In the Middle East and North Africa, where religion is often ingrained in daily life's very fabric, rejecting faith can come with repercussions. So, many of the “nones,” a group that includes agnostics, atheists and “nothing in particular,” conceal that part of themselves. Openly declaring disbelief may spur social stigma or ostracism by loved ones. In some cases — especially if coupled with real or perceived public attacks on religion or God — it can unleash threats, or the wrath of authorities. On the internet, many nones seek community, ideas or pockets of digital defiance even as the cyberworld sometimes proved risky. Blasphemy laws and policies are widespread in the region.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.FILE - Egyptian Muslims perform Eid al-Fitr prayers outside al-Seddik mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, April 21, 2023.
Many nonbelievers seek community, ideas or pockets of digital defiance on the internet even though online spaces still carry risks. Some confide in small circles of friends or leave, when they can, in search of more freedoms abroad. Laws or policies banning blasphemy — speech or actions considered to be contemptuous of God and other sacred entities — appear in different parts of the world. But according to a, they were most common in the Middle East and North Africa, or MENA, region as of 2019. Critics of such laws say they can be vaguely worded and infringe on freedom of expression.
At one point, she became agnostic, and later started following some secular Buddhist practices. She now sees herself as “nothing in particular” and open to different spiritual paths. Undeterred, he tried to change the “Muslim” designation on his identity card to state he adheres to no religion. He failed, and his hope for new freedoms fizzled. Eventually, he moved to Norway.
Atheism, in itself, is not criminalized in Egypt, Ibrahim said, adding that other laws are applied in some cases. Last year, Ibrahim’s organization, EIPR, said an Egyptian court upheld a three-year-prison sentence against a blogger charged with contempt of religion and misusing social media. The organization, whose lawyer appealed the earlier verdict, has said the man was accused of managing a Facebook page for Egyptian atheists that allegedly publishes criticism of religions.
Ahmad, who works in the media, is religiously unaffiliated, and says he cannot believe “in something that I cannot touch or cannot see.” Some other Lebanese, he said, have abandoned faith because of “sectarian fanaticism” and the exploitation of religion in politics.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fearing ostracism or worse, many nonbelievers hide their views in the Middle East and North AfricaIn the Middle East and North Africa, where religion is often ingrained in daily life's very fabric, rejecting faith can come with repercussions.
Read more »
Increased military presence in Middle East deterring Iranian maritime aggressionThe military's deployment of additional support to the Middle East in July to deter increasing Iranian aggression in the maritime environment has been working, according to a top military official.
Read more »
U.S. ambassador insists America remains the top foreign policy actor in the Middle EastThe U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Martina Strong believes the U.S. is unequivocally the most important foreign policy actor in the Middle East.
Read more »
Kokomo PD: 7-year-old flown to Indianapolis hospital after being struck while riding bikeThe crash happened around 7 p.m. Monday in the 2900 block of North Apperson Way, near County Road 300 North on the north side of Kokomo.
Read more »