The emergence of atheism in the Gulf countries raises perplexing questions about the reasons and motivations behind this phenomenon. In societies known for their religiosity and adherence to Islamic Sharia, this shift appears surprising and calls for a deep understanding of its roots.
The phenomenon intensifies with social media platforms becoming main venues for spreading atheistic ideas. In recent years, individuals like "A.K" from Bahrain, "M.A" from the UAE, "R.A" from Saudi Arabia, and others have openly declared their atheism and created pages for this on social media, even leading campaigns to rebel against religious values and beliefs.
Although atheistic movements remain confined to narrow circles and do not pose a comprehensive threat to religion or the religious culture in the Gulf in general, they deserve a deep understanding of their causes and potential impacts on the cultural and religious identity of local communities.
Why do they become atheists?
The question of why atheism is spreading in the Gulf countries may seem surprising, especially since these countries are known for their adherence to Islamic Sharia and preservation of societal traditions and customs. However, there is a segment of citizens drifting away from Islam, which raises questions.
Some attribute the spread of this phenomenon to strict upbringing and stringent application of religious values within families and society in general, leading to negative reactions that may cause some individuals to turn towards atheism instead of excessive religiosity.
The spread of atheism is also attributed to the role of modern media and social media platforms that have helped bring these ideas from secrecy to the public, increasing their impact and spread among various segments of Saudi society, making them interact more vigorously than in the past.
According to various studies examining the phenomenon of atheism in its scientific, philosophical, and social dimensions, specialists have identified additional reasons.
The nature of religious discourse issued by some religious institutions is considered a primary reason contributing to the spread of atheism. Some rigid and strictly interpreted discourses lack the necessary flexibility to meet the aspirations and ambitions of the youth, driving some to seek alternatives outside the traditional religious framework. This disconnect between religious discourse and contemporary needs directly contributes to distancing some from religion and turning towards atheism.
Social media platforms provide powerful venues for spreading ideas and beliefs without strict societal censorship, allowing atheists in the Gulf to use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blogs to disseminate their ideas and spread their intellectual poison among the youth. These platforms have contributed to enhancing a sense of security and social acceptance for atheists, encouraging more people to open up and express their atheism.
Some media platforms have helped highlight atheism, making it a topic of public discussion. This media attention has helped normalize the idea of atheism in Gulf societies, leading to increased acceptance as a conceivable intellectual stance.
Globalization and the American consumer lifestyle significantly impact the younger generations in the Gulf. Exposure to foreign cultures and continuous interaction with global media lead to the adoption of new concepts and values that may conflict with local religious traditions and beliefs. This constant interaction with the American consumer culture, which is often secular, promotes the trend towards atheism among the youth.
In recent years, Gulf countries have experienced a wave of cultural openness and expansion of individual freedoms, opening the door for atheists to practice their activities with a degree of freedom despite societal and legal opposition to this phenomenon. Some feel this openness represents an opportunity to express their ideas and beliefs without fear of persecution.
There are several other reasons contributing to the spread of atheism in the Gulf, including the rise of atheism in the West and its influence on Arab and Islamic societies due to intellectual dependency, especially among youth who are significantly open to Western ideas through technology and curiosity. Additionally, the increasing translation of atheistic works into Arabic deepens this phenomenon in the region. The psychological or intellectual predisposition to atheism, which can be heightened by personal or social crises, also plays a role. Moreover, the nature of a society that does not accept differences and is harsh on dissenting opinions may push some towards atheism as an expression of rebellion against these social values.
Silent Atheism
Another phenomenon that has found a safe haven in the Gulf countries and the Middle East in general is "silent atheism," where young men and women face a crisis of belief leading them to adopt atheistic positions without openly declaring them. Some studies estimate that 60% of those living in silent atheism in the Middle East and Gulf countries do not announce it.
This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the prevailing religious narrative has become confined to what is permissible and what is not according to religious principles, leading to a form of disintegration. The traditional narrative is no longer able to keep pace with the rapid changes and leaps brought about by technological development and social media.
This existential crisis and sense of loss are reinforced by the collapse of several solid beliefs about the centrality of humans and the world due to successive scientific and cognitive shocks that have not been satisfactorily answered. Religion, which was a source of reassurance and answers to major existential questions, has, in the eyes of these young people, become unable to provide that reassurance, pushing them towards silent atheism.
A Call to Engage
Scholars, thinkers, and intellectuals are encouraged to communicate with the youth, understand their concerns, respond to their doubts and issues, and work to solve as many of these issues as possible. This communication should be based on respect and appreciation for the youth's perspectives, even if they seem wrong to some, to correct them calmly and scientifically.
Efforts should be institutionalized and based on studies and sciences, avoiding randomness and improvisation to ensure the achievement of desired goals effectively. Nevertheless, this attempt is just the beginning in dealing with this phenomenon, and continuous and multifaceted efforts are needed to address its roots and challenges.
We also invite the youth themselves to actively participate in the dialogue about this phenomenon and related issues. They possess unique insights and experiential knowledge that contribute to a deeper understanding of the problems and potential solutions. Through ongoing and constructive cooperation, we can all contribute to creating more understanding and tolerant communities where young and old can coexist peacefully and prosperously.
Parents should engage in dialogue with their young children and answer their questions before they grow up and become poisoned daggers in the heart of their religion and nation. Likewise, advocacy institutions should protect society against atheistic ideas and provide answers to young people's questions in modern written and visual formats accessible to all. Research centers should also focus on analyzing the relationships between religious texts and empirical scientific findings, dispelling doubts, and addressing the perceived conflict between scripture and science.
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