Freedom vs. Islam: A Perpetual Struggle
A decade ago, I made the decision to leave Orthodox Islam, freeing myself from religious control, and I remain convinced that the greatest enemy of Islam is freedom. Since its emergence 1,400 years ago, Islam has grown and expanded through censorship and the suppression of free thought, relying on restricting intellectual and expressive freedom for its survival. This is why Islamists work tirelessly to portray themselves as oppressed victims, seeking to influence the Muslim public’s perception.
It is no coincidence that Islam prohibits criticism, criminalizes apostasy, and rejects open dialogue with non-Muslims unless conducted under strict conditions that ensure intellectual control. This strategy is deeply embedded in Islamic history, where religion has been used as a tool to impose authority and silence dissenting voices.
Exploiting Freedom to Gain Power
Islamists claim to support freedom when they are in a position of weakness, but once they gain power, their first objective is to eliminate that very freedom. This pattern can be observed in Islam’s history itself—Muhammad, while in Mecca, preached tolerance and openness, yet once he established control in Medina, his approach became increasingly rigid and authoritarian.
The stark difference between Meccan and Medinan verses in the Quran illustrates this contradiction clearly, showcasing Islam’s use of a dual-faced narrative to achieve its goals. This duplicity is not exclusive to Islam—it is a hallmark of all authoritarian ideologies that disguise themselves behind slogans of tolerance and humanity to attract mass support.
Manipulating Religious Emotions
One of the Islamists’ most effective tools in gaining public support is the manipulation of religious emotions. The majority of Muslims, having grown up in societies where religion is deeply embedded in their identity, are easily swayed by emotional rhetoric that instills fear of God rather than encouraging critical thinking about political and economic programs. As a result, religion is used as a tool to rally support, instead of offering real solutions to societal problems.
The Need for Legal Boundaries to Protect Freedom
To counter Islamists who exploit religion for political gain, clear boundaries must be established to ensure freedom of expression without allowing incitement to violence or emotional manipulation of religious sentiments. Governments should enforce strict laws that criminalize calls for violence and extremism while ensuring everyone’s right to express their views within a framework that respects the rights of others.
Freedom of expression does not mean allowing incitement, defamation, or the spread of falsehoods. There must be legal safeguards to ensure a free and fair environment for all. Ignoring such regulations allows Islamists to thrive in the shadows, using ignorance and fear to solidify their power.
No Place for Those Who Oppose Freedom
Anyone seeking to restrict the freedoms of others in the name of religion or ideology has no place in a modern democratic society. Islamists reject criticism because they believe they hold absolute truth, which makes them inherently incapable of coexisting with differing opinions.
Free societies must guarantee every individual the right to express themselves, but within clearly defined legal frameworks that prohibit defamation, falsehoods, and calls for violence. Anyone—whether Islamist or otherwise—who violates these laws should face legal consequences as a criminal breaking the law, not simply because of their ideological or religious beliefs.
Freedom Is Not Absolute for Those Who Seek to Suppress It
Freedom is a right for everyone, but it cannot be extended to those who seek to suppress it. Those who reject the freedom of others should not be allowed to exploit freedom as a tool to further their oppressive goals. Religious sanctities are not universal, and what one considers sacred may not hold the same status for others.
Conclusion: The Need to Protect Freedom from Religious Tyranny
Ultimately, Islam remains in a constant struggle with freedom, as it is a system built on absolute obedience and submission, inherently opposing any form of independent thinking. For this reason, once Islamists gain power, their first priority is to restrict freedoms and suppress criticism.
Free societies must safeguard intellectual and expressive freedoms through strong constitutional protections that guarantee the right to critique and debate without fear of repression. Every individual should have the right to express their opinions through art, literature, cinema, or any other medium. Anyone who opposes this freedom in the name of religion or ideology—especially through violence—must be held legally accountable.
In the end, freedom is Islam’s greatest enemy, and that is why Islam seeks to ban it whenever given the opportunity. Defending freedom is the only way to counter authoritarian ideology and ensure a society built on pluralism and mutual respect.
