REAL party chairman and economist Natig Jafarli has criticized an understanding of religion that places ritual observance above honesty, justice and respect for other people’s rights.
In a Facebook post, Jafarli contrasted outward displays of piety with corruption, election fraud, unlawful arrests and violations of human rights.
He said religious commitment should not be judged solely by clothing, prohibitions or the frequency of prayer. What matters more, he argued, is how a person treats others, particularly when that person holds power.
“The God I love will not punish a six- or seven-year-old girl because her head is uncovered. But He will neither approve nor forgive a government and parents who deny her a good education and prevent her from studying,” Jafarli wrote.
He applied the same argument to other religious rules, saying that drinking a glass of wine could not be treated as more serious than an injustice a person knowingly commits while sober.
Ballot Stuffing and Moral Responsibility
Jafarli was particularly critical of election fraud.
“The God I love will not curse someone who does not pray five times a day. But He will not forgive someone who stuffs five ballots,” he wrote.
His statement presented moral responsibility as the central measure of faith.
Jafarli listed the theft of public funds, bribery, the appropriation of public property, unjustified arrests and the violation of human rights among acts for which those responsible should answer before God.
He also urged people to engage with the philosophy of Islam rather than interpretations filled with myths. Faith, he said, should support honest people who do not violate the rights of others.
“I feel more love than fear toward my God, the Creator. Love is always better than fear,” Jafarli concluded.
Source: Vesti Baku