Secularism in Arab world.

By: Muna Alfuzai

Is secularism a crime? At least in the Arab world, it appears so. It is one of the taboos that many avoid to speak in public. But this ill-conceived notion needs to be dispelled from the minds of people. I believe that the concept of secularism is the most misinterpreted and misunderstood today.

It is feared by extremists and conservative people alike in the Arab world. They fear that secularism is a threat to their power and ability to control people, especially the less educated. For example, when a writer opposes and condemns killing of innocent people in the name of Islam, he/she will be immediately accused of being secular.

Because in the eye of extremists, a true Muslim is expected to support killing of human beings to keep Islam powerful! It is a twisted doctrine with a distorted interpretation. Still, this pseudo doctrine has managed to create fear about Islam and helped many militants to reach power and remain in power for long.

Think about Taleban and the Islamic State and see how much power these groups hold over a large number people in many countries. They will not let go of that power so easily. They will go to any extent to cling to power and threaten anyone who challenges their authority. Still one question remains unanswered.

What is the essential difference between being a liberal and a secular? For many in the Arab world, there is no perceptible difference between these two. But, I refuse to take the view that Islam will be better if its followers resort to killing of innocent people.

I was branded a secular by some anonymous tweeters because I vehemently opposed killings of people by the Islamic State and other militant groups because I cannot see any justifiable cause behind their killings of innocent people.

I also sought to point out that such ill-conceived acts would only damage the image of Islam and tarnish the reputation of all liberal Muslims across the world. I was branded a secularist by these tweeters because I simply said the truth. They also alleged that I am supporting the West instead of helping to raise the power of Muslims.

But I want to say only one thing that nobody will win praises or appreciations if his/or hands are soaked in the blood of innocent people. I, like many other intellectuals, only challenged this ill-conceived notion of militants who survive on blood-letting and describe themselves as martyrs when they kill and get killed.

If I am a secular for stating this fact, then let it be. Intellectual and liberal writers across the Arab world are often pelted with indecent words and accusations. Many were jailed for their call for tolerance, intellectual pluralism and democracy.

One of the well-known translations of secularism is the view that public activities and decisions should be uninfluenced by religious beliefs and/or practices.

Isn’t that how Turkey practiced and made it a power that many fear and respect today. Today, Turkey is more advanced than many Arab countries.

I think the Arab governments are largely aware of the danger the conservatives militants, their leaders and their media outlets pose to the society. But they do not notice the fact that the real threat does not come from the liberals or free thinkers but from the extremists and their ill-conceived notions about society, women and life. It is not easy to control the growing influence of the conservative groups and their leaders over people especially the youth.

That is why, secularism as a concept will remain a buzzword among the liberals and as well as the extremists for a long time.

By Muna Al-Fuzai