Dr. Khaled Montasser, who closed his clinic to dedicate himself to a higher calling, is regarded as one of the best challengers of rigid mindsets dominating various religious and media platforms in Egypt. Known for his sharp logic, clear arguments, and ability to counter destructive and regressive voices, Dr. Montasser was recently confronted by a preacher who demanded that he stop discussing religion and return to his medical practice.

Dr. Montasser’s response (paraphrased) was, “The esteemed scholar asks me to devote myself to medicine, ignoring the fact that neither he nor any other religious figure in Egypt has fully committed to their known religious duties. Instead, they dominate the media, issuing pronouncements on every subject, from astronomy, medicine, physics, sports, fashion, and genetics, to sanitation, in-vitro fertilization, bestiality, infant marriage, and even suspended pregnancy.” He said he closed his dermatology clinic more than three years ago to dedicate himself to addressing questions, enlightening minds, promoting scientific thought, combating superstition, and protecting vulnerable patients from exploitation.

He also criticized the pressure some religious figures exert on the public, referring to them as “brokers of heaven”, which is the title of one of his most famous books. Dr. Montasser explained that he realized curing millions of people with mental and intellectual issues had become more important to him than treating ten or a hundred skin conditions. Preserving the nation’s intellect is more vital than caring for physical skin. While a thousand doctors could treat dermatology patients more effectively than he could, many intellectuals have neglected their duty to enlighten minds, confront the spread of ignorance, and engage with religious thought, fearing a loss of popularity, lack of public support, and the discomfort of stepping outside the safety of the herd.

Dr. Montasser said that he, since closing his clinic, has written a novel aimed at exposing and unmasking the Islamist movement, and affirmed that he will continue to be a chronic headache for all religious charlatans and purveyors of superstition until the torch is passed to a worthy successor among the thousands of young people. In response to their demand that non-religious figures focus solely on their medical research, one must ask - if Dr. Magdi Yacoub, Dr. Mohamed Ghoneim, or Dr. Mohamed Aboulghar had written the same critiques as Dr. Khaled Montasser, would they have been accepted and implemented simply because these doctors are fully devoted to their scientific work? The truth is revealed. Most religious figures aim to monopolize the field for themselves. Simply put, Dr. Montasser’s writings challenge and unsettle them, and they do not know how to respond. As usual, they resort to direct accusations of atheism, insults, and slander against those who oppose them.

By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]