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Has Islam Oppressed Men?
Everyone talks about how religions oppress women in general, but we rarely hear discussions about how these religions oppress men. In this article, Islam will be the reference for our discussion, as it is considered the final religion according to the Quran: “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.”
We know that all religions are human-made, built upon the mindset and societal structures of the time and place they emerged in. Religions arose from an internal desire and an essential need of a group of people who wanted to distinguish themselves from others and assert their identity. Religion is not the creation of a single individual or even a single generation; it is collectively shaped over multiple generations until it attains a sacred status that becomes untouchable.
At this point, religion becomes a rigid inherited system that does not evolve. As you know, anything that does not evolve eventually declines. This creates the need for sects and schools of thought that attempt to adapt to modern times, yet these, too, eventually become rigid or disappear over time—this is the law of history.
The religions and sects that endure throughout history are not necessarily the best or the most adaptable, but rather those that are backed by political and financial power, which use them as tools to control the masses. The decline of a religion or sect also happens collectively, over generations. However, unfortunately, no religion or sect disappears unless it is replaced by another tool of control. Political and financial authorities will only abandon support for an old religion when they have a new one to exploit. For these powers, religion itself is irrelevant; what matters is the ability to control people.
Political and financial authorities cannot maintain their dominance without a submissive herd to exploit. They also refuse to allow wealth and power to be accessible to all, opposing broad competition in favor of a narrow one that enables them to maintain absolute authority and extreme wealth.
Absolute power and extreme wealth cannot be sustained if people wake up to the reality that religions, sects, and ideologies are merely drugs used to keep the masses passive, accepting their conditions without demanding their rights. Religion keeps people ignorant of the truth of existence, promising them a better life after death. Submission to a religion or ideological doctrine ultimately translates to submission to political and financial authority—nothing more, nothing less.
When will individuals understand that their existence is what truly matters? That they are born alone, must live for themselves, and will ultimately leave this life alone? They do not need a religion, a sect, or an inherited ideology. Instead, they need ideas—ideas they choose freely, experiment with, and modify throughout their journey in life to create their own personal belief system, one that belongs to them alone. This belief system should not be inherited or imposed on others because it represents them and them alone. They are its god, its prophet, its believer. It is meaningful to them, and no one else may understand or appreciate it.
Now that we understand that the injustices found in religions were merely reflections of the eras they emerged in—meaning they were not considered injustices at the time but rather norms that fit the prevailing mindset—these same norms now appear unjust to us because they do not align with our modern awareness. The people of those times lacked the advanced consciousness we possess today.
As for those who still see justice in these religions, their intellect and emotions remain suppressed under the weight of religious doctrine. Only those who have freed themselves from the nightmare of the “sacred,” liberated themselves from the threats and promises of religion, and viewed the world through the lens of the present can recognize the numerous injustices that religions inflict on humanity.
But the question that arises today is: Why do we always focus on the oppression of women and never discuss the oppression of men? I have asked myself this question many times, and I have also posed it to others. Here are some of the responses I found:
Some argue that the oppression of women is far greater than that of men. However, oppression is oppression—there is no such thing as a big oppression and a small oppression. On what basis do we determine that the oppression of women is greater than that of men? And even if this claim were true—though it is baseless—if we believe in gender equality, then we must address all injustices, not selectively discuss some while ignoring others. After all, a human being is a human being, regardless of their gender.
Some deny the existence of any oppression against men, claiming that religions and old ideologies favored men, creating a patriarchal society where men were the absolute rulers. They cite the Quranic verse: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women.” According to them, only women are oppressed, and thus, it is pointless to talk about male oppression. But this is nonsense. This mentality is itself unjust to men—it is a feminist mindset. Every man knows that he, too, has faced oppression, but many are afraid to speak out for fear of being labeled as patriarchal. We often find men advocating for women’s rights, yet we rarely find women advocating for men’s rights. In fact, we rarely find even a single man discussing the injustices men face without being accused of having a male-dominant mentality.
What an injustice against men! Are we in an era of equality or an era of feminism? Does equality mean replacing male-dominated thinking with female-dominated thinking? Are these the so-called humanitarian ideas that elevate human beings regardless of gender?
Some acknowledge that men face injustices but justify their silence by claiming that men are strong and capable of defending themselves, unlike women, who require advocacy groups and organizations. They argue that men must fight for their own rights, while women need external protection, much like children, animals, or people with disabilities. But this is absurd. In reality, there are women stronger than many men, capable of defending themselves, just as there are many men unable to defend themselves. Discriminating between people based on gender when addressing oppression is a purely patriarchal mindset.
When we speak out against oppression, we do so for those who cannot defend themselves—regardless of gender. Even animals can defend themselves, as can disabled individuals and children. Assistance should be given to all those incapable of defending their rights, not selectively based on gender. Anyone who claims otherwise is embracing a patriarchal way of thinking, whether they realize it or not.
So, let us set aside all these justifications, as they only prevent us from addressing the injustices that men face due to religions, ideologies, and especially Islam, which is both a religion and a political ideology.
I will highlight five major injustices that Islam imposes upon men—five injustices that I find particularly significant because they can destroy a man’s life from birth to death. And when I say “destroy,” I mean it literally. Every conscious man who reflects for even a moment on his life will see how his path has been predetermined and where it ultimately leads.
It is truly a tragedy and an injustice equal to any other oppression. Yet we are expected to remain silent because we are men! Or because we fear being accused of male dominance? This is a farce in every sense of the word. Personally, I prefer to speak and express my thoughts freely. Call me whatever you want. Fortunately, I realized this truth early on—I do not belong to anyone but myself.
I am free to say what I believe, and my words represent my own ideas. You may agree with some or all of them—that is entirely up to you. But let us look back at history and at Islam as a religion and see how, like all religions, Islam has oppressed me and countless other men, whether they realize it or not.
First Injustice: Circumcision or Mutilation
You might say that circumcision is practiced only by Jews, some Christians, Muslims, and certain African pagan beliefs today. That is correct. As a former Muslim, I acknowledge that circumcision is primarily an Abrahamic Jewish-Islamic injustice that was originally taken from African pagan customs and traditions.
You might also argue that in Islam and some African beliefs, circumcision has been mandated for women as well. Of course, that is an injustice against women—I do not deny it. However, that is not the subject of discussion here; we are focusing on men.
Some modern Islamic reformers who recognize this injustice claim that circumcision for men or women is foreign to Islam and not mentioned in the Quran. But we must clarify that the religious ruling on circumcision—whether for males or females—is not the primary concern here. What matters most is the practical application in reality. Regardless of what Islamic jurisprudence says about it, circumcision is widely practiced, especially for males, and that is what concerns us. However, let us briefly summarize the religious perspective on circumcision.
We know that the sources of Islamic legislation are not limited to the Quran alone; there are also the Hadith, consensus (ijma’), analogical reasoning (qiyas), and other sources. Therefore, the argument that circumcision is not mentioned in the Quran is not sufficient to conclude that it is foreign to Islam. While the Quran does not contain an explicit, clear verse commanding circumcision, Islamic scholars often cite the verse:
“Then We revealed to you: Follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:123)
The “religion” (millah) here includes the Sunnah, which in reality refers to the sacred customs and traditions within religion. It is well established among Jews, Christians, and the descendants of Abraham—whether from Ishmael or Jacob—that Abraham was circumcised at the age of 80 by divine command. Therefore, circumcision is part of following the religion of Abraham, which distinguished his descendants from other people. The Quran also states:
“Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran over the worlds.” (Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:33)
Here, the Quran instructs Muslims to follow the tradition of Abraham—not just his direct descendants, as Jews believe circumcision applies only to them. This is why many Christians practice circumcision, and all Muslims, regardless of their sects, undergo circumcision.
There are many Hadiths that speak about Abraham’s circumcision and others that address circumcision for Muslims. Some of these narrations are weak, while others are considered authentic (Sahih). However, no Hadith explicitly commands circumcision as an obligatory act—it is generally classified as a Sunnah (recommended practice). Despite this, the Islamic world today treats circumcision as a mandatory requirement, and that is the real problem.
Can we hold Islam responsible for this enforced practice, even though it is not legally obligatory in its teachings? The undeniable fact is that Islam never forbade circumcision, never prohibited it, and instead encouraged it. When we look at early Islamic history, we do not find widespread circumcision among many of the Prophet’s companions or among those who newly converted to Islam. Circumcision only became widespread much later in Islamic legal texts, nothing more.
Today, male circumcision is considered a norm—almost an obligation in Muslim societies. This constitutes a major injustice against both males and females. We now understand the physical and psychological harms of circumcision, which can affect a child’s entire life.
By what right is a child’s body violated in the name of religion or belief? By what right is a permanent alteration made to a child’s body—whether through circumcision, ear piercing for girls, or any other form of bodily modification—that will affect them for life? Every individual has the right to make decisions about their own body when they reach maturity and responsibility. However, forcibly imposing such a procedure on a child at a young age, without their choice or consent, is irrational and constitutes a major violation. Today, we know the lifelong impact of amputating a male or female’s genital organ, and it is nearly impossible to reverse the damage caused by early-age circumcision.
The world has changed. Children’s rights today emphasize allowing them to experience their childhood without being dragged into the world of adults. A child has the right to a healthy, unaltered childhood—without being subjected to mutilation, branding, or any other form of bodily distinction. This issue is not exclusive to Islam or religions alone but extends to all ideologies that seek to imprint children with specific beliefs.
A child is not a toy, nor a propaganda tool. A child does not belong to their parents, the state, religion, or ideology. A child belongs only to themselves and their own era. Any violation of a child’s body—especially when it involves the removal of a fundamental part of their body—must be legally prohibited, and those responsible should be held accountable. Awareness must also be raised about the harms of circumcision.
The fight to ban female circumcision, which is indeed an injustice, is just as important as the fight to ban male circumcision. Where are the children’s rights organizations that remain silent on this violation against boys and their bodily integrity? Is it because Jews also circumcise their children, and no one wants to hurt their delicate feelings? Or is it due to their undue influence over global laws, ensuring that nothing passes without their approval? Where is the human conscience in all of this? Where is the so-called civilized world? Or is it the same old double standard we are used to?
What I want to say to every humanist, to every fair-minded person, and to every truly civilized individual: If you were born male in a Muslim family, your most important bodily organ will be amputated without your consultation or consent. You will be taken by surprise as a helpless child, and your foreskin will be cut off before you even understand what the foreskin is or what the male reproductive system means. You will grow up proud of this violation, conditioned to believe that it is good and that it makes you a Muslim, a Jew, or something else.
Believe me, one cannot imagine the shock a man experiences when he realizes the truth—that most of his sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation and other complications, stem from this circumcision that was imposed on him as a child. The worst part is that he can do nothing about it except live with this forced mutilation.
If we lived in societies that upheld the law and protected children’s rights, such things would never have happened. And if they did, those responsible would be held accountable. The painful truth is that being born male in a Muslim family is an injustice no less severe than the injustices faced by females. Yet, we remain silent when the victim is male.
Second Injustice: Lack of Affection and Care
Many people talk about the injustices faced by women in Muslim families simply because they are female, but no one speaks about the injustices faced by men simply because they are male.
From birth, society perceives females as weak and sensitive, requiring extra care and affection, while males are seen as strong and not in need of such attention. Yet, at birth, both are infants—both are weak, both are sensitive—there is no difference between them. So why does this injustice exist from the very beginning of life?
It is true that in the past, and until relatively recently, women were considered secondary to men—not only in Islam but in almost all religions, especially the Abrahamic ones. However, with the evolution of human awareness and knowledge, this perspective has changed. Islam, like all other religions, did not deviate from the societal norms of its time but instead made them sacred, transforming the discrimination between males and females into a divinely sanctioned rule.
The differentiation begins in childhood. For example, baby girls are held with more gentleness than baby boys. When a boy cries, people do not rush to comfort him as they would for a girl, because “he is a man.” As he grows, he receives less attention and is allowed to go out and play unsupervised simply because he is male, while a girl must be protected and watched over. From a young age, boys are taught that they must be strong, never cry, and should neither express nor expect affection. Meanwhile, girls are encouraged to show emotions and receive warmth.
Just look around you, and you will notice that boys are not treated with tenderness but rather with harshness, making them tougher and sometimes emotionally numb. In many cases, their feelings are entirely suppressed—they are not allowed to cry, while girls are naturally permitted to do so. If a girl does not cry, she is seen as behaving like a boy. If a boy does cry, he is mocked and compared to a “crying girl,” instilling in him a subconscious bias against femininity. In short, masculinity, unfortunately, is measured by toughness, aggression, and emotional detachment, while femininity is associated with weakness and tears.
What I am trying to say is that boys do not even receive a fraction of the care and affection that girls do. If excessive care for girls is an injustice, then depriving boys of it is also an injustice. This distinction from birth is a disservice to both genders, not just females. Both are human beings before being male or female, and they should be treated equally—not based on their sex or gender but on their shared humanity. Boys also need their tears wiped, to be hugged and kissed, and to be nurtured from infancy—not just girls. Boys also need consolation, supervision, and care, just as much as girls do.
Third Injustice: Marriage and Relationships
In relationships, men are expected to do everything. As we have mentioned before, this is not exclusive to Islam but is a common feature of all Abrahamic religions and even human societies throughout history. In the past, when physical superiority was crucial for survival in harsh environments, men were expected to take on a dominant role. However, neither the god of Abraham, nor Moses, nor Jesus, nor Muhammad understood that male dominance was not a permanent state. Humanity has evolved, and it will continue to evolve in the future. Religious perspectives on men and women are no longer relevant today, nor will they be in the future.
Religious doctrines have undeniably deprived women of many rights, which is a clear injustice. However, injustice does not only come in the form of deprivation—it also comes in the form of burdening the other party beyond their capacity. In this case, men are subjected to obligations they did not choose, which is an injustice no less significant than that imposed on women. Here are some injustices men face regarding marriage and relationships:
Initiating Relationships
Islam, like other Abrahamic religions, forbids women from taking the initiative in choosing their life partners. Women must only choose from the men who approach them. At the same time, men are granted the right to take the initiative—they must be the ones to express interest, they must endure rejection, and they must strive to persuade a woman who turns them down. This is, in itself, an injustice.
Why is it that only men are required to initiate relationships while women are forbidden from doing so? Why must men always take the first step while women are expected to passively wait for a suitor to propose? If depriving women of the right to choose is an injustice, then forcing men to take the initiative and accept rejection is also an injustice.
Although history provides rare exceptions, such as Khadija (the wife of Prophet Muhammad) and a few other women who took the initiative, the norm has always been that men must make the first move. This is neither fair nor equal. We should also not forget how many crimes have been committed due to men feeling humiliated after being rejected, as patriarchal teachings have ingrained in them since childhood that their masculinity is tied to their ability to win over women. How, then, can they accept what they perceive as an insult to their pride?
The Dowry (Mahr)
The dowry—a sum of money that men must pay women to marry them—is essentially a form of commodification, if not outright disguised prostitution. Yet, we do not see women objecting to it; they consider it a natural right, without seeing the insult it represents to women before it is even a burden on men.
By what logic must a man pay a woman money in order to marry her, and why does she accept it? Many Muslim women—even those who claim to be feminists and advocate for women’s rights—do not speak out against dowries. Yet, the dowry is one of the greatest injustices imposed on men. This is pure exploitation and hypocrisy!
Financial Obligations (Nafaqah)
The financial obligation that follows the dowry remains with the man for his entire life—even after divorce. He is solely responsible for financially supporting his children, even if the woman is financially capable or wealthier than he is. Why? Simply because he is a man!
Is this not also an injustice against men? Absolutely—it is a major injustice. A man is expected to bear the financial burden of the household, his wife, and his children. He must work tirelessly, like a slave, sacrificing his own needs to provide for his family.
Yet, we do not hear women discussing this injustice against men. Instead, they view it as their inherent right, all while complaining about how men treat them. But are they not the ones who accepted being dependent on men, placing themselves at their mercy? They burden men with financial obligations, then demand that men be kind and considerate toward them.
You might argue that women contribute by managing the household, cooking, and raising children. But who said that men do not enjoy doing these things as well? Why is there no fair division of responsibilities? Why must women bear the entire burden of the household and child-rearing while men bear the entire financial burden?
Wouldn’t it be more logical to share responsibilities equally—as human beings, rather than as masters and slaves?
Financial obligations in marriage have numerous other implications, which is why they deserve a separate discussion in the fourth injustice: the moral and material responsibilities imposed on men.
Fourth Injustice: Financial and Moral Responsibility
The Quranic verse:
“Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance—[first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:34)
This verse encapsulates everything about the Quran’s stance on gender roles: a woman essentially “sells” herself to her husband in exchange for a dowry and financial support, and in return, she must obey him in everything. It is an injustice for any religion to force a person to “sell” themselves. Moreover, it is also an injustice for men, as they are burdened with all responsibilities—not only as husbands but also as fathers and brothers.
Islam goes even further by making men the guardians and enforcers of religious conduct for women. A man is required to monitor and control a woman’s behavior, her hijab, her clothing, and her adornment. But who said that men enjoy doing this? Do all men want to carry the heavy burden of policing their mothers, sisters, daughters, or wives? If they fail to do so, they are labeled as dishonorable (dayouth).
This financial and moral responsibility imposed on men by Islam—and by religions in general, especially the Abrahamic ones—is an injustice that is just as severe as the oppression of women. While Islam places women under male authority, it also allows men to reprimand, even strike, and in extreme cases, kill women under the pretext of so-called “honor crimes.”
Why should a man be forced into this role? Why should he bear the burden of his mother, sister, daughter, or wife’s “honor”? Why is he held responsible for what she does, as if her actions are his sin to bear? Isn’t this an enormous injustice toward men? If he does not comply with these societal expectations, he is labeled sinful, dishonorable, and not a “real man.”
When will we understand that both men and women are humans first and foremost—each responsible for themselves, both financially and morally? No one should have authority over another. Unfortunately, our societies still raise boys with a controlling mentality and girls with a submissive one.
They divide people, granting one authority, control, and responsibility over another, while demanding that the other submit and surrender. Is this justice? Is this truly the system of a god who claims to understand human nature? Of course not. This is an outdated mindset that may have made sense in ancient times but is irrelevant today. Women are no less capable than men, and men are not inherently superior to women. Gender roles should be a matter of choice—women can take on traditionally male roles, and men can take on traditionally female roles. These matters should be decided through mutual agreement and cooperation, not rigid, divinely imposed rules.
Fifth Injustice: Jihad and Mandatory Military Service
Mandatory military service exists in most countries worldwide. However, some nations have abolished compulsory enlistment, making military service a voluntary profession for both men and women. But Islam, being a highly political and militaristic religion, imposes warfare—what it calls jihad—as an obligation, specifically for men.
If Islam were merely a human-made product of its time, we could understand why warfare was central to its teachings. However, how do we justify the continued sanctity of jihad in Islam today, in contrast to modern humanist values that reject coercion and force? Such obligations should always be a choice, never a compulsion—neither for men nor for women.
Yet, Islam claims divine knowledge of human nature while singling out men for jihad and making it compulsory. This is one of the greatest injustices faced by Muslim men. Even if a man does not wish to fight, he is considered sinful, disobedient, or even an apostate (murtad).
By what right does this so-called god impose death upon Muslim men? By what right does he force them to die for him?
Dying to defend oneself, one’s family, or one’s homeland is understandable. However, dying for an ideology or a religion is entirely irrational.
As if Muslim boys were not already subjected to enough injustices—starting from circumcision, lack of affection, being forced into leadership roles, financial burdens, and moral obligations—Islam then adds one final demand: death. If a man refuses to fight, he is deemed a traitor and punished as an apostate.
The Quran, in Surah At-Tawbah (9:111), makes this clear:
“Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.”
Islam has sold women to men, and it has sold men to the god of Islam. It is a system of slavery, a transactional hierarchy that represents Islam’s structure of submission and surrender—the very meaning of the word Islam, which does not come from salam (peace) but from silm, meaning submission, subjugation, and surrender.
Just as women in Islam must surrender themselves to men, men must surrender themselves to the god of Islam.
Is there a greater injustice than this—the injustice of a Muslim man being forced to offer his life on a silver platter to the god of Islam?
I do not deny the injustices suffered by women; they are undeniable and beyond debate. However, the injustices faced by men are equally significant. And jihad—forced death for the sake of this religion—is the greatest injustice of all.
I will stop here with the injustices faced by Muslim men in Islam, even though each of these points branches into countless other injustices. Any unfortunate individual born into a Muslim family must endure these oppressions from cradle to grave—and for men, the grave often comes much sooner, especially under Islamic rule where Sharia law is enforced.
I conclude this article with one final statement:
Islam does not oppress only women. It oppresses all humans. It oppresses children. It oppresses anyone who does not follow Islam. Islam, in its very essence, is a curse.
Islam is not just a curse—it is an insult to reason and a mockery of human principles, which continue to evolve. This alone proves that Islam cannot be divine. It was merely a product of its time, later given a false aura of sanctity, and it remains falsely regarded as a divine source of law.
In reality, Islam is nothing but backwardness, degradation, and a disgrace to human civilization and ethical progress.
