In the absence of a culture based on scientific verification and fairness and in the absence of ethical rules that govern dialogue, we see that unilateralism and rejection of divergent opinions reign supreme. The environment in which some do not hesitate to go to the extreme to defend their views has led to the dangerous phenomenon of opponents being labeled secularists. This is clearly evident in live debates broadcast by Arab satellite stations in which the half-educated — and even the educated — have hijacked and dominated the programs. These individuals do not hesitate in brandishing the weapon of secularism in the face of any one who opposes their views on debatable religious issues that accept different interpretations.
The campaign has spared no one — scholars, intellectuals, politicians, writers and journalists. It is not confined to the living but has even been extended to include the dead who are no longer in a position to defend themselves. Their sole crime was that, before their death, they issued fatwas (religious rulings) that sought to make life easier for people and lift restrictions in a manner that did not contradict the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.
A preacher or scholar is labeled a secularist for seeking to portray Islam in its simple genuine purity. In that state, it adapts to every time and speaks a language that enables people to understand Islam correctly. A writer is considered secularist when criticizing rigid and extremist religious thought. A journalist is accused of promoting secularism for citing different views held by scholars over issues concerning women. Another is regarded as a secularist for demanding reforms to the education system and modernizing school texts to match the tolerant Shariah.
The problem has now been allowed to get out of hand; this dangerous weapon is being used to silence those who dare to express different views. It is used by those who want to destroy instead of building, and spread ignorance and intolerance instead of promoting tolerance.
Using secularism as a weapon to frighten others is a serious charge. In its simplest interpretation, secularism means establishing life on foundations other than religious ones. It means that morality and education should not be based on religion and in the eyes of some scholars, this is “kufr” or blasphemy.
We must work to confront these deviant ideas that amount to intellectual terrorism. They seek to undermine people’s beliefs by spreading rumors and falsehoods which aim at presenting themselves as the only way and disgracing those who dare to disagree.
— Arab News Local Press 28 September 2003
