Islamophobia in The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Abstract

The novel Reluctant Fundamentalist has been analysed from various perspectives. However, its analysis from an Islamophobic perspective has hitherto remained unexplored. This study aims to identify the elements of Islamophobia—the unjustifiable fear towards Islam and its practices that non-Muslims in general and people of the United States of America in particular have developed after the 9/11 incident. The researcher possesses a comprehensive understanding of the 9/11 incident to investigate its impact on the lives of Muslims worldwide, particularly those residing in the US. With reference to the novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist(2007), this research shows what kind of discrimination Muslims face in western countries, especially in America. In this novel, the main character's newly grown beard, a symbol of sympathy with his Muslim fellows, leads to harsh treatment. People frequently question his beard, leading him into a never-ending sea of sorrows, troubles, and miseries. In the end, he is compelled to leave the US because of the unusual fear (Islamophobia) that people have developed against him, his structure, and his actions. Furthermore, the research examines what people fear from Islam after the 9/11 attack on Americans.