Emerging Islamophobic Rhetoric and the Contesting Potentials of Literary Texts

Abstract

Though existing in various forms since the revival of Islam (mostly erroneously considered in the West as the founding of Islam) by Muhammad—the last Messenger of Allah—in the 6^th century A.D, Islamophobia has taken a markedly new shape in the 21^st century, triggered primarily by the so-called “9/11 terrorist attacks” and other similar events.  This new shape of antagonism towards Islam and Muslims is marked by some deeply disturbing traits like stereotyping, prejudiced framing and sweeping generalization of Muslim individuals and communities as a threat—both dynamic and potential—not only for the Western Civilization, but also for peace, progress and the future of humanity at large. One of the most influential arenas where this emerging form of Islamophobia is promoted as well as countered is that of art and literature, having a deeper impact on global thought and feeling than the media channels of overt propaganda or political rhetoric across Europe and America. Taking cognizance of this fact, the paper at hand examines the distinguishing features of the still under-formation new phase of Islamophobia, subsequently focusing on the role of literature therein so far, and its potential to promote and contest the emerging Islamophobic agenda.

      Keywords: Art, literature, Islamophobia, emerging global scenario, rhetoric