In the following viewpoint, Belinda F. Espiritu cites predominantly negative media portrayals of Islam and Muslims as a key factor in the rise of Islamophobia, or the fear of Islam. The author agrees with the Muslim writers who stress the need for Christians and Muslims and particularly Sufi Muslims, to unite in a common mission to bear witness the shared values, Espiritu (PhD) is an associate professor of communication at the University of the Philippines Cebu.
As you read, consider the following questions:
1. How can the concept of tawhid, or unity, help resolve Islamophobia?
2. What can be learned by an examination of Sufism?
3. According to the author, what is the relationship of the Taliban, ISIS and other such groups to the Sufism spirit of Islam?
Download pdf copy: Espiritu Book Chapter