How to Be an Ally: Standing Together Against Islamophobia
November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month. You might be wondering why this matters to you. The truth is that we can all play a part in tackling Islamophobia. It starts with the choices we make every day: how we speak, how we listen, and how we stand up for one another.
At JMSU, we believe this work should continue all year round. Whether you are already involved or just looking for somewhere to begin, here are some practical ways to be a genuine ally to Muslim students and communities at any time.
1. Educate Yourself đź“š
Being an ally begins with curiosity. Take time to learn about Islam, the diversity within Muslim communities, and the experiences of Muslims across the UK.
Ways to learn more include:
- Reading books and articles written by Muslim authors
- Listening to podcasts that feature Muslim voices
- Following and engaging with social media accounts run by Muslim creators
- Attending campus talks, workshops, or events
By educating yourself, you gain real insight and reduce the risk of unintentionally reinforcing stereotypes.
You can find helpful resources on our website, and keep an eye on the JMSU events page for upcoming activities.
2. Challenge Prejudice ❌
When harmful comments, jokes, or misinformation go unchallenged, they can become normalised. You do not need to be confrontational to make a difference. Even small, calm responses can shift the tone of a conversation.
Challenging prejudice can look like:
- Correcting misinformation with facts
- Saying, “That’s not appropriate,” when someone makes a discriminatory remark
- Stepping in and redirecting the conversation toward empathy and respect
- Reporting serious incidents to university support services or equality teams
Speaking up shows others, especially Muslim students, that you are on their side.
3. Listen to Lived Experiences đź‘‚
Listening is one of the most meaningful ways to show solidarity. If a Muslim friend shares their experience of Islamophobia, give them the space to be heard without questioning, minimising, or trying to fix the situation. Remember that everyone’s experience is different, and not everyone will feel comfortable sharing.
Good listening means:
- Believing people when they tell you what they have faced
- Avoiding assumptions or generalisations
- Reflecting on what you have heard and using it to inform your actions
When people feel heard, they feel supported, and support strengthens communities.
4. Show Respect in Everyday Interactions ❤️
Respect is at the heart of allyship. This includes recognising and honouring the cultural and religious practices of Muslim students.
Practical ways to show respect include:
- Being mindful of prayer times and offering flexibility during group work
- Understanding that some students may fast during Ramadan
- Learning and using the correct pronunciation of names
- Being considerate about dietary requirements and suggesting restaurants with Halal options
Small gestures like these can help people feel seen and valued.
5. Advocate for Inclusive Spaces ✊
Allyship is not just about personal behaviour. It also involves helping shape environments where everyone feels safe and included. You do not need to be a leader to influence positive change.
Advocacy can include:
- Supporting campaigns against Islamophobia and racism
- Encouraging societies and sports clubs to host inclusive events and training
- Promoting policies that protect students from discrimination
- Amplifying Muslim voices in decision making spaces
When institutions reflect the diversity of their communities, everyone benefits.
If you want to get involved, contact the Student Voice Team at JMSU to become a campaigner for Muslim students.
Being an ally is an ongoing process. Mistakes happen, and that is okay. What matters is your willingness to learn and keep growing. Reflect on your assumptions, continue educating yourself, and stay engaged beyond Islamophobia Awareness Month.
We all have a role in creating a campus where Muslim students feel safe, supported, and celebrated.
If you have experienced or witnessed Islamophobia on campus, LJMU’s support services are here to help. Together, we can challenge hate and champion inclusion, not just this month but throughout the year.
