The ongoing “Woman, Life, Freedom” revolution in Iran is a vigorous reaction against a theocratic system that has directly attacked each of these concepts for 44 years. “Woman, Life and Freedom” is a reaction against all the rules and laws that oppress and restrict society. For better or worse, the 1979 Islamic Revolution is a learning experience. Iranians now know what life is like in a country where religion and politics are intertwined.

a slow and gradual but steady revolt against Islamic rulers

No statistics say anything about the religion of Iranians. In Iran, it is a very sensitive subject. But based on the protracted struggle against the Islamic Republic, it is clear that much of the population is dissatisfied with the current situation.

The protests in Iran show that secular and religious Iranians are distancing themselves from the mix of religion and regime politics. Images from Iran show a slow and gradual but steady revolt against the Islamic rules dictated by the Islamic Republic.

Some Iranians are irreligious, others are strongly religious. If you look at religion with a psychological and sociological approach, religion has specific functions that are affected by various circumstances. Protracted war, instability, poverty, inequitable distribution of economic and/or social resources may, for example, come into play. The more difficult a situation, the greater the need for religion. In a society characterized by peace, economic security and social stability, the need for religion becomes less. It is about using religion to deal with the pains and problems of life.

For many, religious practice is situational

The rituals and ceremonies of religion also help to create community and belonging, whether it is the celebration of marriages and festivals or the marking of mourning. Religion can also give people simple answers to big philosophical questions about life and the world.

Religion has a place in most people’s lives, but not necessarily on a day-to-day basis and in a strict sense. For many, religious practice is situational.

On the other side, we have those who have a strong religious identity, and who practice their religion on a daily basis.

Religion in Iran is both an individual, political and theocratic issue. It is about how the individual perceives religion and how the regime uses religion.

Here in Europe, it is wise to ask why the rebellion is happening now? In matters of religion, Iranians and Europeans are on the same path. Continued national efforts and international solidarity can take Iran one step further down this path.

Because Iran has changed:

First, it is a generational change. This generation is not the same as the one that shaped the revolution in 1979. These people do not have the same affinity or the same need for religion. They were brought up in a different time and in a different way. Obedience is no longer valued as highly as it once was.

Second, we have experienced what happens when religion interferes in all aspects of people’s lives.

Third, thanks to modern technology, Iranians have been informed about other ways of life. The Internet and satellite TV have made people wonder how to live in Iran.

Iran is moving towards secularism

I believe that what is currently happening in Iran, through the “Woman, Life, Freedom” revolution, shows the need to change the position of religion. Iran is moving towards secularism. If clerics want religion to continue to have a place in Iranian society, they must stop imposing their views on the people on how religion should be practiced and how life should be lived.

This is perhaps good advice for all societies that want religion to continue to play a role, at a time when more and more institutions and tools can fulfill the functions of religion.

What is happening in Iran now will affect both politics and religiosity in the region and the world anyway.