Georgetown University Qatar hosts conference addressing global impact of Islamophobia
Qatar: Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) commenced its conference titled “Global Histories and Practices of Islamophobia” with a powerful call to unite against Islamophobia, discrimination, bigotry, and racism on a global scale. This initiative comes in response to the alarming rise in anti-Muslim bias and hate-related incidents worldwide. The conference aims to critically examine Islamophobia’s pervasive presence in political, social, educational, and other spheres.
During his opening keynote speech, H.E. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Founder of the World for All Foundation, shed light on the deep-rooted issues surrounding Islamophobia. He emphasized, “We create isms and phobias for every difference, dressing it up as an anxiety of the unknown, leading to surveillance, harsh punishments, and stringent immigration policies, as if these are normal laws to implement. These elements have evolved into what can only be described as mainstream extremism.” H.E. Ambassador Rasool highlighted the burden placed on victims of Islamophobia, stating, “When you label it a fear, a phobia, you shift the burden onto the victim. They endure discrimination and must also prove they are not the source of fear.”
Addressing the current situation, H.E. Ambassador Rasool noted the unique challenges faced by the “Muslim other” globally, especially in Western countries where nearly 10% of the population constitutes the Muslim minority. He emphasized that Islamophobia has transcended Western borders and has found a foothold in countries like India, China, Myanmar, and others with Muslim minorities. He stressed the importance of solidarity in combating all forms of bigotry, transcending religious, racial, and ethnic boundaries.
In response to inquiries about the role of diplomacy and sports in combating Islamophobia, H.E. Ambassador Rasool highlighted the effectiveness of public diplomacy, as demonstrated by Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022TM, in countering anti-Islamic sentiment.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Arian, Associate Professor of History at GU-Q and a conference co-organizer, delivered the welcoming remarks, emphasizing the dual nature of Islamophobia as a globalized yet locally rooted phenomenon. He expressed the conference’s objective to unravel the complexities of Islamophobia, explore its impact on populations worldwide, and devise strategies to address this challenge across various spheres.
The conference, scheduled until Sunday, October 1, features leading scholars and academics analyzing the contemporary drivers of Islamophobic practices and their global interconnections. In addition to informative sessions, public workshops and a student-led forum will focus on combating Islamophobia within university campuses.
For comprehensive details about the conference and its sessions, please visit [https://hiwaraat.qatar.georgetown.edu/islamophobia/]
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
SC notice to Centre on PIL against Muslim personal law sections being 'discriminatory' against women
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Centre's response on a PIL challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, on the ground that those are allegedly discriminatory against women.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Panchol took note of the submissions made by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who appeared in the matter for petitioners Poulomi Pavini Shukla and the Nyaya Naari Foundation, and issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
The plea says the current Shariat inheritance rules are "manifestly discriminatory" against women, often granting them only half or less of the share allocated to their male counterparts.
Bhushan said the 1937 Act violates Article 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution.
He said matters of succession are civil in nature and do not constitute an "essential religious practice" protected under Article 25.
"Saying women will get half or even less than half compared to male counterparts is discriminatory," the lawyer said.
