Germany’s Central Council of Muslims: Non-Muslims must help fight Islamophobia

Chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany (ZMD) Abdassamad El Yazidi has said that non-Muslims must take an active role in combating Islamophobia based on shared humanitarian values.

He made these remarks during a panel session at the international conference “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” in Baku, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The chairman stressed that Islamophobia is frequently and incorrectly seen as a problem only affecting Muslims in non-Muslim countries.

“In reality, Islamophobia is a widespread and deeply rooted issue that transcends borders and cultures,” he stated. 

He noted that while international organisations have made some progress in addressing the issue, current efforts fall short of what is needed to stem rising anti-Muslim sentiment and violence. 

The chairman pointed to a recent horrific attack in Germany, where a Muslim worshipper was stabbed 50 times during prayer in a mosque.

The incident, he said, was met with a muted response from broader religious and civil society communities. 

“This kind of silence is unacceptable,” he declared. “The fight against Islamophobia must not rest solely on the shoulders of Muslims. Non-Muslims also have a moral and humanitarian duty to stand up and speak out.” 

A two-day international conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” kicked off in Baku on May 26.

Marking the 3rd anniversary of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the event is co-organised by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, the Centre of Analysis of International Relations, and the Baku Initiative Group.

Among the conference’s international partners are the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCF), the Council of Muslim Elders, the Central Council of Muslims of Germany, the European Muslim Leaders’ Assembly (EULEMA), and the International Muslim Forum.

The main aim of the event is to establish an academic platform for discussing the growing global and national trends targeting Muslims and Muslim-majority countries. 

Scholars from nearly 40 countries, experts from international organisations, religious leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organisations are participating in the conference. 

The conference is featuring discussions on the Global Trends in Islamophobia: Challenges and Responses, Anti-Muslim Hatred in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies, Islamophobia in Different Contexts: Regional Perspectives, Islamophobia in Media and Digital Platforms: How Artificial Intelligence Systems Can Spread and Reinforce Islamophobic Bias, Women, Identity and Stereotypes: Navigating the Intersection of Religious and Cultural Prejudices, Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Legislation in Europe: Rhetoric in the Context of Radicalization of Islamophobic Propaganda, Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage in a Changing World and Youth Call for Inclusion: Combating Bias and Misconceptions.

By Naila Huseynova