• Increase in Far-Right Ideologies: Communities must unite against division and misinformation.
• Scapegoating Immigrants: Address systemic inequalities rather than blaming immigrants for economic issues.
In recent years, the world has witnessed a troubling surge in far-right ideologies and scapegoating, reminiscent of some of history’s darkest periods. As economic struggles, cultural anxieties, and political divisions intensify, Muslims in the West find themselves at a critical juncture. Should they consider returning to their ancestral lands, or should they remain and actively engage in shaping a more inclusive society?
For nearly a century, Muslims have been an integral part of Western societies, contributing to economic growth, enriching cultural landscapes, and fostering social harmony. However, as fourth and fifth-generation Muslims face increasing challenges, the call to unite and engage with broader society has never been more urgent.
The Illusion of Scapegoating
Imagine walking through your neighbourhood and feeling a sudden chill of suspicion in the air. This is the reality for many immigrants and minorities who are unfairly blamed for everything from economic instability to cultural shifts. This convenient lie has been told before—throughout the 1940s, 1970s, and 1980s—and is being retold now. But are immigrants truly responsible for these woes, or are the issues more deeply rooted in systemic problems?
Removing immigrants won’t solve economic problems; in fact, it risks stagnation both economically and culturally. Western societies must awaken to the realisation that diversity is not a threat but a vital strength that fuels innovation and resilience.
In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads like wildfire. Recent events such as the Leeds riots, where Muslims were blamed when in reality, it was a local Roma community, highlight this issue. Similarly, in Southport, after the tragic killing of three children, a 17-year-old named Axel Rudakubana was falsely identified as a Muslim and an immigrant. In reality, Rudakubana was born in Cardiff and came from a Christian background. The right-wing took advantage of this tragedy without any care for the grieving.
named as Axel Rudakubana
Social media buzzed with posts falsely suggesting that an “Asian man” was involved in attacks at the vigil in Southport, further fuelling tensions and leading to unjustified retaliatory actions against Muslim communities. This misinformation stirred anger and fear, deepening societal divides. Eventually, it was revealed that the perpetrator was Jordan Davies, a local white man from Southport.
Notable figures, such as Nigel Farage, a sitting member of the UK parliament, contributed to this dangerous narrative by stating, “Some say immigrants were to blame; I don’t know.” Such rhetoric from government officials is harmful and should be penalised. Andrew Tate, who ironically blamed immigrants despite being an immigrant himself in Romania, exemplifies the hypocrisy intertwined with far-right ideologies.
Community and Political Reactions
Amanda Onwuemene from the Green Party spoke out against far-right violence, declaring these attacks “an appalling violation” and emphasising the importance of solidarity against those who seek to fracture society through fear and hatred. Local leaders echoed this call for unity, urging communities to heal rather than fracture.
In response to these events, the government intensified police operations to maintain order and protect vulnerable communities. However, policing alone is not enough; true healing begins at the grassroots level. Government initiatives promoting interfaith dialogue and community cohesion are steps in the right direction, but they must be supported by genuine community engagement. Ordinary citizens must join and engage with these groups.
Local councils must also act by creating programmes that support multiculturalism and integration, emphasising education, and offering employment opportunities to bridge the gaps that fuel discontent. These programmes can help mitigate tensions, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
A Global Perspective
Spain has long been a popular tourist destination. However, recent years have seen an increase in “tourist fatigue,” particularly in cities like Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. The influx of tourists has led to overcrowded streets, increased living costs, and a strain on local resources, prompting some residents to express frustration. This frustration has led to anti-tourist graffiti and protests, mirroring the unjust blame placed on immigrants for economic and social problems. Spanish locals now blame tourists for eroding their quality of life, perceiving that tourists contribute to housing shortages and rising rents.
Turkey has become a focal point for discussions surrounding refugees and economic pressures. As of 2024, Turkey hosts nearly 3.6 million Syrian refugees, making it the largest host country for Syrians displaced by the ongoing civil war. Initially, Turkey’s response was marked by solidarity and hospitality, but public sentiment has shifted as economic challenges mount. Many Turkish citizens now express frustration, claiming that refugees exacerbate problems like unemployment, inflation, and housing shortages. This growing discontent has led to increased calls for the repatriation of Syrians, with some political leaders using anti-refugee rhetoric to gain support.
In North America, both the United States and Canada are grappling with increasing public concerns over immigration and its perceived economic impact. In the United States, debates over border security, particularly concerning the southern border with Mexico, are prevalent. Politicians often scapegoat immigration for job scarcity and wage stagnation, despite evidence that immigrants significantly contribute to the economy. Similarly, in Canada, which has long been praised for its multiculturalism and relatively open immigration policies, there is growing unease among some segments of the population. Rising housing costs in major cities and job competition have led to calls for stricter immigration controls.
In Europe, countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Greece are experiencing similar tensions. France has seen a rise in far-right sentiments, with politicians and citizens blaming immigrants for unemployment and social unrest. Germany, despite its open-door policy during the 2015 migrant crisis, faces backlash as economic strains and social integration challenges lead to increased anti-immigrant rhetoric. In Italy, where migrants often land after perilous journeys across the Mediterranean, economic hardship has fuelled populist calls to close ports and tighten borders. Meanwhile, Greece, on the frontline of Europe’s refugee crisis, struggles with economic recovery post-recession, with many citizens viewing the influx of refugees as a burden.
This is not just a local issue; it’s a global problem of blame, exacerbated by the elite and super-rich who often manipulate public perception for their gain. Economic inequality is growing worldwide, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. Instead of addressing systemic issues like tax evasion, unfair labour practices, and financial deregulation, attention is diverted towards immigrants and refugees as scapegoats. This narrative is perpetuated by some media outlets and political leaders who benefit from dividing the public along lines of race and nationality.
It’s disheartening to witness events like the Tommy Robinson rally in London, where far-right groups gather in large numbers, often under the guise of patriotism. These rallies are marked by hate-filled rhetoric, racist chants, and public disorder. Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is often heralded as a hero by these groups despite his history of legal troubles and extremist views.
The rise of far-right parties, such as Reform, and the normalisation of their ideologies present a significant challenge to social cohesion. Such rallies can instil fear and insecurity among Muslims and other minority communities, prompting them to question their place in the UK.
It is perplexing how individuals like Zia Yusuf, despite their diverse backgrounds, can align themselves with far-right ideologies that promote division and exclusion. Yusuf, an immigrant, might have faced personal or societal struggles that pushed him toward extremist viewpoints, finding a sense of belonging in these groups. Similarly, disenfranchised Black men have joined far-right movements, not realizing they were once the targets of such ideologies. The far-right thrives on an “us vs. them” mentality, and those who support these movements can quickly become targets themselves. This alliance often overlooks the historical reality that these groups were once enemies and could easily become so again. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to counteract the allure of extremist narratives and promote inclusivity.
The Role of Muslims in Shaping the Future
For Muslims in the West, the choice is clear: stand firm against rising right-wing extremism and advocate for justice, truth, and understanding. We’re not running away; this is our home, where our families are buried in local cemeteries. We must challenge stereotypes and share positive narratives about Muslims’ contributions to society. We must stand together to combat misinformation, engage with media outlets, create our own platforms, and work in partnerships to promote understanding and education about Islam’s values of peace, justice, and community solidarity.
The path forward demands resilience. As Muslims in the West, we need to seize this moment to build stronger communities, advocate for justice, and work towards a harmonious society where everyone feels valued and respected. This is not just a challenge for Muslims; it is a challenge for all who believe in equality, justice, and the strength of humanity. Together, we can create a future where fear and division are replaced by hope and unity. The time for action is now.
