Islamophobia on the Rise: From London’s Niqab Incident to Global Concern

By Shabana Ayaz
shabanaayazpak@gmail.com

London, May 16, 2026 — Thousands gathered at Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London. The atmosphere was charged as French activists from Collectif Némésis took to the stage and publicly removed niqabs from Muslim women in a symbolic protest. The crowd cheered loudly. For many Muslims watching around the world, the scenes were deeply painful — a public stripping away of a woman’s dignity, identity, and religious choice, all while being celebrated as an act of “liberation.”

This incident was not isolated. It has become a stark symbol of the growing wave of Islamophobia — irrational fear, hatred, and hostility toward Islam, Muslims, and Islamic culture — that is spreading rapidly across the West.

Islamophobia in the United Kingdom
According to Tell MAMA’s 2024 report, 6,313 anti-Muslim hate incidents were recorded, of which 5,837 were verified. This represents a 43% increase from the previous year and more than double the figures from 2022. Face-to-face incidents reached 3,680, a 72% rise compared to two years earlier.

By March 2025, UK police recorded 4,478 religious hate crimes targeting Muslims, accounting for nearly 45% of all religious hate crimes in the country. Between June and September 2025 alone, 913 cases were reported, along with attacks on 17 mosques and Islamic institutions.

United States
The situation in America is equally alarming. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) documented 8,658 complaints in 2025 — the highest number since it began tracking in 1996.

Just two days after the London rally, on May 18, 2026, a deadly attack took place at the Islamic Center of San Diego, one of the largest mosques in California. Two young gunmen opened fire, killing three people, including security guard Amin Abdullah, a father of eight. The attackers later died by suicide. Authorities are investigating it as a hate crime.

Europe
In France, home to millions of Muslims, anti-Muslim incidents reached 1,037 in 2024, according to CCIE reports. In Germany, over 3,080 incidents were recorded in the same year, with 54 attacks on mosques. Far-right politicians continue to push anti-hijab rhetoric and call for restrictions on Muslim immigration.

India
Muslims in India continue to face severe challenges. Organizations like RSS and Bajrang Dal have been linked to hate speech and violence. Incidents such as the 2015 beating of a young man named Shakir in Bengaluru and the denial of employment to MBA graduate Zeeshan in Mumbai solely because of his faith highlight the deep-rooted discrimination.

Turkiy’s Strong Global Stand
Turkiye has emerged as one of the leading voices against Islamophobia on the international stage. The Turkish government consistently condemns rising anti-Muslim attacks in Europe and the West. Turkish diplomats at the United Nations have described Islamophobia as an “uncontrolled plague.” Turkey has established a dedicated Center for Combating Islamophobia and works closely with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to raise awareness and protect Muslim rights globally.

Pakistan’s Leading Role
Pakistan has played a pioneering and positive role in the fight against Islamophobia. Through its efforts at the United Nations and within the OIC, Pakistan successfully pushed for the declaration of March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The country has introduced multiple resolutions at the UN and played a key role in the appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia. Pakistani leadership has repeatedly emphasized that Islamophobia is not only a threat to Muslims but to global peace and harmonious coexistence.

The Human Cost
Muslim women wearing hijab or niqab are often the most vulnerable. They face street harassment, workplace discrimination, and verbal abuse on a daily basis. Mosques across Europe and North America have become targets of arson, graffiti, and vandalism.

These statistics come from credible sources including Tell MAMA, CAIR, UK Home Office, and European monitoring organizations. Many incidents still go unreported, meaning the real picture may be even more serious.

A Call for Awareness
Islamophobia is not just a Muslim issue — it is a challenge to religious freedom, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence in multicultural societies. While Türkiye and Pakistan continue to raise their voices on international platforms, the Muslim ummah must remain united, steadfast, and proactive in presenting the true peaceful message of Islam to the world.