Peter Oborne’s Dispatches programme about Islamophobia in Britain is already making waves. (To get a sense of Peter’s argument, read this piece he did for the Mail). Peter is undoubtedly right that the press sometime do report rumours and urban myths about Muslims as fact which can contribute to a disturbing, anti-Muslim atmosphere. He is also right that if this country treats its Muslim citizens poorly it makes them more likely to become disaffected and fall prey to extremist recruiters.
But where I think Peter goes off course is when he appears to suggest that criticism of the Islamic faith is equivalent to—or as worrying as—criticism of Muslims. Peter’s essay for the Mail also rather glosses over the difference between an interpreted and revealed faith; it is much easier for followers of an interpreted religion to move on from problematic sections of their Holy texts.
The poll conducted for tonight’s programme does show that the vast majority of Muslims believe that there is no contradiction between being Muslim and British. But it is still worrying that 38 percent of Muslims surveyed support Sharia law being introduced in some parts of the UK, that 26 percent see Islam and British values as incompatible and 22 percent say the same about Islam and western democracy.
There is little doubt, though, that Peter’s work is an important contribution to the debate. We should all remember that what we should be worried about is not Muslims but Islamism. Indeed, we will not be able to defeat Islamism without the help of the many Muslims who reject Islamism’s political agenda.
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