ATHEISTS IN SAUDI ARABIA
URL - http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2014/06/in-cradle-of-islam-growing-number-of.html
God tells in Qur'an, " ... Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error ..." [2:256]This is Islam's unambiguous affirmation of freedom of faith, which also applies to changing of faith. The Qur'an illuminates before the humanity the two highways [90:10], one of which leads to salvation. Islam is an invitation to the highway toward salvation, but it is based on
FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
The role of the Prophet was to explain what it means. To paraphrase his quote, you cannot force anyone to believe what they don't, it has to come from within and if they can see the value in it.
The sad part of religion, any religion be it Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism or the others, a majority of the folks get it, some don't. No one should trample on one's freedom to eat, drink, wear, or believe what he wants. There shall be no compulsion.
Indeed, Islam or any religion thrives where there is freedom. Saudi Arabia can enforce their extreme rules as the policy of their government but not as Islam. I cannot call it repugnant, because in the United States we still have the Death Penalty, and our Congressmen and Senators still make stupid remarks about women. Had we not had the rule of law, or if we vote in the conservatives by mistake, we can see them want to emulate Saudi Arabia when it comes to LGTB, Women's rights and other rights.
Freedom of speech, assembly and expression are the way to go, the governments have to be righteous to feel secure. Indeed, I can safely conclude, freedom is directly proportional to how secure the government is, and Saudi Government (Not Islamic) is not, will crumble within two decades.
Mike Ghouse
Center for Pluralism
www.FoundationforPluralism.com
www.MikeGhouse.net
Studies in Social, religious, cultural, Gender, Political and work Place Pluralism. Pluralism is neither a religion nor rule of law, it is merely our attitude of "Respecting the otherness of others." and accepting the God-given uniqueness of each one of the 7.2 Billion of us.
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Worshippers outside of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Credit: Associated Press)
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