On May 9, 2026, Sh. Mohammad Idrissi, Rector of the Islamic University of Spain Al-Andalusia, participated in the program Espacio de Encuentro of Cadena SER Andalucía.a space dedicated to address the social and daily reality of migrant communities in Andalusia.

During the interview, issues related to the increase of Islamophobic discourses in Europe and Spain, the impact that certain political narratives have on coexistence and the need to build a society based on respect, mutual understanding and the dignity of all people were addressed.

Islamophobia, ignorance and social responsibility

Throughout the conversation, Sh. Mohammad Idrissi warned about how certain public debates end up directly targeting the Muslim community, generating a climate of suspicion and rejection that especially affects Muslim youth and minors.

The Rector pointed out that many of the measures and speeches that currently occupy the political debate do not respond to real problems present in cities like Seville, but end up feeding prejudices and normalizing messages of exclusion.

"Islamophobia is that hatred felt and shown towards the Muslim community simply for being Muslim."

During the intervention, the participants also reflected on the lack of knowledge about Islam and the diversity of the Muslim community itself, pointing out how it is often presented as something alien to Spanish society, forgetting both the reality of thousands of Spanish Muslims and the deep historical Andalusian imprint that is part of our own collective identity.

Concern for the new generations

One of the most significant moments of the interview came when addressing the impact of Islamophobia on Muslim children and youth. From his educational and community experience, Sh. Mohammad Idrissi explained how many minors suffer situations of discrimination from a very early age, directly affecting their development and sense of belonging.

"A child is not born with Islamophobia, he learns it by listening to comments, watching speeches and repeating what is normalized by society."

The conversation made visible a reality that often goes unnoticed: the human impact of hate speeches when they begin to be normalized in public, political and media spaces.

Educating to live together

The participation concluded with a reflection on the need to establish clear lines against Islamophobia and to promote a culture of respect and coexistence from institutions, the media, education and civil society.

In this sense, the Rector insisted that combating Islamophobia should not be understood only as an issue affecting the Muslim community, but as a collective responsibility linked to the defense of fundamental rights and democratic coexistence.

The presence of the Islamic University of Spain Al-Andalusia in areas such as Meeting Space is part of the institution's commitment to active participation in contemporary social debates, providing reflection, experience and a voice close to the reality of the Muslim community in Spain.

The full interview is available through Cadena SER Andalucía and on Al-Andalusia's official channels.