| المستخلص: |
Islamophobia refers to hatred towards Muslims or fear of them or those racial groups viewed as Islamists. It is not a new phenomenon in the West, mainly in Europe, but it grew again widely due to the September 11, 2001 blasts. It also tangibly increased in Europe after the Danish cartoons about Prophet Mohammad, the Charlie Hebdo attack and then the November 13, 2015 events. There have been many anti-Muslim incidents, such as assaults, protests and threats. The present study on Islamophobia in the West: Roots and Future explores the reality and reasons for the rise and growth of the phenomenon, as well as the scenarios for its future in the West, in general, and France, in particular. Different definitions of Islamophobia are investigated, along with its historical roots in the region. There is also the issue of migration, as new Muslim generations are rising with the phenomenon. Europe has received waves of migrants from its former colonies of Islamic background. The French model is chosen to look closely into the relationship between the phenomenon and religious extremism, as well as the role of French media, writers and intellectuals in enhancing the dilemma in the society. On the other hand, there are Muslim organizations which constitute an influential power in the conflict between the proponents and opponents of Islamophobia. The press in the West, especially in France, plays a central part in shaping a mindset that is anti-Islam and -Muslims. As it produces direct and brisk reactions to any terrorist incident, it is extremely necessary to reduce the hardliner tone and develop initiatives to stop writings by the supporters of Islamophobia. As for the Arab and Muslim youth, the effects of racist practices, marginalization, high unemployment rates and the nature of the textbooks in most Western countries loaded with misconceptions about Islam and Muslims promote religious extremism and enmity within students at an early stage. Thus, the growing Islamophobic practices escalate such a kind of confrontation. Muslim institutions in the West should have a broader role in disseminating the fear factors deliberately encouraged to abuse Islam and Muslims. In addition, in order to put an end to the phenomenon, Western governments are required to stand against such anti-Islam and -Muslim rightist and chauvinist movements in their own countries.
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