It cannot be denied that Islamophobia is growing rapidly around the world particularly in Europe. Many countries under the garb of freedom of speech and expression have hurt the religious sentiments of over a billion Muslims and increased religious prejudice.
The recent incident took place in France, where blasphemous sketches in the name of so-called freedom of expression resurfaced. Later, the French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that his country not give up cartoons. He also contended that Samuel Paty — a teacher who was beheaded last month for showing sketches of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — was killed because Islamists want our future.
Strong response was witnessed from the Muslim world as thousands condemning his hateful language, calling for a boycott of French products. Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticized the French President for his offensive remarks.
Calls to boycott French goods are growing in the Arab world and beyond. Dozens of Kuwaiti stores are boycotting French products, with images on social media showing workers removing French Kiri and Babybel processed cheese from shelves. Such boycotts are already underway in Kuwait and Qatar.
There have also been multiple incidents of the burning of the Holy Quran in Norway and Sweden. These Scandinavian countries are considered the most liberal in the world but have become the hub of far-right activists who have been using Islamophobic for political purposes.
Meanwhile, the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) which has failed on multiple issues has been not raised its voice even on an issue that affects all Muslim countries. It should be clear that economic and vested interests are not higher than respect for our esteemed Holy Prophet (S.A.W).
The West wrongly assumes that it is Muslims who are carrying out deadly attacks and killing human beings. Islam says that killing a single person is equal to the massacre of entire mankind. A collective effort is the need of the hour. Such actions are highly unacceptable and should be stopped. Religious sentiments should be an exception to freedom of speech and expression.
