Islamophobia, Othering and the Sense of Loss: Leila Aboulela’s The Kindness of Enemies

Muslims’ image in the West had completely changed since 9/11, 2001. This paper uses textual analysis method to explore Leila Aboulela as a writer with sophisticated commitment Islam who strives counteract biased perception of and Muslims. Drawing on views Wail Hassan, study focuses Aboulela’s novel The Kindness Enemie examine author’s concern west after 9/11 terrorist attack its impact Muslims, particularly immigrants. It argues that Imam Shamil metaphor debunk attacks target innocent people under pretext Islam, other hand, setting good example concept jihad. findings show primary is condemn operations against worldwide. To illustrate her views, author two contrasted pictures, historical story Shamil, embodies proper jihadist/resistance vis-à-vis current so-called jihadists. further shows those acts have significantly impacted lives are first cause contemporary racism, islamophobia, sense loss among Muslim immigrants west.