Javed Akhtar's Atheism Is Based On Reason

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 29 August 2025 The West Bengal Urdu Academy's invitation to renowned poet, film writer, and lyricist Javed Akhtar for an upcoming event has been converted into a controversy by Islamist outfits. The Calcutta unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has strongly objected to the decision to invite Akhtar as chief guest, stating in a letter to the Academy that the invitation should be withdrawn as he had repeatedly "spoken against religion and God". It cited the example of Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, and warned of protests. "Javed Akhtar is a person who speaks against religion and god. It is not right to invite such a person to any prestigious programme in the Urdu language," the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said in the letter to the Urdu-promotion body. Why're Islamist outfits so apprehensive of Javed Akhtar? Javed is an avowed atheist and a sound rationalist. In fact, reason and atheism go hand in hand. If Islam, or for that matter any faith, is true and irreproachable, why should it be fearful of an atheist or a rationalist? So many Muslims across the globe follow him on the internet. Watch his videos and discussions on YouTube and read the viewers' comments. If he's condemned and abused by a large number of Muslims, many Muslims endorse his views on not just Islam and Allah but on all man-made faiths and their bogus gods. Why're we, esp. Muslims, so fearful of those who speak the truth? Javed Akhtar's emphasis has always been on Science and Reason because Science and Reason are the only reliable paths to truth and understanding. Blindly accepting dogmas or beliefs without scrutiny is antithetical to genuine understanding. Science, through its systematic methodology of observation, experimentation, and peer-review, strives to uncover the workings of the natural world, while reason encourages critical thinking and logical analysis. Both science and reason demand evidence to support claims, allowing for the continuous reassessment and progress of knowledge. When it comes to matters of faith or belief in the existence of a higher power or supernatural entities, relying solely on blind faith is an inadequate and unreliable approach. Instead, adopting a rational and critical mindset, basing beliefs on logical reasoning and empirical evidence, is deemed superior. Unfounded beliefs formed on blind faith can lead to dogmatism, close-mindedness, and a rejection of evidence-based knowledge. Moreover, science and reason have provided answers to many mysteries once attributed to gods. Throughout history, human understanding has evolved, and as our knowledge has expanded, many phenomena that were once considered supernatural have found rational explanations. Science, with its rigorous methodologies and evidence-based approach, has unravelled the complexities of the physical world, leaving little room for supernatural intervention. Through reason, critical thinking, and the accumulation of knowledge, humanity has navigated a path towards enlightenment, relying less on faith-based beliefs and more on empirical evidence. Javed believes in the evolution and enlightenment of human minds. He believes that true freedom can only be attained through the liberation from religious indoctrination. Like Bhagat Singh, Javed has always averred that religious teachings, which often impose a set of beliefs and practices, can restrict individual liberties and inhibit critical thinking. By rejecting religious dogmas, one can break free from the shackles of conformity and explore the world with an open and unbiased mind. This liberation enables individuals to critically examine new ideas, embrace scientific knowledge, and develop a personal philosophy based on reason and evidence, ultimately attaining the true freedom to question, to explore, and to determine their own moral compass. Remember, the search for meaning and purpose in life can be found in human connection and compassion, not religion. Religion is not the sole path to finding significance in life. By emphasizing human connection and compassion, individuals can foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment in their lives. Rather than relying on any organized religion, this perspective encourages a focus on our shared human experiences and the impact we can have on each other's lives. Through empathy and connection, individuals may discover a profound sense of meaning and purpose that transcends any particular religious system. In these times, when more and more rational voices are emerging all over the world, trying to stop Javed Akhtar from speaking the uncomfortable truths about your god and religion is a futile attempt. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/javed-akhtar-atheism-reason/d/136644 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminis