‘The Whole Concept of Social Cohesion, I Thought, “This Is So Qur’anic”’: Why Australian Muslim Women Work to Counter Islamophobia

Islamophobia is on the rise in many Western countries, and while previous research has considered causes of impact it its victims, little investigated attitudes experiences Muslims who are working to counter Islamophobia, particularly those Muslim women. This investigates motivations intentions Australian women run public engagement events for non-Muslims build social cohesion. Data were obtained via in-depth interviews with 31 Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya four capital cities. The three main themes that emerged wanted connect attended events, create positive change, increase knowledge had about Islam Muslims. Significantly, said their most important motivator was faith, they rejected idea doing such work appease non-Muslims. Instead, saw an affirmation identity as commitment God.