Secular Fanaticism
Fanaticism and ignorance are two characteristics which prevent one from identifying the truth. As a result, this sets the ground for dictatorship and a society’s downfall. In this context, fanaticism is defined as the insistence upon one’s beliefs and null opinions while being intolerant to any opposing ideas, as well as making an attempt to either hide or distort the truth. Fanaticism is not secluded to certain individuals of a religious faith only, but rather, any who is deemed as short-sighted and arrogant, regardless of whether they believe in a religion or not .
A clear example would be the very democratic nation of America, who under the presidency of Donald Trump, promotes discrimination and fascist views against Muslims. As a result, according to political analyses, supporters of such poisonous ideologies in Canada recently shot and killed a number of Muslims during prayers at a Mosque, thus portraying their intolerance and hate to the world. Among Marxist and those who stood against religion, history has witnessed their numerous crimes and atrocities, their inhibition of freedom, and abolishment of lives.
For example, In Turkey, the Laïque, a secular group under the governance of Ataturk, had prohibited the prayers in public. Mosques and religious centres were either closed or demolished, despite the fact that 99% of the population were Muslim. Also, Adhan (the call for prayer) and the hijab (headscarf) were banned, as well as any mention of Allah or Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) in newspapers or magazines. In many places, the Holy Qur’an was even collected and burnt.
Additionally, in Tajikistan, President Emomali Rahmanov was able to impose his power for about 20 years over the Muslim majority. He banned the hijab and prayers for people under the age of 18 and Hajj (pilgrimage) for those under the age of 35. Moreover, participating in religious ceremonies and giving Islamic names to your children were not allowed and shaving one’s beard was mandatory.
Recently, we too have witnessed another intolerance of bigotry and hatred, rooting from their fanaticism in the Iranian community of Toronto. On the day of Ashura this year, a meagre number of people seeking to disturb the mourning ceremony of Imam Hussain (a.s.) attended by a few thousands, came out in the streets, violating the very concepts of justice and freedom. They desired to extinguish the message of justice and humanity inspired by Imam Hussain (a.s).
History has shown that the enemy never refrained from trying to instill fear and horror in the hearts of Shias, either by attacking their holy Shrines or fostering doubt and manipulation in the tragedy of Ashura. Little do they know, that despite ~1400 years since the movement of Imam Hussain (a.s.), his name and remembrance is as vivid as ever. Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) vision of freedom transcends beyond all time and borders in such a way that the diversity of cultures and nations did not prevent his noble message to be received by the earnest.
As an Iranian-Canadian citizen, it is hoped that in such a multicultural, religiously, and racially diverse country, tolerance and consideration of other people’s beliefs are practiced. So let us work together in upholding our democracy and promoting love, peace, and security within our society.
