Rami Zahra, 11/24
It is no secret that the Arab and Islamic world is witnessing a marked increase in atheism, particularly among the youth. This phenomenon was notably highlighted when Islamic cleric/Sheikh “Ahmed Kareema” broke down in tears on live television, lamenting the state of Islam before millions of viewers.
While the precise number of atheists in the Islamic world is difficult to determine — due to apostasy laws in many Arab countries that hinder individuals from openly declaring their disbelief — the existence and growing prevalence of atheism is undeniable. This trend demands serious study and understanding.
Upon examining this phenomenon, it becomes apparent that several factors contribute to the rise — or what some perceive as the escalation — of atheism in the Arab and Islamic world. These factors include:
1. Inability of Islamic Clerics to Address Controversial Issues
Islamic clerics and scholars, particularly from Al-Azhar, have often failed to provide logical and convincing responses to contentious religious issues. Examples include the permissibility of beating women, the acceptance of enslaving women during wars, and the declaration of jihad on other nationswith the three infamous options: conversion to Islam, payment of Jizyah, or death.
– Jizyah a tax levied from the people of the Scriptures ( Jews and Christians ) , who are under the protection of a Muslim government.
2. Failure of Political Islam
The inability of political Islam to bring prosperity to the societies it governs has also played a significant role. From the Taliban in Afghanistan to ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and Al-Shabaab in Somalia, people have seen nothing but misery, destruction, poverty, and deprivation under their rule. This has eroded the idea that “Islam is the solution,” a slogan propagated by the Muslim Brotherhood in the last century.
Many still recall how, in the 1980s and 1990s, Islamist leaders promised that poverty and inflation would vanish if women adopted the hijab. Women did wear the hijab, yet these societies experienced nothing but increased poverty and hardship.
3. Failure of the “Islamic Awakening” to Improve Morality
The so-called “Islamic Awakening,” which gained momentum in the late 1970s, did not lead to improved societal ethics. Instead, it coincided with a sharp rise in harassment of women in public spaces, rampant use of vulgar language, and a decline in values such as honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, and sincerity.
4. The Decline of Islamic Clerics’ Image
The credibility of Islamic clerics has been severely damaged by their use of crude and obscene language against those who disagree with them. For instance, Sheikh “Wagdy Ghoneim’s” insults towards opponents were so vulgar that they cannot even be mentioned here. This behaviour has left many disillusioned with religious leadership.
5. The Internet and Exposure to Islamic Heritage Texts
The widespread use of the internet and social media has brought to light disturbing aspects of Islamic heritage texts, such as rulings on “adult breastfeeding,” “child marriages,” and the violent legacy of the Islamic Caliphate. These revelations starkly contrast with attempts by clerics to portray Islam as the most civilised religion in history.
6. Terrorism in the Name of Religion
The prevalence of terrorism in many Islamic countries, along with the justification of such acts in the name of religion, has been deeply unsettling. Extremist groups cite prophetic sayings like “I have been made victorious through terror” and “My provision is under the shade of my spear” to justify violence. These narratives, found in collections like Sahih al-Bukhari, further alienate many from the faith.
7. Apostasy Laws as a Sign of Weakness
Some perceive the existence of apostasy laws as a sign of the religion’s fragility. They argue that the mandate to kill apostates reflects an inability to use logic to persuade others, resorting instead to violence to mask this weakness. These critics liken this to a weak football player resorting to aggression because he cannot perform well.
8. Problematic Depictions of the Prophet
The insistence of Islamic clerics on defending controversial stories and hadiths about the Prophet, such as his marriage to Aisha at the age of seven and claims about his extraordinary sexual prowess, has alienated many believers. For some, these depictions contradict the notion of the Prophet as a universal role model (“the best example for mankind”) and lead them to question their faith.
9. Contradictions and Changes in Religious Rulings
The inconsistency in religious rulings has caused significant confusion. For instance, women driving cars was once considered “haram/forbidden or unlawful” by some clerics but is now permissible. Similarly, the concept of khula (a woman-initiated divorce) was hidden from the public for decades, leaving many questioning the reliability and stability of religious teachings.
This inconsistency makes people wonder: if religious laws can change so easily, where is the ultimate truth?
10. Corruption and Hypocrisy Among Islamic Leaders
The image of Islamic leaders has further eroded due to scandals involving wealth and indulgence. A sarcastic comment on a Facebook page aptly summarised this sentiment:
“This photo features five clerics who collectively own over a billion Egyptian pounds and approximately 80 wives and ex-wives. Yet, they preach asceticism, modesty, and lowering one’s gaze. Bonjour, everyone!”
https://medium.com/@rami_zahra/why-are-leaving-islam-05b151760768