9 Lies Every Pakistani Youth Has Been Told in the Name of Religion
Abhishek dehariya | May 11, 2025, 09:48 IST
( Image credit : Freepik )
Pakistan’s youth, full of energy and ambition, often finds itself shackled by half-truths sold as divine commands. This article uncovers nine powerful religious distortions that have systematically manipulated the Pakistani youth, keeping them away from critical thinking, peace, and real progress.
Pakistan is a country built on the ideals of religion and spirituality. Yet, over time, religion in many cases has become more of a political tool than a moral compass. Especially for the youth—the future of the country—the misrepresentation of faith has bred confusion, guilt, misplaced aggression, and apathy. Rather than nurturing love, tolerance, and enlightenment, religion is sometimes used to control and divide. This article explores nine common lies that have been repeatedly told to young Pakistanis in the name of Islam, and how these distortions are affecting both individual growth and national development.
The Lie:
“You should never question anything about religion. Asking questions means you are turning away from faith.”
The Truth:
Islam, like many great religions, encourages inquiry. The Quran itself invites believers to ponder, reflect, and seek knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) engaged in discussions, encouraged reasoning, and never silenced sincere seekers. Telling youth not to question is a way to suppress independent thought, not protect faith.
The Lie:
“Science, arts, philosophy, and Western studies are against Islam.”
The Truth:
Many Islamic scholars during the golden Islamic age were also mathematicians, scientists, and artists. The idea that all non-religious education is anti-Islamic has pushed Pakistan behind in global academic standards. Youth are made to feel guilty for pursuing knowledge that could benefit humanity.
The Lie:
“Talking about women’s rights or equality is following Western propaganda and is un-Islamic.”
The Truth:
Islam granted women rights centuries before the West did—right to inheritance, education, and participation in society. Presenting feminism as a Western enemy of Islam is a strategy to maintain patriarchal dominance, not protect Islamic values.
The Lie:
“Non-Muslims hate Islam and are always plotting against us.”
The Truth:
This narrative promotes hatred and fuels extremism. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes justice and kindness towards people of other faiths. Historical examples show that Muslims coexisted peacefully with other communities for centuries. Demonizing others has led to isolation and extremism among the youth.
The Lie:
“Enjoyment, music, painting, and humor are paths to hell.”
The Truth:
Many classical Islamic cultures have rich traditions of music, calligraphy, poetry, and art. Banning joy under the banner of religion only breeds frustration and depression among young people. Spirituality and art have often gone hand-in-hand in Islamic history.
The Lie:
“Jihad means fighting against non-Muslims with weapons.”
The Truth:
The actual meaning of jihad in the Quran is “struggle”—be it personal, social, or spiritual. The greatest jihad is against one’s own ego and injustice. Radical elements misuse this concept to recruit innocent youth into violence and militancy.
The Lie:
“Depression or anxiety? Just pray more. If you’re mentally unwell, it’s because you are not a good Muslim.”
The Truth:
Mental illness is a medical condition, not a spiritual failure. This lie stops young people from seeking therapy and professional help, leading to a mental health crisis. Faith and mental healthcare can coexist—one does not replace the other.
8. Obeying
The Lie:
“Whatever the cleric says is absolute truth. Disagreeing is equal to blasphemy.”
The Truth:
Blind obedience to self-proclaimed religious authorities has led to division, violence, and misuse of power. Islam does not endorse personality cults. Critical thinking and accountability apply to all—including religious leaders.
The Lie:
“Only those who follow a specific sect are true Pakistanis. All others are misguided or even traitors.”
The Truth:
Pakistan is home to various Islamic sects, along with minorities. This country was never meant to be a theocracy of a single school of thought. Sectarian violence, driven by this lie, has caused immense bloodshed and fear, especially among the youth.
Religious faith should liberate minds, not chain them. Pakistan’s youth deserves a version of Islam that is rooted in compassion, inquiry, coexistence, and progress. The lies told in the name of religion are not just personal barriers—they are national obstacles. If Pakistan is to rise, it must reclaim the true spirit of Islam—one that empowers the young to build, not blindly follow; to think, not just obey; and to love, not hate.
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Islam
( Image credit : Freepik )
1. Questioning is Equal to Disbelief
“You should never question anything about religion. Asking questions means you are turning away from faith.”
The Truth:
Islam, like many great religions, encourages inquiry. The Quran itself invites believers to ponder, reflect, and seek knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) engaged in discussions, encouraged reasoning, and never silenced sincere seekers. Telling youth not to question is a way to suppress independent thought, not protect faith.
2. Western Education is Haram
“Science, arts, philosophy, and Western studies are against Islam.”
The Truth:
Many Islamic scholars during the golden Islamic age were also mathematicians, scientists, and artists. The idea that all non-religious education is anti-Islamic has pushed Pakistan behind in global academic standards. Youth are made to feel guilty for pursuing knowledge that could benefit humanity.
3. Women’s Rights are a Western Conspiracy
“Talking about women’s rights or equality is following Western propaganda and is un-Islamic.”
The Truth:
Islam granted women rights centuries before the West did—right to inheritance, education, and participation in society. Presenting feminism as a Western enemy of Islam is a strategy to maintain patriarchal dominance, not protect Islamic values.
4. All Non-Muslims are Enemies
“Non-Muslims hate Islam and are always plotting against us.”
The Truth:
This narrative promotes hatred and fuels extremism. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes justice and kindness towards people of other faiths. Historical examples show that Muslims coexisted peacefully with other communities for centuries. Demonizing others has led to isolation and extremism among the youth.
5. Music, Art, and Joy Are Sinful
“Enjoyment, music, painting, and humor are paths to hell.”
The Truth:
Many classical Islamic cultures have rich traditions of music, calligraphy, poetry, and art. Banning joy under the banner of religion only breeds frustration and depression among young people. Spirituality and art have often gone hand-in-hand in Islamic history.
6. Jihad Means Only Holy War
“Jihad means fighting against non-Muslims with weapons.”
The Truth:
The actual meaning of jihad in the Quran is “struggle”—be it personal, social, or spiritual. The greatest jihad is against one’s own ego and injustice. Radical elements misuse this concept to recruit innocent youth into violence and militancy.
7. Mental Illness is a Sign of Weak Faith
“Depression or anxiety? Just pray more. If you’re mentally unwell, it’s because you are not a good Muslim.”
The Truth:
Mental illness is a medical condition, not a spiritual failure. This lie stops young people from seeking therapy and professional help, leading to a mental health crisis. Faith and mental healthcare can coexist—one does not replace the other.
8. Obeying Religious Leaders Without Question
“Whatever the cleric says is absolute truth. Disagreeing is equal to blasphemy.”
The Truth:
Blind obedience to self-proclaimed religious authorities has led to division, violence, and misuse of power. Islam does not endorse personality cults. Critical thinking and accountability apply to all—including religious leaders.
9. Pakistan is Only for One Sect of Islam
“Only those who follow a specific sect are true Pakistanis. All others are misguided or even traitors.”
The Truth:
Pakistan is home to various Islamic sects, along with minorities. This country was never meant to be a theocracy of a single school of thought. Sectarian violence, driven by this lie, has caused immense bloodshed and fear, especially among the youth.
Pakistan is Only for One Sect of Islam
( Image credit : Freepik )
Conclusion
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