October 23, 2023
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15:34Now PlayingIn the Middle East and North Africa, many nonbelievers, or "nones"—ranging from agnostics to atheists—navigate their existence in a region deeply intertwined with religious beliefs. The societal fabric of these regions is permeated by religious practices, from the omnipresent call to prayer to references in everyday greetings. Nonbelievers often hide their views to avoid potential repercussions, including ostracism, threats, or even retaliation from authorities. A 27-year-old Tunisian woman encapsulated the sentiment, stating, “I have a double life all the time. It’s better than having conflict every day.” Many find solace and community in online spaces, albeit fraught with their own risks. Mustapha Kamel al-Sayyid, a Cairo University professor, highlighted the region's historical ties to religion, stating, "The Middle East is the birthplace of the three heavenly religions," and noted the negative perception many have of those without religious affiliation. Despite atheism not being directly criminalized in countries like Egypt, other laws, like those against blasphemy, can be used to target nonbelievers. For instance, Iran recently executed two men on blasphemy charges, and Saudi Arabia sentenced another to 10 years and 2,000 lashes for expressing atheism on Twitter. In this delicate landscape, some nonbelievers aim for a harmonious existence. Ahmad, a Lebanese now living in Qatar, shared, “We have an unspoken agreement: I don’t criticize religion and you don’t criticize my lack of religion.” However, societal challenges remain a daily struggle for many.
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