Muslim Council of Elders Leads Seminar on Countering Islamophobia at America International Arabic Book Fair
Council Champions Dialogue and Understanding Amid Rising Islamophobia
The Muslim Council of Elders organized a prominent seminar titled “Countering Islamophobia: Building Bridges Through Dialogue and Understanding” at the inaugural America International Arabic Book Fair (AIABF) in Dearborn, Michigan, from May 1 to May 4, 2025. The event, hosted at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, brought together leading academics and community figures to address the surge in anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States and explore solutions through education, dialogue, and media reform.
Seminar Focuses on Education, Media, and Cultural Exchange
The seminar featured distinguished speakers, including Professor Muqtedar Khan of the University of Delaware, Professor Mohammad Hassan Khalil of Michigan State University, and Professor Morgan Shipley, also of Michigan State University. Each expert examined a different facet of Islamophobia, emphasizing the need for accurate information, positive media representation, and personal engagement to combat prejudice.
Professor Khan opened the discussion by highlighting the role of cultural exchange in reducing Islamophobic attitudes. “Personal relationships with Muslims reduce Islamophobic views due to positive interactions,” he noted, citing research that underscores the power of interpersonal connections in breaking down stereotypes. He also called for self-reflection within Muslim communities, stating, “As Muslims, we also have to recognize our stereotypes and work to improve them. If we want equality, respect, and dignity, we should extend it to others the best way we can”.
Professor Khalil provided a broader societal perspective, stressing the importance of educational initiatives. “Much of Islamophobia stems from misinformation,” he explained, advocating for workshops and public forums that clarify Islamic beliefs and practices. “This is why workshops that explain core concepts and deconstruct misconceptions are so essential,” Khalil said, pointing to the critical role of public education in dispelling myths and fostering understanding.
Professor Shipley discussed the impact of media and cinema on shaping public perceptions. He observed that Western narratives often cast Muslims in a negative light, with “only a handful-roughly 12 out of 900 mainstream films-offering accurate or non-negative representations.” Shipley argued that “Islamophobia may be irrational, but it is deeply embedded in dominant Western narratives,” and called for more balanced and positive portrayals to promote mutual respect and cross-cultural dialogue.
“Islamophobia may be irrational, but it is deeply embedded in dominant Western narratives. Muslims and Arabs are too often portrayed as antagonists, with only a handful-roughly 12 out of 900 mainstream films-offering accurate or non-negative representations.”
Prof. Morgan Shipley, Michigan State University
Book Fair Showcases Intellectual Heritage and Tolerance
The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the AIABF extended beyond the seminar. Their pavilion featured over 250 intellectual and cultural publications, including new releases from Al-Hokama Publishing, and more than 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works, such as “Al-Qawl al-Tayyib,” “A Perspective on East-West Dialogue,” and “For the Sake of Peace,” were displayed to highlight Islam’s rich intellectual tradition and its commitment to peace, moderation, and coexistence.
The Council’s pavilion also showcased influential books by other prominent scholars, including “Love in the Holy Quran” by HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad and “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by various researchers. These books reinforced the Council’s mission to promote tolerance and mutual understanding.
Rising Islamophobia in the United States, A Statistical Overview
The seminar took place against a backdrop of escalating Islamophobia in the United States. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), 2024 saw a record 8,658 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination, a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year and the highest since CAIR began tracking such incidents in 1996. The majority of complaints involved workplace discrimination (15.4 percent), immigration and asylum issues (14.8 percent), education (9.8 percent), and hate crimes (7.5 percent).
CAIR’s 2025 Civil Rights Report, titled “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” highlighted that the current wave of Islamophobia is fueled not only by religious bias but also by political and social tensions, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush stated, “The findings in this report reaffirm what our community has been experiencing firsthand- an alarming rise in Islamophobia and the suppression of political speech. Within California and across the nation, students, workers, and activists have faced retaliation simply for speaking out against genocide and apartheid. These unconstitutional crackdowns threaten not only the civil rights of Muslims but also the very foundation of free expression in our country”.
“The findings in this report reaffirm what our community has been experiencing firsthand- an alarming rise in Islamophobia and the suppression of political speech. These unconstitutional crackdowns threaten not only the civil rights of Muslims but also the very foundation of free expression in our country.”
Hussam Ayloush, CAIR-LA Executive Director
The Role of Dialogue and Community Initiatives
The seminar underscored the importance of dialogue and community engagement in addressing Islamophobia. The Muslim Council of Elders’ approach fosters conversations across religious and cultural divides, promotes accurate information, and encourages positive representation in media and public life.
The Council’s efforts align with broader calls from civil rights organizations for increased public education and policy reforms to protect marginalized communities. CAIR’s report noted a 71.5 percent surge in law enforcement encounters related to activism and viewpoint discrimination, reflecting heightened tensions and the need for robust legal and social protections.
Building Bridges for a More Inclusive Future
As Islamophobia reaches historic levels in the United States, initiatives like the Muslim Council of Elders’ seminar at the AIABF represent a critical response to growing intolerance. By bringing together scholars, community leaders, and the public, the Council aims to challenge stereotypes, correct misinformation, and foster a culture of respect and understanding.
The Council’s ongoing commitment to dialogue, education, and cultural exchange offers a blueprint for combating Islamophobia and building more inclusive societies. As Professor Khan remarked, “If we want equality, respect, and dignity, we should extend them to others in the best way we can.”
With the seminar's success and the broader engagement at the American International Arabic Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders has reaffirmed its role as a leading voice in the global effort to counter Islamophobia and promote peaceful coexistence.