Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM)

Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is itself a form of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness. It is not limited to isolated acts of hatred or discrimination but extends to broader attitudes, stereotypes, and systemic biases directed at Muslims. Islamophobia is underpinned by irrational hostility that manifests through negative assumptions, prejudice, and exclusionary practices. These attitudes are not based on evidence or logic but on deeply ingrained misconceptions and fears about Islam and those perceived to be Muslim.

According to the 2021 Census, there are approximately four million Muslims living in the UK, making Islam the second-largest and fastest-growing religion globally. As with any faith, expressions of Muslim identity are diverse adn this is reflected in differences in clothing, diet, language, cultural practice, and levels of observance. The Muslim community, like all others, is richly varied and forms an integral part of our shared society.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, a range of policies were introduced that disproportionately affected Muslims in their daily lives. Initiatives such as the PREVENT strategy and the compulsory teaching of “British Values” in schools were framed as promoting safety and cohesion but also conveyed a damaging message about who “belongs” in Britain. These measures, coupled with increased scrutiny and profiling, contributed to feelings of alienation among many Muslims and others perceived as “different” because of their names, appearance, or faith.

Sadly, many Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim report that today’s atmosphere in the UK feels as hostile and frightening as in the 1970s and 1980s. Incidents of vandalism against mosques, attacks on Muslim-owned businesses, and desecration of gravesites continue to occur.

Data from Tell MAMA (2023) shows that Muslim women are particularly targeted, accounting for nearly 65% of reported incidents in urban areas. There has also been a disturbing rise in reports of racially aggravated sexual assault and violence against women wearing hijabs or those perceived as Muslim. As of March 2025, Muslims were the victims in 45% of all recorded religion-based hate crimes, representing a 19% increase from the previous year and a 92% rise since 2023. Islamophobia is not confined to public spaces, it also manifests in workplaces, often intersecting with other forms of racism and discrimination.

The Anti-Racism Taskforce developed a set of resources to help activists and employers create safe and inclusive workplaces. Greater understanding and action are particularly needed at the intersection of race and religion.

The Anti-Racism Manifesto provides practical recommendations for short-, medium-, and long-term change. Examples of good practice across the movement include:

• Providing paid leave for staff to observe key religious events such as Eid.

• Ensuring quiet spaces are available for prayer and reflection.

• Organising Ramadan meals such as suhoor (pre-dawn) and iftar (after sunset) for shift workers.

• Holding union meetings in alcohol-free venues to ensure inclusivity.

These actions demonstrate how small, thoughtful adjustments can help create workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

In today’s climate of populist rhetoric and social division, it is vital that workplaces remain safe and inclusive. Using the Anti-Far Right Resources, union reps and members can engage in open, honest conversations about how the Far Right uses Muslims, migrants, and Black communities as “wedge issues” to sow division and weaken solidarity.

Dialogue backed by meaningful action must remain at the heart of trade unionism and anti-racism work. As activists, we have a collective responsibility to challenge Islamophobia, build understanding, and create workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive without fear or discrimination.

n.b There is an additional Muslim Heritage Month in March, created by Muslim Women’s Network UK more information can be found here: Muslim Heritage Month

Islamophobia Awareness Month: https://www.islamophobia-awareness.org/

The Guardian MPs urge minister to adopt definition of Islamophobia amid rise in hate crime | Islamophobia | The Guardian

There are many organisations operating in the reporting of incidents of Islamophobia/Anti-Muslim Hate across the UK, these include:

• Islamophobia UK Islamophobia UK - Report & Track Anti-Muslim Incidents Across Britain | Official Platform

• Tell MAMA - Tell Mama: Report in Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia

• Muslim Safety Net - MuslimSafetyNet

• The Muslim Council of Britain Report Islamophobia with the Muslim Council of Britain | Muslim Council of Britain

• The Islamophobia Response Unit Home - The Islamophobia Response Unit

To report incidences of Islamophobia/Anti-Muslim discrimination in the Media

• MEND: Tackling Islamophobia in the UK - Muslim Engagement and Development