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There is another significant factor that often triggers anxiety and difficulties for Muslims in the Western world, especially in America. This factor is politics.
AT first glance, there seems to be no correlation between the two. The presidential election is a political and democratic process in a country, while Islamophobia is a socio-religious phenomenon occurring within society. Yet in America, the two have a close and strong relationship.
In various discussions, I have noted that Islamophobia in the Western world, particularly in America, stems from several key factors. It can arise from ignorance, from media bias that distorts reality about this religion, or from the lingering historical tensions between Islam and the West. Moreover, Islamophobia has also become a profitable business for certain individuals.
There is one more major factor that significantly stirs up unrest among Muslims in America: politics. Islam is often used as a tool to gain widespread public support. Politicians with vested interests deliberately incite “fear and anger” within society about Islam, presenting themselves as “saviors” against the so-called threat.
For example, Donald Trump, during his first presidential campaign, repeatedly claimed that Islam intended to take over America. Trump would declare, “They have come to take over our country.” In various instances, he even said, “They hate us.” Such statements fueled American anger and stoked fears of Islam. And, as we recalled, Trump’s administration issued a “Muslim ban,” a presidential decree banning Muslim entry into America. Those times were uneasy and unsettling, though not scary—unsettling because of the hostile atmosphere, but not scary, as we still trusted in both Allah and the American rule of law, which was effective and not undermined by those in power, unlike in others places. places
Political influence is indeed significant in fueling Islamophobia. I am reminded of a mosque construction project near Ground Zero, just two blocks from the World Trade Center site that was destroyed in 2001. A Republican candidate for New York Governor, Rick Lazio, used this project in his campaign, portraying the mosque as a symbol of Islam’s victory over America. as a result, 70% of New York City residents opposed its construction.
Fortunately, then-Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg—a Jewish billionaire—staunchly supported it. During a Ramadan dinner at his residence, where I was seated with him, I asked why he, a Jewish major whose constituents mostly opposed the mosque, supported it. His answer surprised me: “I’m not supporting the mosque or the Muslim community; I’m defending my country’s Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom.”
His response left me in awe and strengthened my belief in the effectiveness of US law. Here, the law remains strong, regardless of the personal desires of those in power.
Islamophobia is also fueled at the federal level for political gain. For example, Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, frequently highlighted the “danger of Shariah law” during his Republican presidential candidacy, positioning it as a threat to America. Ironically, Gingrich was the first to permit Muslim employees in the US Senate and House of Representatives to hold Friday prayers in the Capitol. So, while he condemned Islamic law during his campaign, he had earlier facilitated one of its fundamental practices.
As the US presidential race heats up again, with Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party and Donald Trump from the Republican Party, there are few policies to analyze about their foreign policy, as any US President—be they Democrat or Republican—will treat foreign policy similarly . But domestically, we are still better off under the Democrats, not for their values (which are more liberal and often clash with religious morality) but because they give the Muslim community room to breathe and operate.
Thus, despite the many flaws within the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris, it seems the Muslim community might lean toward them. Some voices call for a total boycott of the election, but I encourage involvement at least as a way to prevent the “greater evil” from prevailing. The threat Trump poses is clear. Although his current target is “immigrants,” it’s evident that this includes Muslims, who are still often seen as outsiders.
The fact is, Islamophobia is flaring up again amid the heated US election, made worse by the Gaza conflict, which is perceived as an American threat. Politicians distort reality, presenting Muslims and Arabs as threats, despite the thousands of civilian lives lost—mostly children and women.
This harsh reality often leaves the Muslim community feeling helpless and resigning. Will it continue indefinitely? Wallahu a’lam!
Makassar City, October 13, 2024
Shamsi Ali Al-Kajangi, a native of Kajang, New York City
source https://kbanews.com/pilihan-redaksi/u-s-presidential-election-and-islamophobia/
Categories: America, Islamophobia, United States, USA