La SIM appelle à des actions concrètes
Dans le cadre de la journée internationale de lutte contre l’islamophobie, observée par l’Onu le 15 mars, la Société Islamique de Maurice (SIM) appelle à des actions concrètes pour combattre ce phénomène grandissant.
Ci-après le message intégral de la SIM :
Uniting Against Islamophobia: SIM Calls to Action on International Day to Combat Islamophobia. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is imperative that we stand together against the rising tide of Islamophobia, a form of discrimination that has far-reaching consequences for individuals and societies alike. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to foster understanding, tolerance, and respect among diverse communities.
Islamophobia is a deeply rooted and pervasive prejudice that manifests in various forms, from discriminatory policies to harmful stereotypes perpetuated by media and public discourse. At its core, Islamophobia reflects a lack of understanding and misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims, leading to unwarranted fear, prejudice, and even violence.
The newly elected president of Societe Islamique de Maurice (SIM), Mr Abtaheebh Sullymanjeeajee, stated “It is essential to distinguish between legitimate criticism and the unjust targeting of an entire religion and its followers.”
In a deep analysis of Islamophobia, Mr Abtaheebh continued “Islamophobia has currently become the driving force behind a genocide against muslim minorities.”
In fact, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to proclaim the 15th of March as the International Day to combat islamophobia, the same date when the Christchurch mosque shootings took place which led to 51 people killed during the Friday prayer in New Zealand. Likewise, several instances of Islamophobia have been reported across the world in recent years, namely:
Charlie Hebdo caricatures (France)
The French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has persistently published cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) despite calls for respect.
Uighur Muslim persecution (China, ongoing)
China has faced international criticism for its treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang province. Reports of mass detentions, surveillance, and human rights abuses have raised concerns about religious freedom and discrimination.
Rohingya Muslim persecution (Myanmar, ongoing)
The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group in Myanmar, have faced persecution and violence, leading to displacement and a refugee crisis. Reports include widespread human rights abuses, discrimination, and religious persecution.
Headscarf bans (Several European countries)
Some European countries have implemented laws banning headscarf (hijab).
These bans have been criticized for targeting Muslim women and restricting their religious expression. Hate crimes against Muslims (Various countries) Numerous incidents of hate crimes against Muslims have been reported globally. These range from verbal abuse and physical assaults to vandalism of mosques. The motives often involve anti-Muslim sentiment. Discrimination against Muslims in India (ongoing) Reports have highlighted instances of discrimination and violence against Muslims in India, particularly in the context of citizenship laws and political tensions. Punish a Muslim Day letters (United Kingdom, 2018) In 2018, anonymous letters encouraging violence against Muslims were distributed in several cities in the United Kingdom. The letters declared April 3 as “Punish a Muslim Day,” urging recipients to carry out various harmful actions. “We feel concern that Islamophobia is being institutionalized in some countries due to counterterrorism policies, refugee and immigration policies and other legislation enacted which are disproportionate against Muslims”, said Mr Abtaheebh.
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia serves as a crucial opportunity for individuals, communities, and nations to come together in solidarity against discrimination. It is a day to reflect on the shared values that bind humanity and to reiterate our commitment to creating a world where religious beliefs are respected. SIM believes that by fostering global solidarity, we can break down the barriers that perpetuate ignorance and hatred, paving the way for a more harmonious coexistence. SIM, through its President, calls for the following actions by various institutions:
- Governments, educational institutions, and community organizations must work collaboratively to implement curricula that promote understanding and tolerance. By fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect, we can challenge the roots of Islamophobia and build a foundation for a more enlightened society.
- Journalists and content creators have a duty to provide accurate and nuanced representations of Islam and Muslims, avoiding sensationalism and perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. By promoting diverse narratives and showcasing the positive contributions of Muslims to society, media can play a pivotal role in combating Islamophobia.
- Nations, organizations, and individuals are urged to unite against discrimination, irrespective of cultural, religious, or geopolitical differences. By standing together, we can send a powerful message that prejudice and hatred have no place in our interconnected world. Through collaborative efforts, we can create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Combatting Islamophobia requires more than just awareness; it necessitates tangible changes in policy and legislation. SIM calls upon Governments around the world to enact and enforce laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on religion. This includes addressing discriminatory practices in areas such as employment, education, and public services.
SIM appeals to the Mauritian population to encourage a cordial, collaborative and respectful intra communal relationship and not to use our differences to create animosity and chaos with the intention of promoting vested interests.
This Ramadan, SIM is conducting interfaith programmes in 5 mosques across the country as a means to foster better understanding of Islam and its precepts.
(For more info, check fb: Société Islamique de Maurice and www.simoi.org)
