Muslims in the Philippines led by religious leaders schooled in the Middle East are calling attention to the rising “Islamophobia” or anti-Islam movement in various member states of the European Union, saying this affects the search for world peace through interfaith talks.

Ustadhz Ahmad Nooh Darping, president of the local branch of the World Islamic People's Leadership (WIPL), Libya, told the Manila Bulletin that "our fellow Muslims in the Philippines are saddened by the increasing anti-Islam and anti-Muslim sentiments in the Western world, in the European Union and in the United States of America.”

Darping said Muslims and non-Muslims in the Philippines co-exist peacefully unlike in many Western countries.

He said meetings held in Manila in the week came out with suggestions to launch a series of peaceful rallies to call attention to the situation and prevent Islamophobia from spreading into the Philippines.

“These activities are to be done peacefully, we are not going to seek any quarrel, and we have sought permits from the government,” said Darping.

To show the solidarity of Muslims in the Philippines with the members of the Ummah (world Islamic community), he said peaceful rallies have been scheduled in the cities of Manila, Davao, Cotabato and Marawi this coming week.

“We expect thousands to join the series of rallies to call attention to Islamophobia in West -- Europe and America -- as well as the situation dangers to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem," said Darping.

Many Islamic scholars or theologians, imams or plain mentors in the Philippines finished their Islamic studies in Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and others.

They are highly regarded by the Moros as they keep the torch of Islam burning in the country and provide them anchor to their religious roots.

Darping said Islamophobia, which takes shape in the form of hate attacks against Muslims, prohibition of hijab, ban on minarets (mosque towers), and publication of offensive cartoons, among others, in Europe and the US, is dividing the world further.

“Religious understanding through interfaith dialogue is a two-way process.

People belonging to any religion should show the goodness of their religion by being respectful, tolerant, and not offending other faith communities,” said Darping.

He said others involved in the organization of the rallies are Ustadhz Abdulmajeed Djamla, Ustadhz Abdul Muhaimin Abubakar, Ustadhz Jaafar Abdul Samad, and others.