Written by Religious influence in Middle East
The Middle East is a region known for its religious tensions and conflicts. Religion plays a vital role in the region’s social, cultural, and political life, and it is deeply intertwined with the identities of its people. However, those who do not subscribe to any religion, such as atheists and ex-Muslims, often find themselves targeted for persecution and prosecution in the region. This article will explore the situation of atheists and ex-Muslims in the Middle East, focusing on the legal and social sanctions that they face in various countries. It will also examine the reasons behind the persecution of non-believers and the implications of this phenomenon for human rights and freedom of thought in the region.
Atheism in the Middle East
Atheism is not officially recognized or accepted in most Middle Eastern countries, where religion is often deeply ingrained in the culture and society. The penalty for being an atheist can range from ostracism and discrimination to imprisonment and even execution. In some cases, atheists have been accused of blasphemy and apostasy, which are considered serious crimes in many Islamic countries.
In many Middle Eastern countries, the legal system and social norms are heavily influenced by religious teachings and traditions. Apostasy, or the act of renouncing one’s religion, is also a punishable offense in many Middle Eastern countries, where religious authorities view it as a betrayal of the faith and a threat to social stability. In some cases, apostasy is even considered a capital offense, meaning that those who leave their religion may be subject to the death penalty. This means that non-believers, such as atheists and ex-Muslims, often face significant legal and social sanctions.
One of the most high-profile cases of persecution against atheists in the Middle East occurred in Egypt in 2019, when a 29-year-old blogger named Alber Saber was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison for blasphemy and contempt of religion. Saber had shared a video on his Facebook page that was deemed offensive to Islam, and he was subsequently subjected to a violent mob attack by his neighbors, who accused him of blasphemy. Saber’s case sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the dangers faced by atheists and critics of religion in the region.
Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, which is governed by a strict interpretation of Islamic law, atheists and ex-Muslims are considered to be enemies of the state. The country’s religious police actively monitor social media platforms and online forums for any signs of atheism or criticism of Islam, and those who are found to be in violation of the country’s strict blasphemy laws can be subject to arrest, imprisonment, or even execution.
Discrimination against atheists
One of the most prominent instances of discrimination against atheists in Saudi Arabia occurred in 2014 when a young man named Raif Badawi was sentenced to ten years in prison and 1,000 lashes for insulting Islam. Badawi had founded a liberal online forum that promoted freedom of thought and expression, which was deemed offensive to the country’s religious establishment. He was also accused of apostasy, or the act of renouncing one’s religion, which is considered a capital offense in Saudi Arabia. Badawi’s case sparked international condemnation and highlighted the plight of non-believers in the country. The United Nations and human rights organizations called for his release and urged the Saudi government to respect freedom of thought and expression. However, the Saudi authorities remained adamant in their stance, and Badawi’s sentence was upheld.
Social Ostracism
In addition to legal sanctions, non-believers in Saudi Arabia may also face social ostracism and discrimination. Atheists and those who question the country’s religious norms and traditions may find it difficult to access education, employment, and other opportunities. They may also face harassment and intimidation from their communities and families, who view their beliefs as a betrayal of the country’s Islamic identity.
Iran, like Saudi Arabia, is an Islamic republic with strict laws and regulations surrounding religion. Atheists and ex-Muslims face a range of legal and social sanctions. The country’s penal code includes provisions that criminalize apostasy, blasphemy, and insult to Islam, and those who are found to be in violation of these laws can face severe punishment, including imprisonment and flogging. In addition, non-believers in Iran may be subject to social ostracism and discrimination, and may find it difficult to access education, employment, and other opportunities.
One prominent instance of persecution of atheists in Iran is the case of Maryam Namazie. Namazie is an Iranian-born human rights activist and outspoken critic of the Iranian government’s treatment of non-believers. In 2014, she was invited to speak at the Goldsmiths University in London, but her invitation was revoked after Iranian students complained about her criticism of Islam. Namazie’s case highlights the challenges that Iranian atheists face in expressing their views and the limitations placed on their freedom of speech.
The situation is also challenging for non-believers in countries like Saudi Arabia, where religious authorities have significant power and influence.
In summary, the persecution of atheists in the Middle East is a pressing matter that demands immediate intervention and resolution. The combination of stringent religious laws and conservative societal attitudes in many Middle Eastern countries have fostered an environment in which individuals who do not adhere to religious beliefs are often subject to discrimination, persecution, and prosecution. It is imperative for the global community to continue exerting pressure on Middle Eastern governments to uphold fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression and belief and ensure the safeguarding of non-believers’ liberties. The promotion of secularism and liberal values is essential to advancing human rights and democracy throughout the region. Failure to address this issue will only perpetuate the unjust treatment of non-believers, hindering progress towards a more just and equitable society.
