The Anti-Therapeutic Effects of the Anti-Shari’a Movement on American Society

Abstract:     
Criticizing Islam has become more socially acceptable and politically advantageous. Twenty-seven states have attempted to pass either a constitutional amendment or a legislative bill regarding the rejection of Shari’a since 2010. Such legislation is counter-productive and shortsighted. Each demonstrates a direct singling-out of the religious law of Muslims (Shari’a) alone or a progression of accomplishing legitimate goals without targeting Shari’a. Government-sanctioned disapproval and social rejection cause a breakdown in personal relationships and social identity. Much like bullying, the anti-Shari’a movement is creating fertile ground for radicalization and extremism through isolation and negative identity perceptions. The reality is that anti-Shari’a laws make Americans, including Muslims, less safe.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 35

Keywords: Islam, Muslim, Sharia, Therapeutic, unintended, extremism, bullying, radicalization, isolation, terrorism

working papers series