How Iran Can De-Islamize: A Perspective from an Iranian-American Ex-Muslim
By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, I have experienced firsthand the grip that Islam has had on my homeland and how its political entanglement has shaped the nation’s identity. Iran, once a flourishing center of culture, science, and art under the ancient Persian Empire and even during the Pahlavi dynasty, has been overshadowed by theocratic rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But as we witness the brave uprisings within the country today, there is a growing recognition that the road to a more free, just, and prosperous Iran lies in separating Islam from the state. De-Islamizing Iran isn’t an impossible dream—it’s a necessary path forward for the future of the country.
The Role of the Islamic Republic in Enforcing Islam
Iran’s current theocratic system is rooted in the idea of Velayat-e Faqih, or guardianship of the Islamic jurist. This system was implemented by Ayatollah Khomeini following the 1979 revolution, granting absolute authority to the Supreme Leader, who interprets and enforces Islamic law. Since then, Islam has permeated every aspect of life in Iran, from education and governance to dress codes and social conduct. The regime has utilized religion to maintain control over the population, using its interpretation of Sharia law to justify the suppression of dissent, the persecution of minorities, and the subjugation of women.
But despite decades of religious rule, many Iranians are disillusioned with the politicization of Islam. The 2022-2023 protests, largely fueled by the death of Mahsa Amini, demonstrated that a new generation is rising against the restrictive and oppressive nature of the regime’s interpretation of Islam. These protests, championed by women and youth, signify the desire to return to a more pluralistic and secular Iranian identity.
Steps Toward De-Islamization
- Secular Education and Rewriting History
One of the primary tools used by the regime to maintain Islamic dominance is through education. From a young age, Iranian children are taught an Islamic version of history and science that glorifies the role of religion while downplaying or erasing pre-Islamic Persian culture. To de-Islamize Iran, education reform is crucial. This includes reintroducing and emphasizing Iran’s rich pre-Islamic history, including the achievements of the Persian Empire, Zoroastrian values, and figures like Cyrus the Great. A secular education system that prioritizes critical thinking and a balanced view of Iran’s past and present would help future generations understand that being Iranian is not synonymous with being Muslim.
- Promoting Religious Freedom and Cultural Identity
Iran has a rich cultural heritage that extends far beyond Islam. The country is home to several religious minorities, including Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. Encouraging a sense of pride in Iran’s diverse religious landscape and promoting religious freedom are key to weakening the grip of Islamism. Many Iranians are returning to their Zoroastrian roots or embracing a secular worldview, and these movements can be nurtured to create a more inclusive and pluralistic society.
Additionally, Persian nationalism—rooted in the legacy of the Achaemenid and Sassanid Empires—can be a unifying force. A renewed emphasis on Persian culture, art, poetry, and the Persian language can serve as a counterbalance to the imposed Arabization that came with the spread of Islam. Iran's identity is not defined by Islam alone, and reconnecting with its ancient heritage can inspire a de-Islamized future.
- Human Rights and Legal Reform
A de-Islamized Iran would require profound legal reforms to dismantle the influence of Sharia law in both the private and public spheres. Iran’s penal code, heavily influenced by Islamic jurisprudence, enforces harsh punishments such as stoning for adultery, amputations for theft, and death for apostasy. These laws not only violate basic human rights but also represent the regime’s use of Islam as a means of social control.
The establishment of a secular legal system that upholds universal human rights, including freedom of expression, religion, and assembly, is essential for a free Iran. Many Iranians yearn for a legal framework that respects individual liberties and justice, rather than one that serves the interests of an autocratic religious elite.
- Empowering Women
Iran’s forced hijab laws and the legal restrictions on women’s rights are among the most visible symbols of Islamic control in the country. Women have been at the forefront of the resistance to these laws, and their empowerment is crucial for de-Islamizing Iran. By abolishing laws that mandate Islamic dress codes and limit women’s freedom, Iran can take a significant step toward dismantling theocracy.
Furthermore, providing women with equal rights in all spheres—economic, political, social, and familial—can accelerate the transition away from religious-based oppression. Women in Iran are demanding nothing less than full equality, and their leadership in the fight for change is inspiring.
- Global Pressure and Exile Communities
The Iranian diaspora, including Iranian-American ex-Muslims like myself, plays a critical role in shaping international understanding and policy regarding Iran. We must continue to pressure Western governments to hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its human rights abuses and support secular and democratic movements within the country. Economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and moral support for the protesters inside Iran can weaken the regime’s grip and embolden those calling for de-Islamization.
Iran’s exile community has been a key voice in advocating for a secular, democratic Iran, and these efforts must be sustained. Organizations like the Grand Lodge of Iran, which has been in exile since 1979, are examples of groups that represent a pre-Islamic, secular vision of Iran that could inspire change .
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Iran
De-Islamizing Iran is not an attack on individual Muslims, nor is it a rejection of spirituality. Instead, it’s a necessary step toward liberating the nation from theocracy and authoritarianism. A secular Iran would allow citizens to freely practice (or not practice) their faith without fear of persecution. It would reclaim Iran’s rich cultural heritage, uphold human rights, and allow the country to rejoin the global community as a beacon of liberty and progress.
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, I believe the Iranian people are already on this path. It may be a long and difficult journey, but the protests of recent years have shown that the spirit of freedom is alive and well. The time is ripe for a new dawn in Iran—one that is free from the chains of political Islam.
Citations
- Abrahamian, Ervand. A History of Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
- Keddie, Nikki R. Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution. Yale University Press, 2003.
- Ganji, Akbar. “The Lure of the Authoritarian State.” Journal of Democracy, vol. 24, no. 3, 2013, pp. 37-48.
- Rahimi, Babak. “Iran's Secular Challenge: The Struggle for a Democratic Future.” Middle East Policy, vol. 12, no. 3, 2005, pp. 92-104.
- "Grand Lodge of Iran in Exile." Grand Lodge of Iran, 2023, www.grandlodgeofiran.org.
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