Publish date: 21 November 2023

November is Islamophobia Awareness Month in the UK, which is all about making people aware of discrimination against Muslim people and the Islamic faith.

Islamophobia can be related to a lack of understanding around Muslim people, their faith and culture. In certain cases, Islamophobia can arise when there are global conflicts in the media.  This may lead to Muslims being stereotyped in a negative manner, and by association, Muslim people in the UK may experience hate incidents, simply because they are Muslims.

Islamophobia also involves Muslims being targeted, whether in person or online.  They can be badly treated, insulted or even physically hurt.  Examples may include women who are wearing traditional head scarves (Hijab) facing negative comments, and in some instances, having their hijab removed.

The aim of Islamophobia Awareness Month is to challenge some of the stereotypes that people might have about Islam and Muslims and to highlight the positive contributions that British Muslims make to our society.

For more information, email Joe.Ogrady@merseycare.nhs.uk