WHY ARE MUSLIMS MORE AFRAID TO TALK ABOUT POLITICS?

 WHY ARE MUSLIMS MORE AFRAID TO TALK ABOUT POLITICS?

Image showing a silent Muslim man trapped in his own shadow like a cage inside a mosque, with distant political podiums visual metaphor for Muslims’ fear of political discourse.


Introduction: Politics, Religion, and Collective Fear

As I write this, I fully realize that politics within the Muslim community is always controversial. Many Muslims, especially in majority-Muslim countries, are reluctant to talk about politics openly. The question is, why? Whereas, historically, Islam was born as a spirit of socio-political change. (See: Karen Armstrong, Islam: A Short History, 2000)

As a neutral writer, I try to dissect this issue without bias. I believe this is not merely about religious doctrine but also about historical trauma, state repression, and modern propaganda that silences the courage of Muslims to think politically.

Politics in Islam: A Source of Emancipatory Spirit

If we look back to Islam’s early days, it’s clear that this religion came to free humans from structural oppression. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not just a spiritual leader but also a head of state, judge, diplomat, and military commander. (Reference: Tariq Ramadan, In the Footsteps of the Prophet, 2007)

However, over time, politics in the Muslim world transformed into a space of power that often deviates from Islamic principles of justice. This has triggered Muslims’ suspicion toward the word ‘politics.’ Politics is perceived as dirty and full of intrigue, whereas its essence is managing the common good. (Source: Olivier Roy, The Failure of Political Islam, 1994)

Historical Trauma: From Colonialism to Dictatorship

I see that the fear of talking politics is inseparable from the legacy of colonialism. Western colonizers suppressed Islamic political movements through military repression and stigmatization. They divided Muslim lands, abolished the caliphate, and established nation-states with puppet leaders. (Source: Albert Hourani, A History of the Arab Peoples, 1991)

Then, post-independence, many Muslim countries fell into the hands of authoritarian regimes. These dictators learned from their former masters: silencing opposition, suppressing critical scholars, and imprisoning Islamic activists under the label of ‘radicalism.’ As a result, Muslims fear politics because the consequences can be dire: intimidation, criminalization, even disappearance. (Reference: Noam Chomsky, Manufacturing Consent, 1988)

Islamism and the Label of Radicalism

The phenomenon of Islamic political movements is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the emergence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jamaat-e-Islami in South Asia, and the Justice Party in Turkey shows that the aspiration for Islamic politics is alive. (Source: John L. Esposito, Islam and Politics, 1998)

However, Western propaganda strengthened by local elites often frames Islamic political movements as a threat of terrorism. Consequently, in many countries, talking about Sharia implementation or building an Islamic political system is immediately branded as anti-democracy, fundamentalist, or anti-progress. This makes Muslims increasingly apathetic and even afraid to discuss ideas like the caliphate or an Islamic state. (Reference: Edward Said, Covering Islam, 1981)

Scholars, Mosques, and the Suppressed Public Sphere

In the past, mosques were centers of political discussion. Scholars played a dual role: educating the people and criticizing unjust policies. Today, in many Muslim countries, mosques are confined to ritual sermons. Socio-political issues are often deemed ‘inappropriate’ for the pulpit. (Source: Hamid Dabashi, Post-Orientalism, 2009)

I believe this restriction is intentional, so Muslims remain spiritually obedient but politically passive. The community is kept busy with rituals but forgets about justice, corruption, and structural poverty.

Education and Media: Shaping an Apolitical Attitude

Beyond mosques, the education system also influences Muslims’ political stance. The curriculum in many Muslim countries focuses more on memorization than critical understanding. Religious education is separated from political discourse, as if Islam is only about personal worship. (Reference: Fazlur Rahman, Islam and Modernity, 1982)

Moreover, mainstream media rarely gives space to enlightening Islamic political discourse. Instead, the media often becomes a mouthpiece for power. This adds to people’s fear of speaking up. They fear misspeaking, being labeled radical.

Digital Space: Opportunities and Challenges

Nevertheless, the internet era opens new opportunities. Social media provides a stage for independent scholars, activists, and Muslim intellectuals to revive Islamic political discourse. But on the other hand, the digital space is also vulnerable to hoaxes, slander, and extremist propaganda. (Source: Zeynep Tufekci, Twitter and Tear Gas, 2017)

I believe the young Muslim generation must be smart in using technology to dialogue and debate ideas without falling into hate narratives. The revival of political awareness is only possible if we build healthy digital literacy.

The Need for Collective Courage

Why are Muslims afraid to talk politics? Because talking politics means challenging the status quo. But as long as Muslims remain silent, corruption will persist, oppression will endure, and injustice will prevail. Islam does not teach its followers to submit to tyranny. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best jihad is speaking the truth to a tyrant ruler.” (HR. Abu Dawud)

As a writer, I believe Muslims must revive that courage wisely, legally, and peacefully.

Conclusion: Talking Politics is Not a Sin

Talking politics does not mean blindly rebelling. It is about defending rights, demanding justice, and safeguarding public trust. Muslims’ fear of politics must be dismantled with critical education, moral courage, and solidarity. Muslims must believe again: politics is part of social worship.

As long as Muslims stay silent, change will remain a utopia. But when Muslims dare to discuss politics wisely, the path to a just and prosperous society can be reopened.

Lokasi: GWG8+68 Blodgett Mills, NY, Amerika Serikat

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