New Books in Islamic Studies Radio ReOrient 13.10: Countering Islamophobia with the Runnymede Trust, with Shabna Begum, hosted by Claudia Radiven and Amina Easat Daas
Dec 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Shabna Begum, the CEO of the Runnymede Trust and author of 'From Sylhet to Spitalfields,' dives into her efforts countering Islamophobia. She reflects on Runnymede's trailblazing work since 1997 and the impact of events like 9/11 on Muslim communities. Shabna emphasizes the importance of understanding structural causes rather than merely interpersonal hate. Highlighting the rise of far-right politics and the connections between local and global issues, she urges for community action and solidarity to combat racism.
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Islamophobia Changes With Political Context
- Runnymede's Islamophobia reports reflect shifting political moments from media caricature (1997) to securitisation (2017) to international links (2024).
- Shabna Begum shows that Islamophobia's form changes with legislation, media and global events, requiring different responses.
Definitions Can Obscure Structural Causes
- Narrow government consultations risk depoliticising Islamophobia by reframing it as "anti-Muslim hostility".
- Begum warns this shift can erase structural and policy-driven roots of anti-Muslim racism.
Stop Debating, Start Protecting
- Refuse to stay trapped in endless definition debates and shift focus to protecting Muslim communities now.
- Prepare to respond to any official definition, but prioritize practical protections and policy changes.