A recent survey in Australia has revealed a sharp rise in negative attitudes toward Muslims, with 43% of adults expressing unfavorable views in 2026, raising concerns about growing Islamophobia and its impact on social cohesion.

Action Against Islamophobia highlighted findings from the Mapping Social Cohesion 2026 report, which showed that negative attitudes toward Muslims increased from 29% in 2022 to 33% in 2024 and 43% in 2026. The latest figure represents a 10-percentage-point increase in just two years, the largest rise among the groups examined.

The organization warned that these figures reflect broader challenges facing Muslims, particularly regarding their sense of safety, dignity, and acceptance in Australian society. It called for stronger efforts to combat religious discrimination and promote mutual respect and coexistence.

Action Against Islamophobia also encouraged greater unity and solidarity within the Muslim community and urged individuals to report incidents of Islamophobia, stressing that documenting such cases is essential to addressing discrimination effectively.

An initiative of the Australian National Imams Council, Action Against Islamophobia works to document anti-Muslim discrimination and raise awareness of its impact, advocating for religious equality, diversity, and social cohesion across Australia.