When Will Iranians Free Themselves from the Shackles of Arab Islam?
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 and former Muslim, I’ve spent years reflecting on the weight of history and identity that my people bear under the yoke of Arab Islam. It’s time we address the elephant in the room: why do Iranians, a proud and ancient people with a rich cultural heritage, continue to submit to a religion that was imposed upon us by Arab conquerors, a religion that prioritizes Arab supremacy and dismisses the unique spirit of Iranian identity?
A History of Subjugation
Islam did not arrive in Iran peacefully. It was forced upon my ancestors at the point of a sword during the Arab invasions of the 7th century. Before Islam, Iran was a beacon of culture, philosophy, and religion. Zoroastrianism, the original faith of the Persian people, emphasized values such as truth (asha), order, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Our forebears worshipped Ahura Mazda, a god of wisdom and justice, in their native Persian tongue, not in the foreign Arabic language.
Yet, with the coming of Islam, our ancient temples were desecrated, libraries burned, and traditions erased. We were made to kneel, not just in submission to a god, but to an Arab culture that declared itself superior.
Praying in Arabic to an Arab God
The question I pose to my fellow Iranians is this: why do you pray in Arabic to a god who insists on being understood only in Arabic? The Quran, hailed as divine revelation, is adamant that its verses are written in "clear Arabic" (Quran 26:195). This divine exclusivity is an affront to the diverse and beautiful languages of the world, especially Persian, the language of our poets, thinkers, and dreamers.
Our prayers, our rituals, and our very names have been Arabized. Why do we not see this for what it is—cultural imperialism? Why should an Iranian farmer in Yazd or a teacher in Shiraz bow their head in a language not their own, to a god whose cultural center is in Mecca, not Tehran?
The False Promise of Unity
Islam’s defenders often argue that the religion brought unity and civilization to Iran. But unity at what cost? Is unity worth the price of erasing our culture, devaluing our heritage, and replacing our gods with an Arab god? The so-called unity under Islam has led to centuries of division between Sunni and Shia, Arabs and non-Arabs, Muslims and non-Muslims.
A Call to Reject Arab Supremacy
It’s time for Iranians to reclaim their identity. This does not mean every Iranian must suddenly convert to Zoroastrianism or Christianity, though those are noble options. Even atheism is preferable to the shackles of a religion that perpetuates Arab supremacy.
Let us remember the pre-Islamic traditions of our ancestors. Let us celebrate Norooz not just as a holiday, but as a declaration of resistance to Arab domination. Let us rediscover the teachings of Zoroaster, the philosophy of Mani, the wisdom of Cyrus the Great, and the universal truths of Jesus Christ.
Freedom Begins with Reclaiming Our Identity
Freedom is not just political; it is spiritual, cultural, and linguistic. As long as we bow to an Arab god in an Arab language and deny the richness of our own heritage, we are not free. Iranians must break free from the chains of Islam and rediscover their spiritual and cultural roots.
My journey from Islam to Christianity has shown me the light of truth. It has taught me that submission to a foreign religion is not liberation; it is enslavement. My plea to my fellow Iranians is simple: throw off the chains of Arab Islam, and take pride in the extraordinary heritage that is yours.
Citations
- Tabari, Muhammad ibn Jarir. The History of al-Tabari (Vol. 18, "The Conquest of Persia").
- Daniel, Elton L. The History of Iran. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2001.
- Boyce, Mary. Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. London: Routledge, 2001.
- Quran 26:195, "In a clear Arabic tongue."
- Bulliet, Richard. Conversion to Islam in the Medieval Period: An Essay in Quantitative History. Harvard University Press, 1979.
- Shariati, Ali. On the Sociology of Islam. Berkeley, CA: Mizan Press, 1979.
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