Islamophobia - real or imagined?

On one hand, we have Islamic apologists trying to shout down everyone asking questions regarding Islamic extremists views calling people who oppose their views as racists, bigots or Islamophobic.

Then on the other hand, we have a bunch of people calling for every Muslim person to be deported and flung from the country; the answer seems to be somewhere in between.

Islamic extremists are generally drawn from the ranks of mainstream Muslim followers; for anyone to argue IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh is not about Islam deluding themselves.

Quite possibly, the name of the organisation Islamic State may offer some clues to their intentions. However, for people to blame every Muslim for the deeds of Islamic State Iraq Syria is also misguided and wrong.

Yet, the recruiting of young followers and jihadists from mosques is real; the issue requires leadership from within the Muslim community - so far, this is sadly lacking.

So where are we at? People are concerned about the Muslim community, it is a fair call, there are serious integration issues.

For the Islamic community to integrate, the leadership needs to address the wider community in both conversation and deeds. The Christian community provides essential public services.

If the Islamic community wants to be taken seriously then community services such as feeding and housing homeless people, meals on wheels, aged care and disadvantaged people and groups would enhance their image.

The Muslim community has an image problem, one of only taking - not giving; hands out for as much money as they can milk it for without providing any community service.

Until the Muslim leadership can address these issues - they will continue to suffer from their own abilities to effectively integrate in the country they now live.