The Evolution of Islamophobia
As the definition of Islamophobia evolves, so do the conclusions that follow.
The term Islamophobia is now used by governments, universities, media organizations, advocacy groups, and the public. It influences public policy, academic research, social discourse, and debates about freedom of expression. Yet despite its widespread use, many people are unfamiliar with how the term developed, who helped define it, and why competing definitions continue to generate controversy.
This page examines the historical development of the concept of Islamophobia and the institutions, scholars, and organizations that have shaped its modern meaning. It also explores the relationship between Islam, Islamism, and Islamophobia, and why distinguishing between these terms remains important in contemporary public discussion.
The Runnymede Trust (1997)
Islamophobia: A Challenge for Us All.
The modern definition of Islamophobia was formalized by the Runnymede Trust in 1997.
The report defined Islamophobia as hostility toward Islam and Muslims.
This marked a shift—from individual fear to identifying broader social patterns
September 11 and Expansion of the Term
After September 11, public debate about Islam intensified.
The term “Islamophobia” expanded to include not only prejudice, but also negative representations of Islam.
This moved from individual acts to broader interpretation.
Islamophobia in Canada
In 2016, a parliamentary petition brought the term “Islamophobia” into national political discussion.
The term moved from public debate into formal political language.
This marks a shift—from description into policy and institutional use.
Motion M-103
Following petition e-411, Motion M-103 was introduced in the House of Commons and passed in 2017.
The motion called on the government to address Islamophobia and related forms of discrimination.
Here, the term enters formal political recognition.
Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia
In January 2023, the Government of Canada appointed Amira Elghawaby as Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia,
The term now operates within government frameworks.
The meaning of Islamophobia has not remained fixed.
It has moved from description into policy and institutional use.
The line between criticism and prejudice is unclear.
From description to classification,
and from classification to policy
the meaning of Islamophobia has shifted
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