The Paradox of Religiosity in Arab Societies
Religion has been a fundamental part of Arab societies for centuries, with many considering it an essential aspect of their identity. However, despite the prevalence of religiosity, the region is also plagued by issues such as corruption, bribery, and injustice. This article examines the intersection between religion and behavior in Arab societies and discusses the need for a new approach to cultivate positive values and behavior.
Building a Better Society through Cultural Values and Morals:
In his book "Shortcut for a Better Life", the writer Ziad Rayess mentions: In the 16th century, the famous author Molière wrote a play called Tartuffe, which featured the character of a corrupt religious man who carried the same name. Tartuffe is controlled by his cheap sensuality but presents himself as a pious man of the church. At the time, the Catholic Church fiercely retaliated against Molière and banned the play for five years. Nonetheless, this play became a classic and a theatrical icon. The word “tartuffe,” used in English and French, came to mean a hypocritical man of religion. [Quoted]
Many manifestations of religiosity in Arab societies are habits or motions we go through and not deep-rooted, cultural, religious behaviors. In advanced countries, cultured behavior and cosmic laws for building a better world are habits, not religion.
Of course, I’m generalizing, and I’m also talking about civilization and the behaviors for building a better world, without delving into individuals’ faiths and worship practices. In other words, manifestations of religiosity are spreading everywhere, to such a degree that the American Gallup Institute said in a recent study that the Arab world was one of the most religious societies on earth. At the same time, it’s high on the lists of corruption, bribery, cheating, scams, sexual harassment, forgery, etc. [Quoted]
Many people from segments of these societies, like educated people, doctors, and medical professionals are generally religious, but they treat their patients badly. There are also employees who falsify test results, students who engage in mass cheating, people who embezzle public money, and more.
Of course, these societies unfortunately take very regressive positions on justice, freedom, and equality. It is the same for social, cultural, educational, and technological progress.
The curricula and methods that we use to raise our children must be reviewed. We have to devise and develop methods that are completely different than what we currently have, so we can cultivate values and positive behavior until they become habitual and ingrained. After that, it would be fine for these attitudes to be instilled, ideologically, in whoever is interested, so they take root and become a part of worship. Morals and values must be inseparable from the appearance of true religiosity. Performative religiosity without morals and values is repulsive.
Conclusion:
The relationship between religion and behavior is complex, and while religious practices are widespread in Arab societies, they do not always translate into positive behavior. To address this issue, there is a need for a new approach to instilling positive values and behaviors in individuals from a young age. This would involve re-evaluating curricula and methods of raising children and placing greater emphasis on the cultivation of moral and ethical values. Ultimately, true religiosity should be inseparable from positive behavior, and performative religiosity without moral values is counterproductive. By fostering a culture of positive behavior, Arab societies can work towards building a more just, equitable, and prosperous future.