Holyrood.Nearly 40 groups have signed an open letter to party leaders after an inquiry flagged up Islamophobia in public life.Jawad Khursheed, chair of Muslim Engagement and Development Scotland (MEND), said: “The need for fair representation within the Scottish political system is essential.”A probe by a Scottish Parliament cross-party group found that 83% of Muslims had experienced Islamophobia in Scotland.Nearly 80% of Muslim respondents felt the prejudice is getting worse, while a joint University study found Islamophobia is a deterrent for young Muslims engaging in the political process.Of the 129 MSPs at Holyrood, two - Labour’s Anas Sarwar and SNP Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf - are from Muslim backgrounds.The open letter states:.