In the wake of a recent outbreak of anti-Muslim riots in Liverpool, the city's residents, particularly women, are living in fear and questioning the years of integration efforts. On a day that is traditionally important to Muslims, fewer women are attending prayers at their local mosques, opting for safety tips such as moving in groups, avoiding crowds, and keeping car windows closed. The atmosphere in Liverpool is charged with tension, as the aftermath of the riots has left an eerie mood hanging over the city.

The riots erupted following the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport, located less than an hour's drive from Liverpool. False rumors on social media, claiming the suspect was a Muslim and an asylum seeker, led to a wave of Islamophobic and racist violence. These disinformation campaigns fueled the worst outbreak of violence the nation has seen in years.

However, thanks to the efforts of thousands of anti-racism protesters who outnumbered the rioters, the riots were eventually quelled. Police have been handing down heavy sentences to those involved, deterring potential future participants. In the face of such violence, many Liverpudlians and Britons in general are now questioning the progress made in terms of integration.

Observers are placing blame on politicians and sections of the media for their rhetoric against immigration, which often demonized Muslims and asylum seekers. Shabna Begum, the head of the Runnymede Trust, a race equality and civil rights think tank, points out that the "War on Terror" narrative escalated targeting Muslim communities as a threat to national security. Over time, this narrative has contributed to the normalization of an Islamophobic rhetoric in the UK, leading to the dehumanization of Muslims.

The focus of political attention has shifted towards undocumented migrants crossing the English Channel, often grouping brown and Black asylum seekers with Muslims. As a result, innocent Muslims, refugees, and non-white individuals bore the brunt of random attacks during the riots. Both the Labour and Conservative parties have been criticized for their contributions to the vilification of Muslims, thereby allowing for the general populace to engage in discriminatory behavior towards minority groups.

TellMAMA, an organization that monitors anti-Muslim hate crimes, reports a significant increase in Islamophobic incidents over the past decade. During the Israeli conflict with Gaza, the rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes became even more apparent, with incidents nearly tripling in the first four months alone. Similar trends were noticed with anti-Jewish hate crimes during the same period.

Amidst these troubling developments, Imam Adam Kelwick of Liverpool's Abdullah Quilliam mosque believes that dialogue is the missing element. Kelwick recently engaged in a rare conversation with a far-right protester, attempting to bridge the gap between the community and those who hold opposing views. Offering food and extending a heartfelt embrace, Kelwick emphasized the importance of human interaction in fostering understanding and empathy.

Despite such efforts, wounds are still fresh in the Liverpool community. Tawhid Islam, a member and trustee of the Liverpool Region Mosque Network, reflects on the sense of betrayal and doubt that has been left in the aftermath of the riots. The progress made in previous years now feels overshadowed by the events of one evening, leaving members of the non-white community questioning their place within Liverpool's identity.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of these riots, it is clear that a collective effort is needed to foster dialogue, promote understanding, and heal the divisions within the community. Efforts to combat Islamophobia and racism must be prioritized, with political leaders and the media taking responsibility for their role in shaping public opinion. In the pursuit of a united and inclusive society, it is imperative that "othering" narratives are challenged and replaced with empathy, respect, and compassion.