Islamophobia (or
anti-Muslim sentiment) is the
prejudice against, hatred towards, or fear of the religion of
Islam or
Muslims. The term entered into common English usage in 1997 with the publication of a report by the
Runnymede Trust condemning negative emotions such as fear, hatred, and dread directed at Islam or Muslims. While the term is now widely used, both the term itself and the underlying concept of Islamophobia have been heavily disputed.