Islamophobia and Extremism
by Tim Dieppe, Christian Concern:
Theresa May described Islamophobia as a form of extremism in her response to the Finsbury Park attack on Monday. Tim Dieppe comments on the relationship between Islamophobia and extremism and the risks to freedom of speech that this poses.
Another terrorist attack in London, this time carried out against innocent Muslims, some of whom bravely protected the attacker until the police arrived on the scene. Our thoughts go out to those affected – no one should have to fear walking on the streets at any time of day or night.
The attacker is not known to be part of any group, and it has been claimed that he attempted suicide a few weeks ago and asked to be sectioned.
Such a deplorable attack only plays into the hands of Islamic extremists by sowing division, encouraging hatred and anger, and providing excuses for revenge attacks. It also provokes condemnation of Islamophobia.
Is Islamophobia extremist?
Theresa May in her statement, clearly said that Islamophobia is a form of extremism:
“As I said here two weeks ago, there has been far too much tolerance of extremism in our country over many years – and that means extremism of any kind, including Islamophobia.”
It is notoriously difficult to define Islamophobia. Strictly speaking a ‘phobia’ is an irrational fear. Is it irrational to fear the growing influence of Islamic State in the world? What about the growing influence of radical Islam more generally, or the growing incidents of Islamic terrorism?
The danger is that legitimate criticism of Islam, Mohamed, or the Qur’an is deemed to be Islamophobic. In this way criticism of Islam or the teachings of Islam, could be prevented or silenced resulting in a serious restriction of free speech.
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