Day by day, event by event, catastrophe after catastrophe, with countless signs and blows, it becomes ever clearer that our societies, whether we like it or not, are governed by a “hidden cleric or scholar” whose power and influence permeate every aspect of life. This “hidden cleric” controls what we eat and wear, our customs and traditions, mosque sermons and religious discourse, the media, what is taught and forbidden in our universities, the books we read, the articles, stories, and research we produce, and sometimes even our names that were decided before we are born.
I have searched extensively and found no justification for forcing people to live under a harsh and rigid “religious” regime ruled by a hidden cleric who insists that others can only enjoy life on his terms. Most civilized countries have freed themselves from the control of clerics, but we remain trapped, compelled to accept the visible and known aspects of the unseen, whether they align with reason and logic or contradict them, simply because the “Hidden Man” decrees so.
His commands, orders, and prohibitions apply even to those who do not follow his faith. In truth, the “Hidden Man of Clergy” has no physical form. He is merely a symbol that emerges only when needed. He does not knock on your door, invade anyone’s privacy, or force his preferred way of life on others. Instead, he waits quietly in places of worship, calmly offering advice and whatever support a person might seek to feel secure, without interference or threat of punishment in this world or the hereafter. The civil state is neither a fantasy nor fiction. It exists and is successfully implemented in many systems around the world, proving to be better than alternatives in every aspect.
A civil state is safer and more just for all religious communities, whether Muslim or otherwise. It does not prevent anyone from practicing their rituals or prayers. It does not interfere in places where people build mosques or temples, nor with how they educate or raise their children. The civil state does not impose specific diets, dress codes, or behaviors on anyone. Its laws apply equally to all citizens. It respects people’s daily practices and does not demand changes to their values or customs unless those conflict with the law or public order. It guarantees everyone the freedom to preach and share their religion, while also respecting the beliefs and rituals of others. To be continued...
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
