Responding to criticism

I knew my original post would spark some strong criticism, but the backlash and insults I’ve received have only proven one thing: too many Somali people are slow to accept change, and there’s a serious problem with ignorance in our society. Instead of engaging in constructive conversations about modernizing Somalia, people are quick to brand any criticism as kaafir. It’s beyond frustrating, and it’s holding us back from making real progress.

The truth is, whenever someone questions traditions or proposes any shift that involves Islam, the immediate response is an onslaught of abuse. Any critical thought that even remotely touches on our faith gets met with outrage, as if we’re all supposed to blindly agree with everything. But let me say it: this mentality is why Somalia continues to lag behind. Somali people have to stop assuming that questioning norms is an attack on our faith. I’m a Muslim, and I have immense respect for my religion, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk openly about the ways we need to grow.

Look at the rest of the Muslim world, Arab and Asian Muslim countries that have been practicing Islam for centuries longer than us. These nations have found ways to develop without abandoning their faith. They’ve built industries, invested in education, and allowed their societies, including women, to thrive in the modern era. Meanwhile, here we are, left in the dust, wasting time defending old ideas that do nothing but restrict us. Our neighboring countries’ women wear their cultural clothing freely, representing their heritage without hiding themselves away. But in Somalia? We’re more concerned with enforcing clothing rules than addressing our real issues, poverty, corruption, and violence.

Interestingly, many Arabs, the original Muslims, practice their faith in ways that might even be considered “liberal” by our standards. You see Muslims in these countries participating in shows like Love is Blind, openly Muslim but not visibly, and engaging comfortably in modern life. Yet here we are, almost overcompensating as if we need to prove we’re more “religious” by following rigid norms. Somali society clings to visible symbols of piety in a way that can feel more restrictive than faithful. This attitude isn’t just unnecessary, it’s slowing down our growth.

The truth is, Somali people need to wake up. If we don’t adapt and let go of outdated thinking, we’re going to stay stuck. Calling someone “murtad” or “kaafir” just for suggesting a need to modernize isn’t fair or productive, it’s an excuse to shut down meaningful conversations. Somalia has serious issues to tackle. We need to focus on building a future that matches the 21st century, not one that’s tied to restrictive practices that don’t reflect our heritage and only keep us behind.

Let’s be real, if we keep clinging to this slow, defensive, and ignorant attitude, we’ll never see a modern Somalia. The world is moving forward, and Somalia deserves to be part of it. We need to focus on the issues that truly matter, our economy, education, security, and healthcare. It’s time to drop the outdated habits and mindsets that are doing us no favors. We owe it to ourselves, and to future generations, to build a Somalia that’s ready to take its place in the modern world.

I do enjoy this sub but it should be a place of open discussion and debate that is respectful and not defensive. I don’t hate any of you nor have an issue with anyone and I enjoy posts that spark discussion because it allows for different opinions in a community where we are widely viewed as being a monolith.