Why Religious Freedom?

Why does this cause matter? Why should we be fighting for the rights of everyone to choose their religion and live out their beliefs in freedom?

The majority of us won’t be oppressed particularly for our religious identity if we’re Sunni Muslims (or Shi’a in Iran), so why should we care? Isn’t it better that non-Muslims and apostates suffer anyway?

The vast majority of citizens of the Middle East know that it is not righteous or honourable to oppress religious minorities. We know that respect, equality, and dignity for all our fellow countrymen in the law, in government policies, in our schools, in our workplaces and our neighbourhoods matters.

It is vital for peace and for the flourishing of our nation.

It is good for our security and to reduce violent extremism.

It is good for our economy as it leads to stability, the potential for external investment, as well as fostering the mental freedom that allows national creativity and ingenuity to blossom.

It is good for the moral state of our nation as we embrace compassion, justice and honour and drive out hatred, prejudice, cruelty, violence and corruption.

It deepens and refines our own religious devotion as contrasting ideas and even debate sharpen our religious thought and draw us to the holy scriptures to learn and understand more.

For too long our nations have not behaved in a civilised and honourable way towards minority religious groups. Governments have bullied and oppressed our fellow citizens through unfair laws and policies. A small minority of misguided, irreligious and cruel people in our society have sought to insult, harm and occasionally even kill our fellow citizens because of their religious identities. We might even see twisted and disgraceful attitudes from beloved family members. All of this is poison to our communities, to our nation, and to our region.

You might be asking yourself in spite of this situation, “what can I do? I’m just one person!” This is an understandable concern. But you are not alone. Most people are fed up of living in turbulent, divided communities where religious minorities are oppressed. Most people want a better, more honourable future for themselves and their children. You’re in good company. Often, the reason why the sensible and civilised majority don’t manage to change backward laws, policies and attitudes because we think we can’t make a difference. If we stand together with the quiet majority, if we take small actions like sharing videos and other content with friends and family who could benefit from it, if we stand up for religious minorities and challenge hate and prejudice in our schools, our mosques or churches, in our workplaces and in our homes, then we will be shaping a more beautiful future for everyone. Let’s join together in this endeavour.

We are // compatriots. We are // friends. We are // family. We are // diverse. We are // equal.

We Are // United.