Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization (JITC)

Volume 13 Issue 1, Spring 2023

ISSN(P): 2075-0943 ISSN(E): 2520-0313
Homepage: https://journals.umt.edu.pk/index.php/JITC

Article QR

Historical Evolution and Prevention of Westophobia in Muslim

Title:
Societies
Muhammad Riaz Mahmood1, Mohammad Dilshad Mohabbat2, Hafiz Muhammad
Author (s):
Hammad3
1Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Affiliation (s): 2Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
3Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.131.21

Received: December 12, 2022, Revised: April 18, 2023, Accepted: May 26, 2023,
History: Published: June 20, 2023
Mahmood, Muhammad Riaz, Mohammad Dilshad Mohabbat, and Hafiz
Citation: Muhammad Hammad. “Historical Evolution and Prevention of Westophobia
in Muslim Societies.” Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization 13, no. 1
(2023): 308−319. https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.131.21

Copyright: © The Authors

Licensing: This article is open access and is distributed under the terms of
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Conflict of
Interest: Author(s) declared no conflict of interest

A publication of
Department of Islamic Thought and Civilization, School of Social Science and Humanities
University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
 Historical Evolution and Prevention of Westophobia in Muslim Societies
Muhammad Riaz Mahmood
Department of Islamic Thought, History and Culture,
Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Mohammad Dilshad Mohabbat
Department of History,
Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Hafiz Muhammad Hammad ∗
Department of Islamic Studies,
Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Abstract
Confrontational religious, economic, and political issues have created an intolerant environment
globally. The clashes between the worlds have not only disturbed and manipulated both civilizations
but also illustrated the faults on the global world. Therefore, the current study aims to analyze the
historical evolution of Westophobia in Muslim societies, which has evolved with the civilizations.
The opportunities, which can improved the situation, are also assessed in this intellectual debate.
Westophobia is a term used in civilizational discourses to refer to the fear that Muslim societies have
of the Western world. Many misconceptions and media propaganda’s are strengthening the
foundation of this negative attitude towards the West day by day. Different ideologies related to
religious extremism and the clash of civilizations have flourished because of the biased viewpoint of
people towards the Western ideology. Therefore, it is essentially important to stop this poisonous
thinking in order to promote sustainable peace and religious tolerance globally. Hence, Muslims
around the world face many challenges towards this fruitful activity. Generally, Islamophobia,
orientalism, and imperialism have gripped the religious and political circles of the West by creating
a rigid expression of the Muslim world. Therefore, the current study deployed a qualitative research
methodology to present to evaluate factors influencing Westphobia.
Keywords: clash of civilizations, Extremism, Imperialism, Islamophobia, Muslim propaganda,
Westophobia.
Introduction
Westophobia is a major cause of global hegemony between different civilizations, especially in
the Islamic and Western civilizations. To establish an atmosphere of peace and tolerance worldwide,
it is necessary to take effective and lasting measures to prevent the emerging controversial claims
about Westophobia. Clash of civilizations has caused different kinds of sentiments regarding Islam
and the West. To refute the hegemonic control of the West, Muslims do not accept the westernized
ways, whereas non-Muslims do not accept the ways of Muslims. Despite all this, there are some non-
extremist people in both classes who still want to bring these two civilizations together. Given the
status, there is a crucial need to reexamine the changing behaviors of both the nations to resolve the
critical challenges, which have long existed between them.
Many scholars have played their significant role in permeating the spirit of togetherness between
Muslims and the West. For this purpose, different books have been written on this subject with
different titles. Todd H. Green presented the book The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to

∗Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Hafiz Muhammad Hammad,

Department of Islamic Studies, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi at

[email protected]
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Islamophobia in the West 1 and investigates the context of Western views regarding Islam. This book
offered an introduction to the historical roots and contemporary anxiety regarding Islam within the
Western world. Zafar Iqbal wrote a similar book Islamophobia: History, Context, and
Deconstruction 2 and traced Islamophobia as a phenomenon from history to highlight some of the
myths and facts, which are dominant in contemporary literature. Peter Gottschalk and Gabriel
Greenberg wrote a book Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy 3 to describe the
misunderstandings between the West and Islam. In a likewise manner, Peter G. Riddell and Peter
Cotterell in Islam in Context: Past, Present, and Future 4 discuss the history of Islam, its basic
structure, and beliefs. Throughout this book, they explored the current division between Muslim
moderates and extremists to suggest a way forward. Ihsan Yilman and Paul Weller jointly presented
European Muslims, Civility and Public Life 5 to explain the challenges and opportunities faced by
Muslim in European society. They also discussed the Madrid train bombings incident of 2004 and
the London Transport attacks of 2005 in their book. Ziauddin Sardar and Robin Yassin-Kassab
collaboratively wrote Critical Muslims: The Idea of Islam. 6 In their book, they argued why Islamic
reform is necessary and introduced the historical roots of Islam within the Western world. Caroline
Cox wrote, The 'West', Islam, and Islamism 7 to encourage the mutual understanding between the
Islamic and Western worlds. Significantly, Edward W. Said contribution and analysis of Western
imperialism in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in his book Culture and Imperialism talks
about the traces of imperialism and culture in western subjects 8
To counter this situation, United Nations announced an International Day to Combat
Islamophobia on March 15, so, the world could know the importance of this leading issue through
this annual celebration. The United Nations has drawn the attention of the world towards
Islamophobia, but there are some challenges, which are rising in the form of Westophobia in Eastern
countries, especially in the Muslim world.
2. Historical Evolution of Westophobia in Muslim Societies
The term Westophobia is a combination of two words “west” and “phobia.” Phobia means
unreasonable fear and hatred. The word Xenophobia is used in English, which means having hatred
and fear of people from other countries. 9 The letter “O” in the term Westophobia is used only to
combine these two words. Thus, Westophobia means undue fear of the West, hatred, and negative
thinking about the people of the West. 10 It is important to have a historical review of the factors,
which led to the development of Westophobia. Among the characteristics of civilizations is that

1Todd H. Green, The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West (USA:
Augsburg Fortress Press, 2019).
2Zafar Iqbal, Islamophobia: History, Context and Deconstruction (Delhi: SAGE Publications

Pvt. Ltd., 2019).

3Peter Gottschalk, and Gabriel Greenberg, Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy (USA:

Maryland, Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield, 2008).

4Peter G. Riddell, and Peter Cotterell, Islam in Context: Past, Present, and Future (Washington

DC: Baker Academic, 2003).

5Ihsan Yilmaz, and Paul Weller, European Muslims, Civility and Public Life (Washington DC:

A&C Black Publisher, 2012).

6Ziauddin Sardar, and Robin Yassin-Kassab, Critical Muslim 2: The Idea of Islam (London:

Hurst and Co., 2012).

7Caroline Cox, The 'West,' Islam and Islamism (Charlottesville: Civitas Publisher, 2003).
8Edward W. Said, Culture and Imperialism (Ann Arbor: Knopf Publisher, 1993).
9Oxford Dictionary, “Xenophobia (zen-o-foh-bi-a),” Noun. Morbid dislike of Foreigners.
10Shahaab-un-Deen Sabeeli, Islamophobia: Tareef, Asbaab aur Haal (New Delhii: Eifa

Publication, 2011), 425.

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nations learn good lessons from each other. 11 In the following research an analysis of the historical
facts is conducted to better understand the term Westophobia.

2.1. Misconceptions and Propagandas through Media

Media is an important means of expressing people's emotions and feelings. Keeping information
about worldly affairs, and knowing the conditions of different nations living in the world. However,
unfortunately, by misusing this significant tool, an interspace and hatred have been created between
the globalized nations of the world. 12 CNN is a famous channel in America, whose reporting is
considered highly authoritative. Sometimes people who do not have proper knowledge regarding
Islam makes inappropriate comments about Islamic culture on this channel. 13 Therefore, Muslim’s
make a negative opinion of the Western world. Similarly, at times people use foul language regarding
Islamic religion and their practices by llabeling Muslims as terrorists to the entire world. 14 Nations
will remain socially backward if these hatreds and misunderstandings are not removed.
2.2. Religious Extremism
Religious extremism causes multi-dimensional disorders in the society. Unfortunately, some
religious circles interpret some religious teachings improperly, which are spreading hatred in
humankind. Such an example was noticed, while quoting the verse related to Jihad as mentioned in
the Qur’ān out of context to portray Muslims as terrorists. In the same way, many extremists, call-
out the Western subjection based on low knowledge, viewing their every good deed with suspicion
and criticism, calling them hellish and looking down on them. All of these misconceptions are
promoted by expressing false religious aggression. 15 It is these inappropriate interpretations, which
gave rise to Westophobia.
2.3. Islamophobia
Islamophobia is a term, which refers to having a negative attitude regarding Muslims for the last
50, or 60 years. Generally, this term was taken to target Islam as a sectarian religion. 16 In this context,
every good thing about Muslims was being rejected or hated due to fear or prejudice against the
religion Islam, such as equality, tolerance, human rights, and sacrifices given by Muslims to establish
peace and order globally. However, after the September 11 attack in the United States, the word
Islamophobia became a part of geopolitics. Islam is a religion of peace and order. Historically, Islam
has promoted justice, equality, brotherhood, and social and interfaith harmony wherever it became a
dominant sustained religion in the world. 17 It has given due honor to humanity and people by calling
it “Baani Adam”. Similarly, Islam has advised Muslim women to wear modest clothes to protect
them from society’s evil. 18 Instead, Westerns have rejected this religious obligation of Muslims as a
negative sign to ridicule Muslim civilization by considering this obligation as an obstacle to their
development. The negative attitudes caused by Islamophobia have made the people of the West even

11Samuel Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remarking of World Order (London:
Cambridge University Press, 1997), 315-16.
12Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Maghrib ky Muslaman [Western Muslims] (Islamabad: Iqbal

International Institute for Research and Dialogue, 2018), 179.

13Ibid., 185.
14Bernard Lewis, The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror (London: Modern Library,

2003), 56-57.
15Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Maghrib ky Muslaman [Western Muslims], 179.
16Saud Alam Qasmi, Aqliyaton ky Haqooq aur Islamophobia [Islamophobia and Minority

Rights] (New Delhi: Eifa Publisher, 2011), 425.

17Ibid., 451-52.
18Shafi Usmani, Maraif-ul-Qur’ān (Karachi: Dar-ul- Quran Publisher, 2003), 6/407.

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more violent. 19 As a result, Muslim places of worship have been desecrated in some of the Western
countries. Therefore, Muslim worshipers were attacked and martyred globally being considered as a
potential threat to the whole world. Such an example of hatred has been noticed in the west where a
Muslim female citizen was stabbed to death for wearing hijāb. 20 Due to this prejudiced thinking of
the Western people, Muslim countries have developed a negative image of the West, promoting
Westophobia in the Muslim world.
2.4. Orientalism
Orientalism is an imitation of the Eastern world, specifically a line of thinking which informs
about the languages, intellectual heritage, civilizations, societies, past, and present of the East,
especially the Muslims. Primarily, the aim of this knowledge was to actually get the knowledge of
the Eastern people. However, unfortunately, the purpose of this knowledge has become a weakening
point for Islam where the Westerns made baseless objections. Such reflections were seen in the
writings of the Orientalists. 21 Against Islam, especially the Holy Qur’ān the life of the Holy Prophet
(SAW) and his miracles were thoroughly rejected. 22 Many of these orientalists tried to prove that
there is no such thing as moderation in Islam through various false allegations and objections.
Therefore, the religion was introduced as an enemy in the West. 23 Considering, it a threat, all the
Holy places of Muslims were being desecrated. The anti-Islamic writings of the Orientalists incited
every Muslim to protest against this Western propaganda and subjection against them, which
provided a false information regarding Muslims such as leading to Islamophobia in the West and a
similar impression that the people of the East took from the actions of the Western people pertaining
it as Westophobia.

2.5. Imperialism
Imperialism refers to the interference of one country beyond its borders to maintain its authority
over another country. After World War II, the word imperialism was used for neo-colonies.
Interference in authority can be geographical, political, social, and cultural. 24 As a result, weak
countries lost their identity. The purpose of establishing neo-colonies was to expand the imperial
system. The prime objective of the imperialist system was to impose a policy to expand their powers
over weak countries in the form of loan conditions through financial institutions and hindering the
developmental projects in poor countries. 25 Additionally, British imperialism adversely affected the
subcontinent by destroying their social, economic, and political systems. 26 As a result, the people of
26F

the East today feel alienated from the people of the West. The imperialist system is giving birth to
deadly diseases like Westophobia.
2.6. Unjustifiable Support of Israel
Israel is known as the religious state of the Jews. However, the facts are quite opposite because
the founders of this state had their own political interests. Although those political interests could not

19Zahid-ur-Rashidi,Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman [Western Muslims], 183.

20JanGoodwin, Price of Honour: Muslim Women Lift the Veil of Silence on The Islamic World
(London: Warner Books, Little Brown and Company, 1994), 267-69.
21W. Montgomery Watt, What is Islam? (London: Oxford University Press, 1996), 67-70.
22Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman 160.
23Bernard Lewis, The Crisis of Islam, 82-5.
24Ibid., 51-3.
25Hasan Al-Ameen, Mazhab, Reyasat aur Simaaji Tabdeeliyaan [Religion, Politics and Social

Change] (Islamabad: Iqbal international Institute for Research and Dialogue, 2022), 275-79.
26M. Khalid Barook, Istimaari Fatohaat ka Tasalsul [Continuity of Imperial Conquests]

(Faisalabad: A-one Publisher, 2018), 178-80.

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be fully achieved. The establishment of the Israel state was necessary to prevent all Islamic countries
of the Middle East from getting united and to keep an eye on their military capabilities. 27 In the
beginning, there were some Jews but after World War II, when Hitler killed a massive number of
Jews, the Jews fled from different countries and took refuge in Israel and killed the Muslims, which
were residing there. Jews occupied various Islamic countries because of their prejudice and brutal
killing. Economically they were intruding into the global economy to emerge as a new power. Israel
continued its hostile attacks on other developing countries especially Muslim countries in different
ways to maintain its power and terror. However, Israel got unnecessary support from United Nations
even for its injustice. 28 Additionally, this attitude of the Western people fueled the racist and
discriminating thoughts, like Westophobia in the Muslim societies.
2.7. Muslim Minorities in the West
A considerable number of Muslims went to the West for their bread and butter and then settled
there. The West claims to give equal rights to human beings regardless of having any religion,
however, the reality was completely opposite. 29 Muslim women were forced to leave the hijab for
any employment or job role. In the beginning, this ban was only for working women but later, women
taking hijab were also banned for any social interaction because hijab was considered as a symbol of
Muslim culture, which negates Western culture. 30 Similarly, Muslim worship places were also
targeted and worshipers were killed inside their synagogues, in some Western countries, 31 a formal
referendum was held to ban the construction of Minār. 32 Religious books of Muslims were burnt
many times. 33 All these actions were aimed at hurting the sentiments of Muslim community. It was
intended to create a thought that Muslims may feel that they are not a part of society in which they
live.
2.8. Role of International Organization in promoting Westophobia
Some of the Western countries have ruled a large part of the world in which they tried to outdo
each other in this race. The purpose of using these advanced technological weapons is to impose their
fear and terror on the world. For this purpose, the Occidents used poor and developing countries to
rectify their technological weapons to maintain their control over the world. At different times,
Muslims were subjected to violence in the name of terrorism. 34 A large number of youth was jailed
at different times to prove their point of terrorism. The resources of the Eastern were exploited to
solve the problems of their country. The personal status of Kashmir was abolished. 35 The ongoing
atrocities on the part of India are covered silently. Similarly, Muslims of Afghanistan were targeted
on the basis of the 9/11 incident. 36 With the help of various economic sanctions, Iran's nuclear
development is being hindered. Muslim populations were targeted for testing various types of nuclear
weapons. Despite this, the United Nations and other peace-keeping organizations do not stop these

27Ibid., 116-23.
28Ibid., 144-46.
29Norman Daniel, Islam and the West: The Making of an Image (New York: New York Press

Publisher, 1999), 50-4.

30Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman, 173.
31“Mosque attack, New Zealand,” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/8/official-

inquiry-into-christchurch-attacks-released-timeline
32Shahaab-un-Deen Sabeeli, Islamophobia. Tareef, Asbaab aur Haal [Isalmophobia:

Definition, Reasons and Solution] (New Dehli: Eifa Publication, 2011), 425-27.
33Ibid., 435.
34Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong (New York: New York Times Publisher, 2002), 176-80.
35Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman, 281-87.
36M. Khalid Barook, Istimaari Fatohaat ka Tasalsul, 226-35.

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oppressive countries instead of ending this prejudice. These are the disturbing behaviors, which
caused and gave rise to Westophobia.
2.9. Insulting Cartoons against the Holy Prophet (SAW)
Islam is one of the dominant religions of the world. In all divine religions, insulting any human
being is considered a sin. Despite this, the leader and prophet of the Muslims, Muhammad (SAW)
was insulted by making irrelevant mocking cartoons and using foul language. 37 This act of mocking
hurt the sentiments of a large religious community living in the world. By endangering the peace of
the world, it was given the name of enlightenment. The sad thing is that the leaders of some countries
of the West called it their favourite act and freedom of opinion to talk against the Holy Prophet
(SAW). 38 However, in any divine religion, there is no scope for this evil act but there is a punishment
for it.
3. Prevention of Westophobia
Islam is a religion, which completely guides its followers in all spheres of life. From domestic
life to international affairs, there are methods and solutions in Islam to all the problems, which one
may face during their course of life. Islam teaches peace and justice to its people. Historically, it can
be witnessed that in the countries where Muslims ruled, people had complete freedom of their lives
according to their religion. However, after the War of 1857, when the West gained dominance over
the world, they even took away the basic rights from Muslims, they were considered slaves, and were
subjected to violence due to religious prejudice. 39 Imperialism in the subcontinent is a testimony to
this. Even in the current era, Muslims in the West are facing many religious and cultural problems,
like the destruction of Muslim graves and mosques in France, 40 burning of the mosque in Spain,
presenting the image of the Holy Prophet (SAW) in the form of a cartoon, and portraying Muslims as
terrorists in video games. 41 In many public address, political figures declared Western civilization
better than Islam. 42 The reason for these problems is the rising Islamophobia in the West. Due to
these inhuman attitudes of the West, anti-social behaviour like Westophobia caught the attention of
the Muslim world, which has originated a cultural clash between the two civilizations. 43 This clash
of civilizations has become an obstacle to the development of the world. Nations are destroyed by
the clash of civilizations and its effects. Therefore, it is essentially important to be aware of the
problems that are giving rise to the social phenomenon such as Westophobia.
4. Opportunities for the Prevention of Westophobia
Westophobia is spreading like an epidemic globally. This epidemic has not only affected the
peace of the society, rather, it has also affected the feelings of inferiority and vindictiveness, which
has become common among Muslims. The survival of humanity depends on knowing each other's
ideas. It is important to understand the ambitions of the imperialists behind the clash of civilizations.
Remedy for Westophobia requires a planned approach. It is important to highlight this issue among

37M.M. Ahsan, Islam and Orientalism (New Dehli: Eifa Pubication, 2001), 121-30.
38Zahid-ur-Rashidi,
Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman [Western Muslims], 273-76.
39Hasan Al-Ameen, Mazhab, Reyasat aur Simaaji Tabdeeliyaan [Religion, State and Social

Change], 275-79.
40Shahaab-un-Deen Sabeeli, Islamophobia. Tareef, Asbaab aur Haal [Islamophobia,

Definition, Reasons and Solutions], 428.

41Ibid., 445.
42John H. Sigler, “Understanding the Resurgence of Islam: The Case of Political Islam,”

Middle East Affairs Journal, 2 (4), (1996): 136-43.

43Minhas Majeed Khan, Tasawar Baig, Ms. Saadia Beg, “Islam and the West: The Politics of

Phobia,” Peshawar Islamicus, 9 (1): 48-9.

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the public and civil society, which must play its role for the betterment and improvement of the
society. Following strategies may be adopted for the prevention of Westophobia in the Muslim world.
4.1. Inter-Civilizational Dialogue
Allah Almighty has taught mankind to adopt various means to guide and alleviate their concerns.
One of these is interfaith dialogue. Dialogue with other religions and civilizations has been
emphasized in Islam. In order to prevailjustice in the world, protection of human rights, and to end
war and riots among humans. Therefore, Islam has considered dialogue as one of the basic needs. 44
The teachings of Islam are invitational. Therefore, creating a relationship through dialogue with even
the toughest enemy is one of the duties of a preacher of Islam. The dialogue between Islam and the
people of the West started during the Prophet's (SAW) era. Writing a letter to Rome Empire, the
Qur'ān inviting the People of the Book to act together on common matters, and others are a few
examples of this conversation that started in the time of the Holy Prophet (SAW) 45. The mutual
interaction between religions and cultures made it easier to understand each other's positions and
settle matters. There is a lot to learn from each other. 46 The building of all civilizations and the
guiding principles of mutual interaction are also mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān:“O, people! We
created you from one man and one woman and made you branches and tribes so that you may
recognize one another. Undoubtedly, the most respected among you in the sight of Allah is he who
is more pious, verily, Allah is knowing, Aware.” 47
In this blessed verse, the guiding principles of building together and mutual interaction of all
civilizations are mentioned. First, all human beings are addressed as humans and told that the prime
significant thing is humanity. Tribes and families are created for ease of introduction. Look at the
civilizations from the same point of view that every civilization is a family and a source of
recognition. Therefore, it is necessary to create civilizational harmony for the welfare of humanity.
5. Comprehensive Studies Related to the Western World
Both Muslims and the West are imperceptibly under the influence of certain conditions, which
are alienating them from each other. Through Islamophobia, the Western hate Muslims and Islam
and on the other hand, Muslims hate Westerners because of Westophobia. The only solution to bridge
this gap is a comprehensive study of each other. Many misunderstandings have arisen between the
two nations through the false representation of each other on media. 48 Everything which happens in
the Muslim world for example, Muslims are slaughtered, explosions are made inside mosques,
religious places are attacked, the hijab of Muslim women is seen as an obstacle to progress, ISIS and
al-Qaeda, and other evil organizations are considered Islamic groups. 49 All these things are used as
social propaganda against Muslims in Muslim countries to promote a singular specific purpose of
Western ideology. The Western media portrays this as the practice and teachings of Muslims. 50 By
looking at these things, the Western world has established a negative thought against the people of

44Hasan Al-Ameen, Magrib sy Mukalama Bahmi Ifhaam o Tafheem ki Zaroort aur Taqaazy
[Dialogue with West: Requirements for Necessary Understanding] (Islamabad: Iqbal international
Institute for Research and Dialogue, 2018), 11-8.
45Idrees Kandhlvi, Seerat-e-Mustafa Sallalaa-hu-Alai-hi-Wasalam (Lahore: Maktaba

Rahmaniya, 2005), 185-93.

46Hasan Al-Ameen, Post Islamism (Islamabad: Iqbal international Institute for Research and

Dialogue, 2019), 35-7.

47Shafi Usmani , Maraif-ul-Qur’ān ( Karachi: Dar-ul- Quran Publisher, 2003), 7/317.
48Hasan Al-Ameen, Magrib sy Mukalama, [Dialogue with the West], 19-29.
49M. Khalid Barook, Istimaari Fatohaat ka Tasalsul, 120-28.
50Ismail Ibrahim Nawwab, “Muslims and the West in History,” Muslims and the West

Encounter and Dialogue (Islamabad, Islamic Research Institute, 2014), 5-13.

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Islam. In a likewise manner, many good things of the Western culture are ignored by the extremist
of this society. 51 For instance, social media shows that a woman was killed in France because of her
hijab but it does not show millions of non-Muslim women marching in solidarity, 52 the participation
of non-Muslim people in the rallies held in America, Italy and France against insulting religious
leaders, and their rulers who came out to show solidarity with the Muslims. 53 Just as Islam does not
like humiliation, in the same way in Christianity or any other religion does not support religious
extremism, which has been declared as a sin. Similarly, moral crimes (adultery, theft, cheating, and
others) are also severely punishable crimes in Christianity, although the public usually protests
against this action. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study to eliminate these
gaps to reach the ultimate truth.
6. Fundamental Human Rights and Justice
Man is free by nature. For any successive society, it is necessary to provide basic human rights
and justice to its living inhabitants. In this regard, the rights of minorities are protected in both East
and West. Muslims living in the UK have full rights to follow their sharī‘ah laws in family and
financial matters. There is a need to make these laws a part of national laws so that the people living
there also get national protection. 54 Although some Western leaders have raised objections to the
laws of Islam, it does not necessarily mean that any law that goes against their ideas is against society.
Therefore, it is necessary that Muslims living in the West should have legal protection as citizens.
Under which their family matters (marriage, divorce, or inheritance) should be resolved and they get
protection in financial matters as well 55. So, there is a need to renew the laws made regarding human
rights. Now the situation has changed. Therefore, the laws should be reviewed so that human rights
can be provided at the national level as well. It is the basic right of every human being.
7. Correct Interpretations of Religious Texts and Concepts
The priorities of the era have changed over time. Lifestyle and the relationship goals have
changed. That is why, according to Allama Iqbal, people should review the codified jurisprudence. 56
There is a need for a modern interpretation of many jurisprudential terms, keeping in view the
problems presented in the present era. For example, the term Dar al-Kufr or Dar al Harb does not
apply to existing non-Muslim areas because the nature of the affairs and laws of the countries were
different during the Prophet's (SAW) era. While in the present era, the establishment of the United
Nations and the affairs between the countries have forced that these terms should be interpreted in a
modern way. The conditions for dealing with such non-Muslims should be observed and discussed.
So, that it becomes easier for people to be close to each other.
8. Role of Universities and Religious Educational Institutions
The role of universities and religious educational institutions is very important in ending the
conflict between the East and West and establishing a peaceful society. Education is a weapon
through which many misunderstandings can be overcome and resolved. Therefore, it is necessary to
teach humanity in educational institutions. 57 Common principles should be promoted among each

51Ameer Ali, “From Islamophobia to Westophobia: The Long Road to Radical Islamism,”

Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs 3(1), (2016): 7.

52Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman, 158-63.
53Hasan Al-Ameen, Mazhab,Reyasat aur Simaaji Tabdeeliyaan, 287-89.
54Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman, 35-40.
55Ibid., 69-75.
56Talib Hussain Hashmi, Maarif-e-Fikr-Iqbal,

https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/detail/maarif-e-fikr-e-iqbal-talib-husain-hashmi-ebooks
57Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman, 253-261.

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other. A strategy should be prepared to deal with the common challenges posed in the present era. 58
So that there would be leaders in society who have to think universally regarding various
perspectives.
9. Role of Civil Society
Civil society is an important pillar of any society. It refers to that segment of society, which
gives its opinion and response regarding the uprising social issues of society. Every member of the
society is equally represented in the civil society, which means that every man has the right to say
and they can highlight social issues through processions and peaceful protests to the higher
authorities. To get rid of a fatal disease like Westophobia, it is necessary for a civil society to plays
its crucial role properly. As it indicates the problems faced by the Muslims in the West. 59 Actions to
prevent Islamophobia should be encouraged. 60 The relationship between the West and the East
should be properly interpreted so that a peaceful society can be formed.
10. Conclusion
Clash of civilizations have been linked to each other, especially concerning Islam and the West,
which have been related to each other for centuries. Economically and socially both are
interdependent on each other. However, due to various trends, misunderstandings have arisen among
the followers, which are creating a negative impact on the entire civil society. In this overall scenario,
the role of media is very important as it acts as an interdisciplinary force between two opposing
civilizations. In the current era, the media is the source of information about the nations of the world.
However, unfortunately, through its misuse, efforts are being made to alienate nations from each
other. Similarly, violence is being used in the name of religion as a repressive tool to control people
of other religion or culture. Although religion teaches peace. In this guise, the religious accords of
people living in eastern countries are being insulted or humiliated. Abusive words are being used
against Muslims religious leaders. Silence against a cruel country like Israel, which was involved in
the massacre of Muslims is another concerning issue in the preceding time. The basic rights of
Muslims are being hindered. Muslims are being called and represented as terrorists in Western
society. Such an environment is being created in which feelings of hatred against the people of the
West are being created among Muslims. Therefore, to prevent Westophobia, it is essentially
important to study the history of Western and Islamic civilizations, their traditions, and books to
better understand these civilizations.
10.1. Recommendations
The Sharī‘ah rights of Muslims living in the West should be given legal status so that it is easy
for them to follow the religion of Islam. Jurisprudential terms should be interpreted keeping in view
the requirements of the present day. A meaningful dialogue should be held with those who
propaganda against civilizations. This apparent conflict should be resolved through inter-
Civilizational dialogue. Educational institutions should also play their role in this regard. Interfaith
studies should be promoted. Collective work should be done, efforts should be made to solve social
problems as a nation. People should also cooperate with each other to solve this global problem.
There is a need to encourage the people of the West who take action against Islamophobia. It is

58Qibla Ayaz, “Westophobia aur Islamophobia: aik Mutabadal Beyania,” [Islamophobia and

Westophobia: An Alternate Narrative], in Islam aur Magrib [Islam and the West] (Islamabad: Iqbal
International Institute for Research and Dialogue, 2012), 43-51.
59Zahid-ur-Rashidi, Deyar-e-Magrib ky Muslaman, 283.
60Zahid-ur-Rashidi,”Magrib sy Mukalma: Chand Qabil-e-Tawajo Pehlu” (Islamabad, Iqbal

International Institute for Research and Dialogue, 2012), 91-96.

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necessary to respect each other so that peace may be established in society and mutual tolerance may
be promoted.
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