Academics and writers

In the realm of contemporary literature, Muslim writers are making their mark with insightful and thought-provoking works that delve into the complexities of the Islamic faith and the diversity of Muslim experiences. These writers offer unique perspectives that challenge stereotypes and provide fresh insights into the rich tapestry of Islamic culture.

• Bat Ye’or — British-Egyptian author known for coining the term “Eurabia,” which she uses to describe a supposed conspiracy to Islamize Europe through immigration and multicultural policies. Her writings, which depict Islam as a civilisational threat to the West, have been widely criticised for promoting fear and prejudice, fueling Islamophobic narratives across Europe and beyond. Extremely dangerous.

• Oriana Fallaci (deceased) — Italian journalist and author, known for her fiercely anti-Islamic writings, especially in her books The Rage and the Pride and The Force of Reason, where she portrayed Islam as a violent and oppressive force threatening Western civilisation. Her inflammatory rhetoric and sweeping generalisations have been widely criticised for fueling Islamophobia. Fanatic.

• Samuel Huntington (deceased) — Author of The Clash of Civilizations, which has been interpreted by some as promoting a view of Islam as inherently incompatible with “Western values.” Ideologue.

• Jordan Peterson — Canadian psychologist and author, whose critiques of Islamic ideologies and support for figures like Ayaan Hirsi Ali have attracted accusations of Islamophobia. Lightweight.

• Niall Ferguson — British historian and author, known for his conservative viewpoints and outspoken criticisms of Islamic culture and history. Ferguson has frequently framed Islam as a force that conflicts with Western civilisation, portraying Islam as a barrier to progress and modernisation. Married to Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Ideologue.

• Caroline Fourest — French journalist and author known for her staunch opposition to Islamism, which she equates with past totalitarian ideologies like fascism and Stalinism. Her writings, including critiques of figures like Tariq Ramadan, have been accused of promoting a hostile and reductive view of Islam, conflating political Islam with extremism. Lightweight.

• Sam Harris — American author and neuroscientist, known for his outspoken criticism of Islam, which he has often described as uniquely dangerous among world religions. His portrayal of Islam as inherently violent and his advocacy for controversial counter-terrorism measures have drawn accusations of promoting Islamophobic stereotypes. Lightweight.

• Robert Redeker — French philosopher and writer known for his controversial critiques of Islam, particularly his inflammatory 2006 article that depicted Islam as a religion of violence, which led to widespread accusations of Islamophobia. Fanatic.

• Boualem Sansal— Algerian author known for his outspoken criticism of Islamism, which he portrays as a dangerous ideology threatening freedom and secularism, drawing accusations of fueling anti-Islam sentiment through his provocative statements and novels. Ideologue.

• Ed Husain — British author and commentator who, despite his Muslim background, has been accused of aligning with Islamophobic narratives and promoting a distorted view of Islam that serves anti-Muslim agendas. He co-founded the “counter extremism” think thank Quilliam Foundation, whose ties with government were illustrated by the revelations that it had drawn up for British security officials a secret list which accused peaceful Muslim groups, politicians, a television channel and a Scotland Yard unit of sharing the ideology of terrorists. Ideologue.