How did British Muslims become ‘the problem’?

In this episode of The Guardian's Today in Focus, the discussion centers on the troubling rise of anti-Muslim sentiments and the ways in which British Muslims have been portrayed as a threat in society. The episode opens with a narrative illustrating the misconceptions surrounding Muslims, including an encounter where a man expresses a belief that Muslims hate dogs because of political rhetoric. The episode reveals that anti-Muslim hate crimes have doubled in the UK over the past year, emphasizing the danger and fear Muslims face daily.

The host, Nosheen Iqbal, is joined by three guests: Mikdad Versi, founder of the Centre for Media Monitoring, Amna Modin, a community affairs correspondent, and anti-racism campaigner Shaist Aziz. They explore their personal experiences with faith and identity as Muslims and how these experiences have been affected by rising Islamophobia.

Contributors share distressing accounts of violence and hostility they have faced due to their Muslim identity, calling for societal recognition of the issue. They argue that the media plays a significant role in shaping the narrative, often perpetuating stereotypes and biases against Muslims. This has been exacerbated by the rise of far-right rhetoric in British politics, with figures like Tommy Robinson gaining visibility.

There is a collective call for broader understanding and action among the public, emphasizing that the safety of marginalized communities impacts everyone. The guests highlight the contributions of Muslims to British society, countering narratives that frame them as a burden or threat. They conclude by discussing the vitality and resilience of British Muslims, encapsulating their role as a strength rather than a weakness in the cultural fabric of the UK.