Ayan Hirsi Ali

by Khaliil Farhaan

When I read Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s book Infidel and learned about her life, her struggles, and her sacrifice for the freedom of individuality, I was deeply shocked. Not because I was a young and conservative Muslim, but because I had never imagined that a Somali woman could be so brave, outspoken, and determined like this seemingly fragile lady.

The three most important and inspiring ideas I learned from her are:

1. Defending Individual Liberty

Ayaan Hirsi Ali shows us that defending individual liberty is more important and greater than tribe, religion, or ethnicity. She consistently argues for the value of individuality and personal freedom. Coming from one of the most religious and conservative countries in the world, she highlights that the best principle is that no one knows your happiness, your body, or your feelings better than you. This is the essence of liberalism and humanism—where the individual comes before imposed dogmas or collective identities.

2. Critique of Dogma and Pseudo-Arguments of God

Ayaan’s criticism of religious dogma inspired me to ask a simple but profound question: Can we really have goodness without God? She challenges us to rely on reason and critical thinking. If someone gives you a claim, ask them for reasons. If they can convince you with reason—good, accept it. But if they cannot, then continue using your own reason and independent judgment. Through this, she inspired me to believe that morality and conscience do not need to come from theistic dogma—they can be born from human reason and compassion.