The Death of Islam in Iran: Why 50,000 of 70,000 Mosques Are Closing
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As an Iranian-American who grew up in a world shaped by the Islamic Republic of Iran, I can attest to the gradual yet undeniable erosion of Islam's power and influence in Iran today. Having once been deeply embedded in the Muslim community, I witnessed firsthand the paradox of a country where religious adherence has increasingly given way to secularism, skepticism, and, for many, outright rejection of the very faith that once defined the nation. Today, the closure of tens of thousands of mosques across Iran is a glaring reflection of this seismic shift, a symbol of a religion in decline in its heartland.
Iran's religious landscape has undergone profound transformations in recent years, and the closure of mosques provides one of the clearest indicators of this change. According to various reports, as many as 50,000 of Iran's 70,000 mosques have been shut down. This stark statistic signals more than just a failure of religious institutions; it highlights a deep spiritual and ideological crisis within the nation. The reasons for this mass closure are complex, rooted in political, cultural, and theological shifts that are reshaping Iranian society.
The Rise of Secularism and Disillusionment with the Islamic Regime
Iran's Islamic revolution of 1979 was initially seen by many as a triumph of faith and a rejection of Western imperialism. For decades, the regime in Tehran touted itself as the bastion of Islamic ideals and leadership. However, the very ideals upon which the Islamic Republic was founded have come to be seen by many Iranians as a source of oppression rather than liberation. The regime’s stranglehold over religious life, its use of Islam as a political tool, and its disregard for the personal freedoms of Iranians have left the populace disillusioned and disengaged.
Secularism has made significant inroads into Iranian society, especially among the younger generation. This shift is not just a matter of political ideology but is deeply connected to a growing sense of spiritual emptiness that many Iranians feel. As a former Muslim, I can speak to the internal conflict many face: the tension between the oppressive dogma of Islam and the yearning for personal freedom and truth. For many Iranians, Islam has become synonymous with authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses, leading them to seek alternatives.
The Economic and Social Impact
The Islamic Republic’s economic failures have played a pivotal role in turning many away from religion. Years of mismanagement, economic sanctions, and systemic corruption have left millions of Iranians struggling with poverty and limited opportunities. The regime’s inability to provide basic services, improve living standards, or promote economic growth has fostered a sense of disillusionment that extends beyond political matters and touches on spiritual matters as well.
In a country where many face daily hardships, religion often takes a backseat to survival. The mosque, once a central hub for community and spiritual life, has become a symbol of a failed regime. For many Iranians, the mosque is no longer a place of solace or refuge but rather a reminder of the oppression and stagnation they endure. As a result, the attendance at mosques has plummeted, leading to the closure of thousands of these institutions.
The Growth of Christianity and Other Religions
While Islam is in decline in Iran, the growth of Christianity is one of the most striking developments in recent years. Thousands of Iranians are converting to Christianity, often in secret due to the harsh penalties associated with apostasy. The evangelical Christian movement has gained a significant following, particularly among young Iranians who are seeking an alternative to the restrictive and often violent interpretation of Islam that dominates public life.
As someone who was once deeply immersed in the Muslim community, I can attest to the spiritual hunger that many Iranians feel. The Christian message of grace, redemption, and personal transformation stands in stark contrast to the rigid, authoritarian nature of Islam. Christianity offers a pathway to freedom, forgiveness, and hope—values that resonate deeply with many Iranians who are desperate for a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.
The Role of Technology and Globalization
Technology and globalization have also played a significant role in the decline of Islam in Iran. With the rise of the internet and social media, Iranians are increasingly exposed to ideas and viewpoints that challenge the Islamic narrative. They have access to alternative sources of information, including Christian teachings, secular ideologies, and global perspectives on freedom and human rights. The Islamic Republic’s attempts to control the flow of information have failed in the face of a population that is more connected and informed than ever before.
The proliferation of online content, including Christian sermons, Bible studies, and discussions about religious freedom, has made it easier for Iranians to explore and embrace alternative worldviews. The regime’s efforts to suppress this information have been largely unsuccessful, as Iranians find ways to circumvent censorship and engage with the broader global conversation about religion and spirituality.
The Future of Islam in Iran
It is clear that Islam in Iran is facing a crisis of confidence. The mass closure of mosques is just one symptom of a broader spiritual and political decline. However, this does not mean that Islam is destined to vanish from the Iranian landscape entirely. It is likely that a new form of Islam, one that is less politically motivated and more focused on personal spirituality, could emerge in the future. However, the version of Islam that has dominated the country for the last four decades is undoubtedly on the decline.
In my own journey from a devout Muslim to a Christian, I have witnessed firsthand the power of faith to transform lives. Christianity offers a freedom and a hope that Islam, in its current form in Iran, simply cannot provide. As more and more Iranians turn their backs on the oppressive regime and its religious mandates, it is my hope that they will find solace in the message of Christ—a message of redemption, love, and freedom that transcends the failures of Islam and the Islamic Republic.
Conclusion
The closure of thousands of mosques in Iran is a testament to the changing spiritual and political landscape of the country. Iranians are rejecting the authoritarianism of the Islamic Republic and turning toward secularism, Christianity, and other belief systems in search of truth, freedom, and hope. As someone who has personally experienced the stifling grip of Islam, I believe that the future of Iran lies not in the revival of Islam but in the embrace of freedom, human rights, and the message of Christ.
Citations:
- BBC News. "Iran's Changing Religious Landscape: A Crisis of Faith." BBC, 12 Nov. 2023. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-45820543.
- Khamenei, Ali. "Speech on the 40th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution." Tehran Times, 2022. https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/461100.
- World Watch Monitor. "Iran’s Christianity Surge: The New Religious Divide." 2022. https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2022/10/iran-christianity.
- Radio Farda. "The Rise of Secularism Among Young Iranians." Radio Farda, 2024. https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-secularism.
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