Persecution of Muslims facts for kids

This minaret in Baghdad shows where the Mongol ruler Hulegu Khan destroyed a mosque during the sack of Baghdad.

Persecution of Muslims means treating people unfairly or hurting them because they are Muslims. This is a type of religious persecution. It can involve many things, like being mean to them, stopping them from practicing their faith, or even using violence against them. Sometimes, it means putting them in prison just for being Muslim.

Throughout history, Muslims have faced persecution in different parts of the world. This happened during the Crusades, when Mongols invaded, and in the Iberian Peninsula during the Inquisitions. Sadly, even today, Muslims face unfair treatment in many countries. Some examples include Myanmar, the Central African Republic, and Serbia.

Islam is one of the world's largest religions. Like many other major religions, its followers have sometimes suffered from violent persecution.

What is Persecution?

Persecution is when a group of people is treated badly, unfairly, or cruelly. This often happens because of their religion, race, or beliefs. For Muslims, it means they are targeted because they follow Islam. This can include being discriminated against, attacked, or even killed.

Why Does Persecution Happen?

Persecution often comes from fear, misunderstanding, or hatred. Sometimes, it's used by powerful groups to control or remove others. It can also be fueled by old conflicts or political reasons. When people don't understand a religion, they might believe false things about it. This can lead to prejudice and unfair treatment.

Historical Examples of Persecution

Muslims have faced many challenges throughout history. Here are a few important times when they were persecuted.

The Crusades

The Crusades were a series of religious wars. They took place between the 11th and 13th centuries. Christian armies from Europe fought to take control of holy lands. During these wars, many Muslims were killed or mistreated. Their homes and places of worship were often destroyed.

Mongol Invasions

In the 13th century, the Mongols built a huge empire. They invaded many parts of Asia and Europe. When they attacked Muslim lands, like Baghdad in 1258, they caused massive destruction. Many cities were ruined, and countless Muslims were killed. Libraries and mosques were often destroyed.

The Inquisitions in Iberia

The Iberian Peninsula is where modern-day Spain and Portugal are located. For centuries, Muslims lived there peacefully. However, after Christian kingdoms took back control, the Inquisition began. This was a powerful religious court. Muslims were forced to convert to Christianity or leave. Many who stayed were secretly persecuted. They were often tortured or killed if they were suspected of still practicing Islam. This event is known as the Expulsion of the Moriscos.

Modern Persecution of Muslims

Sadly, persecution of Muslims continues in the modern world. Here are some examples from recent history.

Myanmar (Rohingya Crisis)

The Rohingya people are a Muslim ethnic group in Myanmar. They have faced extreme violence and discrimination. The government does not recognize them as citizens. In 2017, a huge number of Rohingya were forced to flee their homes. They escaped to neighboring Bangladesh to avoid attacks. Many of their villages were burned down.

Central African Republic

In the Central African Republic, there have been conflicts between different groups. Muslims in the country have been targeted by armed groups. Many have been killed or forced to leave their homes. Mosques and Muslim businesses have also been destroyed.

Serbia and the Balkans

During the wars in the Balkans in the 1990s, Muslims faced terrible violence. In places like Bosnia and Herzegovina, many Muslims were killed. This included the Srebrenica massacre. Their homes and mosques were destroyed. This was part of a terrible event called "ethnic cleansing."

Other Examples

Muslims have also faced persecution in other places. This includes the Uyghur people in China, who have been put into special camps. In some parts of India, Muslims have faced violence and discrimination. These events show that religious freedom is still a challenge for many people around the world.

Related pages

• Religious persecution
• Anti-Shi'ism

Images for kids

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  Old Mosque in Mértola, Portugal. Converted into a church.

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  A figure of a Moor being trampled by a conquistador's horse at the National Museum of the Viceroyalty in Tepotzotlan

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  Expulsion of the Moriscos from Valencia

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  War distribution of clothing to Bulgarian Muslim refugees in Shumla from The Illustrated London News, 17 November 1877

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  Capture of Dali, the capital of the Pingnan Sultanate in Yunnan, from the set Victory over the Muslims

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  Demonstration in Berlin for Uyghur human rights

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  Ten thousand inmates were kept at the concentration camp in El Agheila.

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  Rohingya Muslims at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh, October 2017

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  Qol Şärif and his students defend their mosque during the Siege of Kazan.

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  Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, October 2017

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  Mosque in Gaza, destroyed during the Gaza War, 2009

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  Muslim homes and businesses burned during the North East Delhi riots.

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  Protesters hold placards as they demonstrate against the anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka, 17 June 2014

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  A mosque demolished by the Croatian Defence Council in Ahmići, April 1993

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  Common demonstration of Germans and Turks at the site of the Solingen arson attack of 1993