Freethinkers Get Insight into 'Living with Islam'

November’s get together of the Isle of Man Freethinkers, a group that represents atheists, agnostics, humanists and freethinkers in the Island, saw one of their best attended meetings. This month Trevor and Maureen recalled their experiences of living in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi for eight years.

In Saudi Arabia, the totalitarian state dictates every aspect of day-to-day living. Everything is censored; TV, newspapers, videos, books and even children's dolls. “Free expression is something you just don't experience’, said Maureen. “During Ramadan, if I was seen in the street with my arm exposed above the wrist, the religious police would spray metallic paint on me”.

Being foreigners, and atheist ones to boot, in an alien culture meant being very aware that they didn't fall foul of the most punishing and bizarre restrictions - even having to declare that they were 'Christian' on the entry forms into the country because atheism is just not understood or accepted.

Women are not allowed to drive. However an exception was made during the first Gulf War to allow US women soldiers to carry out their duties. Single women are not allowed to mix with single men without a relative present and there are no cinemas, dance halls or public displays of affection.

“Westerners are always trying to keep one step ahead of the laws - even finding ways to brew a variety of alcoholic drinks for the regular parties” explained Trevor.

Life in Abu Dhabi was much less restrictive with westerners having alcohol licences, although women always received a much lower allowance. However, ladies did benefit from having their own banks, beaches and parks and always going to the front of any queue, particularly in hospitals.

“On the whole, living with other ex-patriots, particularly in Abu Dhabi, was lively and interesting and one generally felt it was a very safe society. And there, in particular, if you lived obeying the laws of your own country, there were very few problems.” Maureen went on to say that tolerance in a totalitarian state is something you don’t demand – you just get on with living within the boundaries.