In their words: untold stories of Islamophobia in Canada

On the fifth anniversary of the Quebec City Mosque shooting and the National Day of Action Against Islamophobia, Islamic Relief Canada released a new report that sheds light on how everyday Islamophobia affects Canadian Muslims.

Islamic Relief Canada's new report, "In Their Words: Untold Stories of Islamophobia in Canada," sheds light on everyday Islamophobia. “When we hear about Islamophobia, it's often in the context of violent attacks. Yet what is less well known are the daily incidents and microaggressions that Muslims regularly experience in all spheres of their lives. By publishing our report, we wanted to share these stories and show the long-term effects of hate,” said Reyhana Patel, Head of Communications and Government Relations at Islamic Relief Canada.

The report features unique and compelling testimonies from Muslims across the country and from all walks of life.

Here are some examples:

• A Quebec teacher had to remove her hijab at work due to Bill 21 and nearly lost her job for not complying.
• A man has temporarily stopped participating in organized sports in Alberta after being the target of racial slurs and discrimination.
• An Ontario woman wearing the hijab was physically and verbally assaulted on a university campus because she was Muslim.
• Aymen Derbali , victim of the Quebec City mosque shooting, was shot seven times. He is now paralyzed and unable to support his family.

Some of the key findings of the report relate to the fact that Islamophobia is not only systemic and normalized, but also gendered, with Muslim women being disproportionately victimized.

The report also reveals that the short- and long-term consequences for victims of Islamophobia can include emotional and mental trauma, stress experienced in personal and professional relationships, and even long-term physical injury.

Islamic Relief Canada, a lead member of the Green Square Campaign taking place in the week leading up to January 29, calls on governments to reflect on the seriousness of Islamophobia in Canada and to immediately take all necessary steps to address Islamophobia and its root causes, both through practice and through the adoption of policies.

The full report can be viewed here.

Islamic Relief Canada is a Canadian registered charity and a leading Muslim NGO working in over 30 countries to provide humanitarian assistance and build resilient and thriving communities.