It’s deeply unsettling to consider that people are still being killed for criticizing fictional characters. In several Muslim-majority countries, blasphemy laws still carry the death penalty for those who insult God or the Prophet. Yet, all non-Muslims recognize that these figures are fictional—like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.
This level of ignorance is alarming, especially in this modern age of information and reason. But it’s not necessarily the fault of the individuals involved. Many live in environments where exposure to alternative ideas is limited. They are trapped by the religious and social structures around them, where dissent is punished—oftentimes with death. In such contexts, intellectual freedom and religious tolerance are non existent.
The only path forward is exposure to diverse perspectives. Most people are capable of critical thinking. When given the opportunity to question their beliefs, many will see religion not as absolute truth, but as a social construct shaped by tradition and power.
That’s precisely what blasphemy laws are designed to prevent—doubt, questioning, and the erosion of doctrinal control. These laws aim to suppress non-conformist thought, knowing that once people begin to question, the entire system becomes vulnerable.
There are many who already reject these rigid beliefs, but they remain silenced by fear and overwhelming social pressure. This is one reason many seek to leave these countries. Those who stay must remain silent to survive.
Theoretically, over time, the influence of Western ideas—reason, science, and secularism—will gradually erode the foundations of such repressive systems. But change is slow, especially when those in power have everything to lose. Their authority depends on religious obedience; without it, they lose status, influence, and control.
This is a shift in power—from ignorance and superstition to reason and critical thought. But even today, many societies, including the United States, still harbor religious extremism—creationism, the Christian Right, and other fundamentalist movements. While these are troubling, they pale in comparison to the state-sanctioned extremism seen in some parts of the Middle East.
In Iran, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia, religious leaders wield absolute power, and their authority depends on maintaining strict religious obedience—meaning they have everything to lose if doubt or dissent gains ground. In Iran, the state enforces Islamic law with public punishments; in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s return has reinstated brutal penalties for blasphemy; in Saudi Arabia, religious doctrine still shapes the legal system, despite recent reforms. These regimes rely on religious control to maintain power, and any challenge to doctrine threatens their status, influence, and control. As a result, reform remains slow, and dissent is met with severe consequences.
And that’s the most disturbing part: in these cases such beliefs are not fringe, but mainstream and backed by government power. That’s not just extremism—it’s institutionalized fear.
Note: This article reflects the author’s perspective. While the core ideas are original, the language and structure were refined using AI tools.