Asalaamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu to all,

(Peace and blessings to you all)

Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) 2023 is upon us. Now, more than ever, this month holds heightened significance. Given the ongoing conflicts and considering historical events, we are acutely aware that prejudice against our Muslim patients and colleagues has been escalating. We are clear, as always, that we will always condemn prejudice and hate towards all healthcare professionals. At British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) we will always condemn Islamophobia towards our peers but also our patients.

“Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” MCB report.

IAM aims to educate the public about Islamophobia, challenge stereotypes, and provide a platform for dialogue and understanding between different communities.

In the UK, IAM traces its origins to the collective endeavours of numerous organisations and individuals committed to fighting against discrimination and bias directed at Muslims.

To assess Islamophobia’s current state, it’s crucial to examine its evolution and how it has encapsulated a distinct societal experience.

• Early 2000s:
  • The issue of Islamophobia gained increased attention in the UK following the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and the subsequent global rise in anti-Muslim sentiment.
• Formation of Initiatives:
  • In the early 2000s, several grassroots organisations, Muslim advocacy groups, and interfaith organisations began working to raise awareness about Islamophobia.
• 2009:
  • The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), a London-based organisation, played a significant role in advocating for the recognition of Islamophobia and the need for awareness campaigns.
• November 2012:
  • The University of Birmingham’s Muslim Students’ Association launched the first official Islamophobia Awareness Month in the UK.

Since its inception, there has been increasing growth and recognition of the importance of recognising and tackling Islamophobia. The initiative gained momentum and recognition, with various organisations and institutions participating in activities and events throughout November.

The diverse participation of IAM is reflected by the wide range of participants, including educational institutions, community organisations, faith groups, and individuals who come together to organise events, workshops, seminars, and campaigns.

Each year, IAM focuses on specific themes related to Islamophobia, such as media representation, hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and more. These themes serve as a focal point for awareness-raising efforts.

Through targeted and purposeful initiatives, IAM has gained endorsement from a diverse range of politicians, both within and outside the Muslim community, who acknowledge the significance of tackling Islamophobia as a societal concern. It remains a recurring event on the UK calendar, drawing an increasing number of organisations and institutions each year. It has now firmly established itself as an integral component of the wider movement for social justice and inclusivity.

Through its various activities and campaigns, IAM has contributed to a greater understanding of Islamophobia and its impact on Muslim individuals and communities. It has also encouraged dialogue and collaboration between different religious and cultural groups.

Islamophobia in the NHS

In the United Kingdom, the NHS is a cornerstone of public health, priding itself on providing care for all, regardless of background. Yet, behind the scenes, there lies an urgent matter that requires attention: Islamophobia within healthcare environments.

Indicators of social disparity, crime surveys, polling data, and assessments of media bias consistently reveal that Muslims encounter barriers that impede their full and equal participation in society. For far too many, Islamophobia is a lived experience, even if it goes unnamed. The NHS, its workforce and patients are not immune from these factors which lead to adverse outcomes.

This year’s IAM theme is #MuslimStories. It is encouraging us to share inspiring stories about Muslim role models, or actions that have implemented positive change tackling Islamophobia in and around us, including within healthcare.  The following stories aim to shed light on the all-too-common experiences of Muslims within the NHS, illustrating the impact of discrimination on both patients and healthcare professionals.

Dr Amina’s Battle for Fair Experiences

Dr Amina harboured a lifelong ambition to become a breast surgeon, a passion ignited by her mother’s battle with breast cancer. Navigating the complexities of her mother’s treatment, she faced the added challenge of advocating for religious accommodations throughout the medical process due to her Muslim identity. Recognising the hurdles posed by intersectionality—being female, non-white, and visibly Muslim—she acknowledged that her aspiration was a rare opportunity for many.

Undeterred by the obstacles, Dr Amina tailored her training endeavours to align with her goal, strategically gaining exposure through foundation programme jobs and aiming to complete her MRCS by the end of her FY1. However, the journey was marked by extra efforts to be taken seriously and to secure equal exposure and experiences in the operating theatre compared to her colleagues. Her commitment faced a specific impediment as she wore a hijab, leading to instances where she was barred from participating in cases due to dress code policies—even when she took measures like using disposable hijabs and sleeves.

Undaunted by these setbacks, Dr Amina persevered. Initially unaware of available organisational support, she discovered the assistance of BIMA. A discussion with a BIMA senior advisor prompted a meeting with her employing trust, setting off a series of subsequent discussions. Six months later, the trust agreed to revise its dress code policy to ensure fairness for those, like Dr Amina, who wore religious attire. Despite lacking local advocates, her collaboration with BIMA empowered her to continue her pursuit and she is on track to attain consultant status soon, achieving her goal against the odds.

Dr Ahmed’s Struggle to be Taken Seriously

Dr Ahmed, a highly qualified medical doctor hailing from the Middle East, had a lifelong desire to practise as a consultant physician. Due to civil unrest, and the absence of dedicated training programs, he made the significant decision to relocate his family to the UK. This decision was difficult, he was going to leave behind elderly parents, who required support, however this was the only way for him to both financially support his family, but achieve his career goals. 

Approaching this ambition with unwavering positivity and enthusiasm, Dr Ahmed was well aware, through conversations with friends and colleagues who had taken a similar path, that the journey would be challenging. As an international medical graduate (IMG) with English as a second language, integrating into the UK posed an immediate barrier. Unfamiliar with local social norms, he and his family were keen on maintaining their faith.

The initial phase was turbulent, marked by misunderstandings about his social acumen. To alleviate this, Dr Ahmed took proactive steps to assimilate. When invited to social events involving alcohol, he politely declined, inadvertently sensing a growing distance with his colleagues.

In his quest for support and connection, Dr. Ahmed learned about BIMA through a UK-based peer, who recommended engaging with the IMG community. This introduction provided him the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and receive guidance on asserting his religious rights. Driven by a desire to foster inclusivity, he organised alcohol-free, family-friendly social events for his department. Although not all colleagues attended, those who did, including non-Muslims, saw him for who he was, becoming allies in the workplace.

Now a consultant, Dr Ahmed continues his commitment to inclusivity by organising regular socials for his team, creating an environment where junior members feel welcomed and empowered to be themselves without fear of being excluded in the workplace.

Adam’s Silent Struggle as a Mental Health Patient

Adam, a young and devout Muslim accountant, faced a series of challenges, including the breakdown of his marriage and close family bereavements. Struggling with sleep, motivation, and overwhelming guilt, he found himself contemplating suicide. Despite reaching out to his local mosque and Muslim friends, he felt no relief. A visit to his GP confirmed his fears—severe depression. Encouraged to start medication and seek mental health support, it took him six weeks to contact psychological counselling services, a significant achievement for him, albeit one he felt he couldn’t share with family and friends.

Assigned a therapist, Adam initially hesitated to open up about his religious views, fearing differential treatment. Phone discussions were pleasant, but the first in-person session turned sour. Adam’s visibly Muslim appearance, with a beard and thobe, led to scepticism about his identity, even after presenting his passport. The therapist distanced their chair, steering the conversation towards Islam’s perceived problems, abruptly ending the session with an unhelpful directive for Adam to integrate into society. He could not make sense of this, as a British born Muslim who was a law abiding British Muslim, has enjoyed 3 decades of British life with British friends who were of various beliefs, faiths, and ethnicities… how was he not already integrated? What more did he need to do? 

Feeling humiliated and helpless, Adam struggled with sharing this experience but felt like a burden to everyone. Fortunately, during a follow-up with his GP, he tearfully recounted the incident. The GP, horrified, promised to provide feedback and help find Muslim-specific resources. This led Adam to Inspirited Minds, an organisation tailored to support Muslims with mental health needs. Connecting with others who shared similar experiences, Adam used his recovery to assist fellow Muslims in reaching out for help. Eventually, he broke his silence with his family, who proved more supportive than he anticipated.

In a later review with his GP, Adam shared the positive impact of his experience with Inspirited Minds, prompting the GP to use it as a learning opportunity within the practice.

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For those who read these stories, the narratives resonate with a stark authenticity. Many Muslims have either personally experienced these situations or know someone who has. It becomes tempting to dismiss and normalise these encounters as “ordinary” because, while recognising that no one should endure prejudice, we acknowledge our internal biases, understanding that a world without prejudice or discrimination is unfortunately an ideal that eludes us. Simultaneously, it’s important not to use this awareness as a justification to tolerate or acquiesce to such biases, as that might appear to be the simpler path. Beyond its impact on professional interactions, our commitment to protecting and advocating for our patients remains paramount. It’s widely recognised that many Muslims possess intersectional identities, amplifying their vulnerability to prejudice within the healthcare system.

This month, as ever, BIMA continues to push the call for action against Islamophobia. It is imperative that healthcare professionals and institutions prioritise cultural and religious sensitivity, understanding, and inclusivity to ensure that all patients receive the quality care they deserve. By sharing these experiences and taking concrete steps towards combating Islamophobia in healthcare, we can work towards a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system for all.

At this time, more than ever, we have to turn to Allah and ask  that we are not faced with these tests and if we are, that we can have allies to help advocate for us. At BIMA, we encourage everyone to be an advocate against all forms of prejudice and injustice.

This month Insha Allah, we have launched our Islam-focused Bystander Training session, with a particular focus on Islamophobia. We will be highlighting muslim voices, experiences and resources to help you and your colleagues tackle Islamphobia and support each other.

If this is something that interests you or your organisation, please don’t hesitate to email us for more information. 

JazakaAllah khair, may Allah SWT shower his mercy and blessings upon us all.

Words by Zirva K

BIMA PR National Director & General Practitioner