Islamophobia as an International Intellectual and Sociological Phenomenon: A Critical Study of Its Concept, Origins, and Academic Dimensions

اسلامو فوبیا ایک بین الاقوامی فکری و سماجی رجحان: مفہوم، ماخذ اور علمی جہات کا تنقیدی جائزہ

Abstract

This study critically explores Islamophobia as a multifaceted international intellectual and sociological phenomenon. Moving beyond its common association with fear or hatred of Islam and Muslims, the paper investigates the term’s conceptual ambiguities, historical roots, and academic trajectories. Drawing from diverse scholarly sources and theoretical frameworks, the research unpacks how Islamophobia has been constructed, represented, and institutionalized in both Western and non-Western contexts. It evaluates how political, cultural, and historical conditions shape Islamophobic narratives, highlighting its transformation from a reactionary sentiment into a systemic structure embedded in media, policy, and public discourse. The study also examines the Runnymede Trust’s binary framework, Edward Said’s critique of Orientalism, and other academic interpretations to illustrate how Islamophobia intersects with issues of race, religion, identity, and power. Ultimately, this paper aims to contribute to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Islamophobia’s dynamic and evolving nature across different societies.