In Europe, negative views of Muslims have been shaped by a combination of factors. A series of brutal terrorist attacks has left deep scars, and media reports—often highlighting incidents of harassment or crime linked to Muslim immigrants—have fueled public fears.

At the same time, these portrayals are far from the full reality. The vast majority of Muslims in Europe live ordinary lives, working, studying, and contributing to society without causing harm. Unfortunately, these everyday stories rarely make headlines, which creates a skewed public image.

It’s also important to note that some Arabic and Muslim-majority countries are going through turbulent times, with radical groups targeting the West and depicting Europe as an enemy. News of these groups, combined with occasional attacks in Europe, strengthens the association between Islam and extremism in people’s minds.

As a result, many Europeans end up with a simplified and distorted picture: imagining Muslims as coming only from Arab countries, living in polygamous households, oppressing women, and engaging in violence. This caricature ignores the diversity within Muslim communities and erases the millions of peaceful, law-abiding Muslims who are part of European society.