Dissertation Proposal Bilal Hassam MA Inter Religious Relations Tackling Islamophobia through Inter Religious exchange In this proposal

I give an overview of the themes, content, methodology and expected outcomes that will be explored in my dissertation entitled: Tackling Islamophobia through Inter Religious exchange. Background Every generation and community ever known has been shaped, in some way or form, by the presence of religion. With the rise of secular nation states, scientific and technological advancement, globalisation and even and in the face of aggressive anti-religious sentiment, the force of religion and religious communities, for better or for worse, continue to shape the modern world. In recent times the United Kingdom, like much of the West, has experienced a proliferation of religious diversity amidst its population. Like adherents to other faiths, Muslims are increasingly integrating into British society, with numerous trends and movements finding their grounding in British institutions. One such trend sees second and third generation Muslims becoming more and more comfortable with reconciling their multiple cultural identities alongside their religious identity. This process however, has been hijacked somewhat by increasingly aggressive Islamophobic sentiment. Described recently by Muslim cabinet minister Baroness Saeeda Warsi as having passed the dinner-table test this new anti-Muslim mind-set has many deep and pervasive roots spanning issues of economics, migration, human rights, and religious extremism. Its consequences go far beyond unsettling the Muslim presence of the West, with reports of even violent attacks against Muslims being just the tip of the iceberg of discrimination experienced by Muslim communities. In addition Muslims have found themselves a scapegoat for many political issues facing the world today, with the far right across Europe championing intentionally anti-Muslim smear campaigns in the media. Understanding these roots is essential to understanding and addressing the wide and lasting consequences of Islamophobia. In understanding the multiple causes well as the consequences of Islamophobia we can begin to deduce the best ways of countering and preventing it. Whilst much research is underway in understanding Islamophobia, little has been done to look at the impact of Islamophobia on interreligious relations. This dissertation will seek to understand the various facets of Islamphobia and explore both how relationships with other faith traditions have been affected as well as how interreligious exchange can be used and optimised to counter anti-Muslim sentiment. Key Questions The main question the dissertation will seek to answer is to what extent inter-religious collaboration can be useful in countering Islamophobia. In order to address this question the paper will take a deep look at Islamophobia, its history, its roots and consequences, as well as strategies used to tackle it. With the use of case studies the dissertation will also seek to understand what are the key elements found in effective inter-religious

movements that are tackling Islamophobia. The thesis will also aim to conclude with recommendations and advices that Muslims, Muslim organisations, as well as Inter-faith organisations can use in seeking to counter Islamophobia through interfaith engagement. Methodology This thesis will rely on multiple research methods in order to maximise the validity and reliability of the information collected and conclusions drawn. The following main research methods are detailed below: Literature review Following on from previous research in addition to advice from peers and teachers, this thesis will be directed by reading and reviewing research into the fields of: Islamophobia, religion in the 21st Century, Inter-religious relations and other relevant areas. Observation and attendance at symposia/conferences In addition to reading, I will be attending various appropriately themed events and conferences (Islamophobia, interfaith etc ) this includes events in the UK and Europe. Where possible I will seek to spend more time with experts in these fields. Interviews (formal and semi-formal) Building from my observation and attendance of symposia and lectures I will be conducting both formal and semi-formal interviews to explore the subject manner; interviewing both experts in the field as well as looking at the experience of those working on the grass roots.

Limitations of methodology The former two methods, observation and interviews, are subject to some methodological limitations. The information collected is likely to be more qualitative and case specific making it more difficult to draw generalised conclusions. The data may also be subject to interviewer bias. To mitigate this, a standardised list of questions to guide the interviews and a pro-forma to guide the observations will be created. Ethical considerations In order to comply with ethical guidelines individuals who are interviewed will sign a consent form that outlines the aims and objectives of the research and allows their details to remain confidential as well as offering them the option of removing their contribution to the research at any point. In addition permission will be obtained before any observations are carried out, and anyindividual who contributes will be fully consented. Expected Outcomes It is clear that across the Western world there is a great increase in media attention towards Islam and Muslims, and more often than not this attention is of a negative focus. Initial research has uncovered a lot of confusion around the topic of Islamophobia with difficulty even defining the term; wrestling between social, legal and political definitions. After manoeuvring through this confusion I

will look at Islamophobia as a form of xenophobic hate crime and as a violation of human rights. My initial research has demonstrated that the issue is very complex, with the rise of the political far right and their concern around economics and migration being at the heart of the problem. I will also look Media and Government responses and the extent to which they have been useful. I then hope to build on previous research highlighting the vast nature of and great potential that lies within interreligious exchange. Various Inter-faith efforts are underway, many of which by their very nature tackle Islamophobia, others of which could easily be adapted to include anti-Islamophobia messages. I am certain that ultimately a multi-faceted and long term approach is needed to curtail the damaging repercussions of Islamophobia. Central to this will be the role of other faith communities in creating meaningful and sustainable multi-faith collaborations. This however does not undermine the great importance for political engagement, media engagement as well as an open and honest discussion around many of the legitimate concerns of Islamophobes.

Bibliography The following are some the resources I have and will be accessing:

AHMED, S (2009). Seen and Not Heard: Voices of Young British Muslims, Policy Research Centre, Islamic Foundation. Leicester Fekete, L (2004) .Anti Muslim racism and the European security state. Race and Class, 46 (1), pg 4-29 FOSIS (2005) Federation of Student Islamic Societies: Attitudes and perceptions of British Muslim students following the London attacks on July 7th 2005, London GITHENS-MAZER, J and LAMBERT, R (2010) Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate Crime: A London Case Study, the European Muslim Research Centre, UK: London, January 2010, p. 11 LIBERTY (2004) The impact of Anti Terrorism powers on the British Muslim population [WWW] liberty-human-rights.org.uk Samad, Y. (2005) Muslim youth in Britain: ethnic to religious identity. In: Muslim youth in Europe: Typologies of religious belonging and socio-cultural dynamics, Turin, June 2004. Centre for Comparative Religious Studies RAMADAN, T (2004) Western Muslims and the future of Islam, New York: Oxford University Press RAMADAN, T (1999) To Be a European Muslim, Leicestershire: Islamic Foundation Various media/newspaper features.

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