The Renaissance in Europe emerged during one of the darkest periods in history, when Europeans were living under the oppressive rule of the church and Catholic Christianity. Despite this, the Renaissance represented a rebirth—a testament to humanity’s ability to emerge from the ashes of adversity and hardship.

Similarly, the people of the Middle East have endured centuries of turmoil and darkness.

Just as Europeans freed themselves from the grip of the church and theocracy, it seems essential for the people of the Middle East to liberate themselves from the confines of rigid religious doctrine.

In Europe, this transformation took 15 centuries to fully realize. For 1,400 years, the strict teachings of Christianity governed every aspect of life.

Similarly, the Middle East and North Africa have been shaped by Islamic doctrine for the past 1,400 years, influencing politics, economics, marriage, and culture.

While some may view the convergence of these timelines as mere coincidence, the parallels are undeniable. Both Christianity in Europe and Islam in the Middle East have wielded significant power and influence over society, often dictating the course of people’s lives in minute detail.

The danger always arises when religion transcends its spiritual realm and becomes a tool for societal control. History has shown that imposing religious doctrine through force leads to oppression and conflict.

The solution lies in returning religion to its rightful place as a personal matter. Just as the Renaissance in Europe led to the privatization of religion, the Middle East urgently needs to embrace secularism and separate political power from religious influence.

Today, the Middle East grapples with the wounds inflicted by political Islam. Wars, authoritarianism, and religious extremism continue to plague the region, perpetuating suffering and division.

It is only through the recognition of the necessity of secularism—regardless of one’s religious affiliation—that the Middle East can begin to heal. By distancing themselves from religious doctrines that breed hostility and entitlement, the people of the Middle East can pave the way for a more prosperous and harmonious future.

Until then, the cycle of misery perpetuated by religious leaders will continue unabated. It is time for the people of the Middle East to reclaim their agency and chart a new path—one rooted in secularism, tolerance, and freedom.