ostensibly small — emboldening
the next. As Aymen Derbali pointed out in
his interview, we need to be aware of the
gravity of all incidents. “Before the terrorist
attack on the mosque, we noticed some hate
crimes at the mosque … for example, the
month of Ramadan right before the attack,
after the prayer we found a pig head …
another time we found graffiti at the back of
the mosque … it was like a sign of what was
to come.”
Accepting any form of hatred or intolerance

— no matter how small one might think it
is — legitimizes Islamophobia and gives a
space for this hatred to foster and grow.

Manifestations of
Islamophobia in Canada
& The Government’s
Response
Islamophobic attacks in Canada and around the world continue to rise. Despite increasing levels
of anti-Muslim hatred and heartbreaking domestic terrorist attacks against Muslim Canadian
citizens, Islamic Relief Canada believes this issue has still not yet received proper attention from
our political leaders. This position was expressed almost universally by those we interviewed
for this report. When asked if the government has done enough to combat Islamophobia in
Canada, the answer from our participants was a unanimous and unfortunate, “No.”

The Pervasive Problem
of Rising Islamophobia in Canada
Currently, Canada leads the world in bullying, casual racism at the dinner table Though understanding of the political
publishing far-right, white supremacist or in the schoolyard, verbal abuse and sensitivities, research participants felt
online content —surpassing even the U.K. harassment, property vandalizations, strongly that the federal government needs
and the US in spreading extremism online6. employment discrimination, systemic to do more to address Bill 21; they felt
According to Statistics Canada, while the discrimination, physical assault and near that, at a minimum, the government should
number of faith-motivated hate crimes loss of life. condemn the law as unconstitutional
reported to police in 2019 decreased and a violation of the Charter of Rights
overall by 7 percent compared to the year Notably, as seen in Sanaa’s story, and Freedoms. There is growing support
before, anti-Muslim hate crimes increased Islamophobia has manifested itself as amongst Canadians for this position.
by 9 percent from 166 to 181 incidents. institutionalized discrimination in the
province of Quebec, where Muslim women Already, many local municipalities in
StatCan acknowledges that the true figure who wear the hijab are unable to work Ontario — including Brampton, Toronto,
is a significantly higher number, as over in government positions, including as and London — have all passed motions
two-thirds of incidents go unreported7. teachers, doctors or lawyers due to Bill 21. condemning Quebec’s law against religious
In fact, the majority of the hate crimes Many of those we interviewed expressed symbols and have provided financial
mentioned by participants in this report their frustration with the religious support for the legal battle against this
were not reported due to a lack of discrimination enshrined in Bill 21. legislation8. Victoria recently joined these
confidence in authorities, a belief that Ontario municipalities in financing the
victims would not be taken seriously, and They are not alone, as a number of human legal challenge to Bill 21. As of January
fear of retaliation or repercussions. rights groups and civil liberty associations 2021, Calgary and Winnipeg are likewise
have condemned Bill 21 as discriminatory. considering donating amounts in the tens
Many of those we interviewed remarked In fact, the National Council of Canadian of thousands for the legal case9.
that they noticed the uptick in Islamophobia Muslims (NCCM) in partnership with the
in recent years. They spoke to a variety of World Sikh Organization and the Canadian
ways this hatred is manifesting in Canada Civil Liberties Association, are currently
and may not be captured in Statistics contesting the legality of this legislation in
Canada data, including through online court.
“Currently, Canada leads

the world in publishing far-right, white
supremacist online content...”
6. https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/canadian-right-wing-extremism-online-1.5617710
7. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2021001/article/00002-eng.htm
8. https://globalnews.ca/news/8456407/brampton-toronto-fight-quebec-bill-21/
9. https://www.vicnews.com/news/victoria-joins-canadian-cities-financing-legal-challenge-of-quebecs-religious-symbols-ban/

Canada’s Response to
the Challenge of Islamophobia
While over the past five years, the These recommendations include: Throughout our research interviews in
Canadian government has taken a series this report, we not only asked participants
of key symbolic steps toward combating 1. The establishment of a national about their experiences with Islamophobia,
Islamophobia (see figure 1), much reporting hotline on Islamophobia and but also their opinion on the government’s
remains to be done in order to uproot this other hate crimes; response and any future policy changes to
discrimination from Canadian society and 2. Strengthening of existing race and hate address Islamophobia.
institutions. crime legislation;
3. Partnerships with universities and local Their responses indicated a general
To date, the most recent state action has community organizations to establish a discontent with what they perceive
been the federal government’s decision national research lab on Islamophobia to be government inaction on the
to appoint a Special Representative on and; Islamophobia file. Participants also
Islamophobia (Dec. 2021). This was initiated 4. Improving public awareness through expressed support for Islamic Relief
in response to the National Emergency education and launching public Canada’s recommendations throughout
Summit on Islamophobia (July 2021), and awareness campaigns about Islam and their personal articulations of the various
is consistent with recommendations from Muslims through radio, television, and formulations of policy changes they would
Islamic Relief Canada and the NCCM. social media. like to see the federal government enact.
Alongside the NCCM and other prominent

Muslim organizations, Islamic Relief
Canada was invited to attend the Summit
and submit our recommendations for
cross-party review (see appendix).
FIGURE 1
Timeline of the Canadian Government’s Response to Islamophobia in Canada
OCTOBER JANUARY JULY

2016 2021 2021
The House of Commons The federal government The federal government holds
passes a unanimous declares January 29th, the a private emergency cross-
consent motion condemning anniversary of the Quebec party national summit on
Islamophobia introduced by City mosque massacre, Islamophobia
Former NDP Leader Thomas as a National Day of
Mulcair Remembrance and Action
against Islamophobia
FEBRUARY JUNE DECEMBER

2017 2021 2021
Following the Quebec Following the London attack, The federal
City mosque massacre, the House of Commons government commits
the House of Commons passes an NDP motion to hold to appointing a Special
passes Liberal Motion 103 a national emergency summit Envoy on Islamophobia
condemning Islamophobia on Islamophobia
and commissioning report on
Islamophobia, and all forms
of systemic racism and
discrimination

Canada’s Response to
the Challenge of Islamophobia Cont’d
+ +
The establishment of a national Establish a national research lab on
reporting hotline on Islamophobia Islamophobia
and other hate crimes
Many of those we interviewed emphasized “I think fighting Islamophobia
In speaking with Aymen Derbali, survivor their desire to see more government is not only a task for Muslims,
of the Quebec City mosque attack, he resources allocated to understanding it should be seen as a national
reiterated the need to report each the phenomenon of Islamophobia in task for all citizens to fight
and every hate crime when it occurs. working toward developing more proactive against this — Islamophobia
Recognizing that this can be a difficult task, prevention policies. Establishing a national and all forms of racism and
he believes we need concrete mechanisms research lab would enable the government discrimination.”
and reporting tools such as a “national to collect evidence-based data on the root
hotline or phone number” so that citizens causes of Islamophobia in order to produce
can actually help the government fight effective counter-programming and create
against Islamophobia by easily reporting lasting systemic change.
its occurrences. “We don’t need to hear ‘our
thoughts and prayers’ one
more time. We need to feel safe
and secure.”
+ +
Strengthening of existing race and Improving public awareness
hate crime legislation through education and launching
public awareness campaigns
As mentioned above, many we spoke to “The government needs to do
were apprehensive to report any of their Perhaps the most common issue that was something right now; they need
experiences to authorities — even if they raised by all participants, was the need for to make a difference and make
were violent attacks — because they felt greater public awareness. Individuals felt the Muslim community feel like
that there is no legal recourse or real- that our governments and communities we have their support.”
world consequences attached to the crimes need to promote better understanding
committed against them. Participants about Islam and Muslims so that Canadians
repeatedly emphasized the need for will learn that Muslims share universal
penalties in order to prevent people from human values and are deserving of the
actively engaging in hate crimes and same respect and consideration afforded “People change — we just need
encouraging Islamophobic hate speech. to other communities. In order to achieve to make the effort to educate
this, participants called for more exposure them.”
to the Muslim community, for politicians
to be more present in Muslim settings,
and for investment into public awareness
initiatives and educational reforms. These
would be key to a long-term proactive
approach that would seek to make
Islamophobia an unacceptable form of
racism within all sectors of society.

What Can You Do to
Respond to Islamophobia?
“We have a great duty on our backs. [It is] not only the duty of the government but us as citizens.
It is our duty as citizens to help the government … If we witness a hate crime … we have to
report it … We need to protect each other from any kind of discrimination or Islamophobia.”
Aymen Derbali, Quebec City survivor
Islamophobia is not just a “Muslim” issue — it is a Canadian problem of injustice, inequality and discrimination facing Canadian
citizens of all backgrounds. While government legislation is an important starting point to address this problem, as Aymen
articulated in his interview, we all have a responsibility as individuals and communities to challenge this form of racism and
discrimination wherever it is encountered.
So what can we do as individuals and communities to respond to Islamophobia? Based on what we heard from participants, here
are just a few examples of steps we can take:
+ Shut down dinner table racism. Anti-Muslim + Encourage your workplaces to provide diversity
narratives are often perpetuated casually in training.
conversations at the dinner table, at the office,
or online. While these forms of Islamophobia + Get to know your Muslim neighbours and make an
may seem the least harmful, they are the most effort to understand more about Islam.
insidious and lead to the normalization of
Islamophobia in mainstream society. + Report hate crimes when you witness them taking
place.
+ Hold the media and public figures accountable
for promoting Islamophobic tropes.
+ Urge the government to take immediate action

on Islamophobia and repeal legislation that
unfairly targets or singles out the Muslim
community.
+ Encourage educators to incorporate the

experiences, perspectives and words of Muslim
people into their curriculum.

Conclusion
Although the federal government made a On this 2nd National Day of Remembrance learn from each other’s similarities and
series of commitments towards fighting and Action against Islamophobia and the differences.
Islamophobia at the National Summit (July 5th anniversary of the Quebec City mosque
2021), only two of over a dozen participants attack, Islamic Relief Canada calls on the This commitment remains despite all that
interviewed had any knowledge that this government to reflect upon the gravity of they have been through; each individual
summit had even taken place. Islamophobia in Canada and immediately we spoke to was hopeful that with more
take all necessary actions to tackle education, proper legislation and more
Those that had heard about the summit Islamophobia and its root causes — through public engagement, attitudes will change
lacked information around the outcomes both practice and policy. and we will build a better country together
and commitments that were made, which based upon universal values of love, peace
shows a worrying disconnect between the The government can begin by honouring and harmony.
government and the community. the commitments made at the National
Summit on Islamophobia, and partnering Islamic Relief Canada shares this hope and
As our report indicates, many Canadians with relevant stakeholders and community believes that with consistency, persistence
across the country still do not feel at liberty organizations to establish a national and determination, God willing, this can be
to truly express themselves, nor do they research lab on Islamophobia. our Canada.
feel safe within their own communities.
While many are pleased by the preliminary Throughout our interviews, participants
steps taken by the government, they lack repeated their commitment towards
confidence in the government implementing building a better Canada, largely because it
the concrete measures necessary to is a country where multiculturalism thrives
practically address the issue on the ground. and citizens from all backgrounds have
the opportunity to know one another and

Appendix
Islamic Relief Canada’s Recommendations to the Federal Government
re: National Action Summit on Islamophobia (July 2021)
1. Establish a working definition of Islamophobia through a six-month consultative process with

key community stakeholders and town hall meetings. We need a unified broad-based definition of
Islamophobia supported by universities, political parties, civil society, and Muslim organizations. In this
context, all such measures should be adopted with the perspective of not protecting a religion — but,
rather, protecting believers and others associated with a religion. Any definition should relate to the
protections afforded by the legal definition of racism — but here extended to apply to the racialization of a
community associated with Muslims and Islam.
2. The federal government must initiate a plan to strengthen race and hate crime legislation under the
criminal code.
3. The federal government should establish a national reporting hotline on Islamophobia and other hate
crimes. In our discussions, many individuals told us that there is a lack of know-how on reporting anti-
Muslim hate, and there is a fear that reports would not be acted upon or taken seriously by relevant
parties. Any such hotline should be inclusive of all hate crimes and should be heavily advertised and
accessible. It should respect anonymity and work with the necessary public safety bodies across the
country. All data should be disaggregated and presented monthly by this body to analyze trends and
patterns — including information on non-Muslims affected by Islamophobia. (It might be preferable for
the hotline to be managed by an NGO, Muslim or non-Muslim so that people are not intimidated in any way
— but with adequate government funding).
4. The federal government should immediately launch an independent investigation into the Canada
Revenue Agency’s (CRA) unfair profiling of Islamic charities for audits. A report released by the
National Council of Canadian Muslims/University of Toronto and the International Civil Liberties
Monitoring Group shows evidence of the CRA targeting Muslim charities in audits. As one of the world’s
most prominent Muslim NGOs, we consider the findings of this report very concerning and feel that it
undermines the intentions and commitment of Canadian Muslims to humanitarian causes both here
and overseas. The reports by the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the International Civil
Liberties Monitoring Group together provide vital recommendations that the government must act upon
immediately to remove the practical targeting and social stigmatization of Muslim charities.
5. In partnership with universities and local community organizations, the federal government should
establish a national research lab on Islamophobia. The purpose of the lab would be to collect evidence-
based research and data on Islamophobia, conduct extensive research into root causes, and provide
recommendations on effective counter-programming.

Appendix Cont’d
Islamic Relief Canada’s Recommendations to the Federal Government
re: National Action Summit on Islamophobia (July 2021)
6. In partnership with media institutions and local governments, the federal government should commit to
working with community organizations to launch public awareness campaigns about Islam and Muslims
through radio, television, and social media. Local governments should pave the way to outfit public
transport and other public venues with decals that raise awareness of Islam and Canadian Muslims. Such
campaigns have been successful in the United Kingdom in bridging gaps and educating communities on
Muslims, as well as in raising awareness about hate crimes and how to report them.
7. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments should implement systemic changes to eliminate
Islamophobia in police services and national security agencies. In our conversations, many individuals
told us that when they reported incidents in the past, they have often been dismissed and not taken
seriously. All hate and anti-Muslim hate incidents should be actioned by police, with the relevant
authorities being held accountable for failures to act on reports. Authorities should also be working
closely with the national hotline (mentioned in point 3).
8. Provincial governments should include anti-Islamophobia awareness and basic learning on religions/
religious communities in Canada in education curriculums.
9. The federal government should allocate funding to an organization (such as the National Council of
Canadian Muslims) specializing in handling Islamophobia and diversity to devise and roll out a training
program for faith-based and other community organizations. The training should cover all forms of
hate, such as islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia and should include education around relevant
legislation and language. All organizations that receive government funding for programs should be
mandated to undergo training as part of their contractual agreements.
10. We need a revision of the national security threat assessment and stricter controls on countering,
preventing and banning white supremacy in Canada. Currently, Canada is among the top producers
of online hate content from white supremacist groups. Governments should be clear on where Canada
stands on white supremacy. We need more security, better preventative measures, and a crackdown on
groups and individuals promoting white supremacist ideology. This includes continuing to add more white
supremacist groups to the terrorist entities list. Currently, the terrorist threat disproportionately and
inaccurately primarily focuses on Muslim and racialized communities.


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In Their

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 1

Lead Researcher and Author

Miranda Gallo | Policy, Research and Advocacy Advisor

Mashaal Saeed | Communications Specialist

© Islamic Relief Canada, 2022

2 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

24 Manifestations of Islamophobia in Canada

30 Appendix - IRC Recommendations to the Emergency

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 1

2 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 3

Photo Credit: The Montreal Gazette

4 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 5

Untold Stories People should know

in Canada to this conclusion.”

6 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 7

8 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

Aysha has lived in Calgary for over

AYSHA | CALGARY, ALBERTA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 9

SALEHA | ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA

10 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

AYMEN DERBALI | QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 11

12 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

HAMZA | ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 13

As Nabil began to get more involved with

The situation only worsened as Nabil began

14 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

ZAHRA | TRONTO, ONTARIO

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 15

16 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 17

18 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 19

20 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

Her message to political leaders is: “We

All this adversity, however, has done

Addressing her community, Sakina says:

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 21

And the fact that many participants opted

22 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

Accepting any form of hatred or intolerance

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 23

24 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

“Currently, Canada leads

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 25

Alongside the NCCM and other prominent

OCTOBER JANUARY JULY

FEBRUARY JUNE DECEMBER

26 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 27

Aymen Derbali, Quebec City survivor

+ Urge the government to take immediate action

+ Encourage educators to incorporate the

28 ISL AMIC RELIEF CANADA

IN THEIR WORDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF ISL AMOPHOBIA IN CANADA 29

1. Establish a working definition of Islamophobia through a six-month consultative process with