Imran Khan’s Fight Against Islamophobia | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

 

Imran Khan’s Fight Against Islamophobia

Islamophobia—a pervasive prejudice that continues to make life difficult for Muslims globally. In many Western countries, which often present themselves as champions of human rights and freedom of expression, women are prohibited from wearing hijabs or choosing their attire freely, while a Muslim engaging in their religious practices can be unfairly labeled as an extremist. Actions such as burning the Holy Quran or disrespecting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which deeply offend Muslim communities, are sometimes defended as freedom of expression. Particularly distressing to the 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide was French President Macron's stance in supporting individuals who disrespect Islamic values, all in the name of free speech.

Why is Islam often mischaracterized as an extremist religion in Western communities? This stereotype largely arises from limited understanding or misconceptions about Islam's principles.

The Muslim Ummah has long awaited leaders who would stand up for their rights and actively combat Islamophobia. While a few Muslim leaders have been vocal, their efforts have often lacked direction and substantial impact. Amid this crisis, Imran Khan emerged as a visionary leader, consistently speaking out against injustice and Islamophobia and taking decisive steps to curb its spread.

Imran Khan took center stage on multiple international platforms, articulating Islam's true teachings and values. He emphasized to the world the profound place that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) holds in the hearts of Muslims. As early as 2015, he urged political leaders in the United States and the European Union to address and counter the rise of Islamophobia within their countries, advocating for an approach that mitigates, rather than supports, such sentiments.

Before being elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan engaged with influential Western political leaders to understand the challenges Muslims face globally due to rising Islamophobia. After assuming office, he translated this insight into a strategic approach to combat Islamophobia, encouraging people worldwide to learn about Islam’s teachings of peace and humanity. He effectively utilized his platform to establish the Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen Authority, focused on sharing the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) with a broad audience. This authority, guided by an international advisory board of top scholars, aimed to clarify Islam’s message, particularly to Western audiences. At its inauguration, Imran Khan expressed that educating the world about the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) would foster a deeper understanding of Islam’s connection to humanity.

Following his concrete efforts to combat Islamophobia, Imran Khan became a symbol of hope for the Muslim Ummah. In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, he focused on four major themes, with Islamophobia being a key topic. He underscored the fact that Islamophobia has escalated globally, especially since 9/11, creating alarming divisions. He highlighted challenges faced by Muslims, such as the stigmatization of the hijab and restrictions on women’s freedom to wear clothing of their choice. Imran Khan emphasized that the Western rhetoric linking Islam with terrorism fuels hatred against Muslims. He clarified that there is no concept of 'radical Islam'; there is only one Islam, the Islam taught by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In his speech, he shed light on the Prophet's life and the true teachings of Islam, centered on peace and compassion.

In past the Muslim leaders were unable to showcase and educate the West about teachings of Islam. The Western Leaders with no knowledge about our religion took the control and spread their thoughts without any research and understanding. He highlighted the provoking behavior of the people who malign our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in result it is natural that we the Muslims react and unfortunately they term us as intolerant. He blamed the West but at same time also felt that Muslim Leaders couldn’t protect its community. He bursted the myths that Islam is against women’s and minorities, and narrated Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) last sermon which ensures equal rights for all.

Imran Khan once expressed that if given the opportunity to speak at a global platform, he would teach the world about Islam, emphasizing respect for its sacred elements. He explained that just as the Western world is sensitive about the Holocaust due to its significance for the Jewish community, Muslims similarly seek respect for their Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In his closing remarks at the UNGA, he reiterated that all Muslims desire is for this respect and understanding toward their beliefs.

Imran Khan’s impactful communication and leadership quickly made headlines, but he didn’t stop there. He continued his mission, using his platform effectively. In the following year, during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan proposed establishing an International Day to Combat Islamophobia. He also addressed Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, in a letter, urging the platform to prohibit Islamophobic content in the same way it restricts Holocaust denial. He highlighted that Islamophobic material hurts Muslim sentiments and should be treated with equal sensitivity.

He addressed Muslim leaders in a letter, highlighting the harsh realities Muslims face globally and urging them to step up collectively. He called for unified efforts to combat Islamophobia and educate Western communities about the true teachings of Islam.

Imran Khan embraced Islamophobia as a mission and took on the challenge through dedicated diplomatic efforts. He effectively campaigned on international fronts, urging United Nations members to support a resolution against Islamophobia. In 2022, the United Nations adopted a resolution—introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)—proclaiming March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, an initiative that Khan had proposed in 2020. Imran Khan congratulated the Muslim world when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted this resolution, designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia which meant that the day will now be cemented as an annual reminder of the need to combat Islamophobia across the world. Imran Khan in his post on the social media platform x said:

“I want to congratulate the Muslim Ummah today as our voice against the rising tide of Islamophobia has been heard and the UN has adopted a landmark resolution introduced by Pakistan, on behalf of OIC, designating 15 March as International Day to Combat Islamophobia,” PM Khan said on Twitter. 

“Today UN has finally recognized the grave challenge confronting the world: of Islamophobia, respect for religious symbols and practices and of curtailing systematic hate speech and discrimination against Muslims,” he said in another tweet. 

“Next challenge is to ensure implementation of this landmark resolution.” 

Imran Khan's actions and visionary leadership in addressing Islamophobia and championing the cause of the Muslim Ummah have established him as a remarkable leader who united Muslim leaders against Islamophobic sentiments and attacks on Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He highlighted the global rise of hate-fueled extremism, showing that these threats have nothing to do with Islam or any other faith. Through his efforts, he educated the world on the essence of Islam, emphasizing that the faith promotes peace and tolerance, as exemplified by the principles of Riyasat-e-Madina and the Misaq-e-Madina.

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