Confronting Islamophobia in Tabish Khair's How to Fight Islamist Terror from Missionary Position

Abstract

Tabish Khair's novel How to Fight Islamist Terror from Missionary Position (2012) provides a captivating investigation of the reverberation of 9/11, probing into the complexities of Islamophobia and its impact on Muslim individuals in the Western societies. The novel offers a nuanced perspective on cultural identity, religious freedom, and the challenges faced by Muslim characters in the face of widespread cultural misunderstanding. Islamophobia is the term for any indiscriminately negative attitude or feelings toward Muslims or Islam.  Analyzing the facts behind the negative image is a better method to expose it. This research paper seeks to analyze the multifaceted nature of Islamophobia as depicted in the novel, exploring the portrayal of Muslim characters, the prevalence of stereotypes in the Western society, and their struggle with identity. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the novel's commentary on post-9/11 society and the satirical elements used to address Islamophobia, contributing to a deeper understanding of the ongoing challenges in fostering religious tolerance in contemporary times.