Accepting Quote by Shirin Ebadi
“It's perfectly OK that there are certain people who do not accept Islam at all. Therefore, to announce that I am a Muslim can rub some people the wrong way. But my aim is to show that those governments that violate the rights of people by invoking the name of Islam have been misusing Islam. They violate these rights and then seek refuge behind the argument that Islam is not compatible with freedom and democracy. But this is basically to save face. In fact, I'm promoting democracy. And I'm saying that Islam is not an excuse for thwarting democracy.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public interview on human rights, 2015
The speaker argues that Islam should not be used to justify oppression and that democracy can coexist with Islamic identity.
In simple terms: Islam isn’t a reason to deny democracy.
Reject using religion to limit freedom.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- advocacy for democratic reforms
- interfaith dialogue
- policy analysis
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies separate faith from political oppression?
- What role can religious leaders play in promoting democracy?
Religious arguments can be deeply entrenched, making change slow.