Recently I met a youngster who
is preparing for the CSS exam. We casually discussed many topics including macro
economy, politics and psychology of our people. His insight into many topics was
refreshing and unorthodox. Suddenly his remark surprised me. He said
“Spiritualism is just a fraud and Religion had always been a tool for
suppressing people”. On further enquiry it became obvious that he had serious
doubts about Religion and considered it as just a dogma. His reading of religion
and Atheism was not deep but certainly had read about scientific and
philosophical criticism of religion. He was convinced that religion and
rationality are incompatible. He didn’t claim any title for his current state of
belief but certainly was titled towards agnosticism. These revelations were
astounding for me.
Over the past months I had visited many websites and social media forums on
Atheism and secularism. My quest was to understand this phenomenon in Pakistan.
I chatted and conversed with many people claiming to be atheist and tried to
understand them and their arguments. What I have found is that
What kind of people they are?
They belonged to diversified backgrounds but share one similarity, they all have
curiosity to know and understand the truth. Most of them are from pious
religious families and were good practicing Muslims. Some of them had even
attended religious seminaries.
Why they started doubting their beliefs?
Then what happened was that they came across different information which
gradually changed their way of thinking. The major catalyst was internet and
social media. Internet provided them with books, movies, documentaries, and
discussions. First time they could interact freely with other people around the
globe with different point of views. Initially they tried to defend their
inherent beliefs and prejudices. But counter arguments were more rational and
convincing. So doubts emerged in their minds.
What they did with their doubts?
When doubts began to irritate them they started asking from their religious
teachers, parents, and friends etc, but in most cases they were strongly
discouraged from asking these questions. Many faced fatwas. The major problem
was the unavailability of easily readable religious literature in Urdu.Most of
the Religious literature was in very difficult language. And right to interpret
religious text is reserved for few. However they started reading original texts
of religion to find the truth.
Instead of finding the truth they observed that religious texts are prone to
flexible interpretation. Every age interpret them according to their needs. You
can extract many scientific ideas from them like big bang, and Evolution etc.
Most modernists had spent their energies on reconciling the religion and
Science/philosophy. But general public and Traditional authorities had never
accepted their explanations. Most atheists found religion and science
incompatible because religion is based on belief and science is based on facts.
What was the tipping point?
When doubts became stronger they lose meaning in their lives. An anger and
frustration developed in them. This period was hardest and toughest for them.
They felt meaninglessness of the life and all activities. Nothing could comfort
them except the answers of their pinching questions. Some remained silent but
most blurted out their anger, anguish and doubts on public forums. The result
was obvious they become the target of everyone. They were insulted, mocked, and
labeled. Most of them retreated out of fear for them and their families. But
their conviction became stronger. The intellectual quest took an emotional turn
for them.
What they do now?
At the height of their intellectual crisis they decided to renounce their faith.
It was a tough decision, but apparently nothing changed externally for them. But
internally something was changed. They are culturally the same as rest of the
people. Contrary to public perception they are not immoral or licentious. Most
say they are soft hearted and emotional.
Now they are operating many websites and Facebook Pages for promoting Atheism
and Rationality in Pakistan. The purpose is to create virtual communities for
the like of them. They operated with fake Id’s and from Unknown locations. They
openly criticize religion. Their comments and posts are very blunt, derogatory
and mocking.
What’s the future of Atheism in Pakistan?
Pakistani society is very conservative and orthodox society. There is no space
and tolerance of any dissent from established narrative in any field. The
transgressor would be immediately punished. That’s what had happened in the
past. But internet and Social media has provided a breathing space for
marginalized segments. It has become very difficult to control information from
reaching the people. The information and interaction is bringing immense change
in the thinking of people. Now people especially youngsters have less prejudices
and hate towards different people and communities. It is probable that this
situation would increase the state of skepticism if not atheism in Pakistan.
Certain Atheist virtual communities would emerge on virtual space but it would
take decades of effort to get acceptance in the community.