From Voluntary Religion to Forced Religion

The image you see is of a congregational prayer led by Mr. Humza Yousaf, a Pakistani-born Muslim who recently became the First Minister of Scotland. In a country like many others, followers of various religions, as well as non-believers, are free to live without any imposition of religion or faith.

As a result, a Muslim who has emigrated from another country can not only attain a high-ranking position in a non-Muslim country but also preserve their religion, thanks to the presence of democracy. The point is that in democratic countries, due to the broad, deep, and genuine civil and social freedoms, citizens choose and pursue what they believe is best for them, with no compulsion in any matter.

Now, let’s turn back to the situation in our own Iran, where for over four decades, religion has not only been spread and promoted through force but has also saturated the entire society with religious imposition. The result is that a significant portion of Iranians, especially the younger generation, have become disillusioned with and alienated from religion.

All statistics, observations, and studies clearly indicate that the imposition of religion has led to the departure of many believers from their faith. And yet, regrettably, instead of accepting these realities, the authorities and those responsible choose to deny them, often blaming others for the situation.

Instead of acknowledging that their approach to religious matters has been flawed and wrong, and instead of fundamentally rethinking their outlook and methods, they undertake actions that bring about even worse outcomes!

It has been repeatedly stated that the modern world has its own specific mechanisms and necessities, and traditional methods can never manage a modern society. The same applies to religion and religiosity. When undemocratic methods and actions contrary to civil and human freedoms are pursued, it is impossible to make citizens religious or ask them to embrace a form of religiosity that is imposed and official.

A diverse society undoubtedly requires and accepts diverse forms of religiosity. Imposing a single official and cliché interpretation of religion through coercion and force will not convince citizens to remain religious. Under such circumstances, many people reconsider their faith or abandon it altogether.

The only rational, ethical, and humane solution is to abandon force and coercion. By creating a secure, democratic atmosphere that embraces social change, diversity, and pluralism in lifestyles and religious expression, society can foster a type of religiosity that is voluntary, heartfelt, psychologically suited, ethical, tolerant, and rooted in love and the pursuit of God. We must accept that the religion desired by the Almighty is voluntary faith, not forced religion!

Mohammad Baqer Tajeddin