In the United States, individuals identifying as feminists celebrated religion entering government as a win for progress, according to a post published on Instagram by @basicoptimism on November 8, 2026. The commentary noted that nobody is accusing Abdul El-Sayed of wanting to oppress women, pointing out that his wife practices her faith freely in a country that protects that freedom for everyone. However, the author emphasized that before celebrating religion as a political achievement, it is necessary to remember what happens in places where religion and the state become one.
The post highlighted that Islam is the official religion of dozens of states, asserting that where Islamism holds power, it represents one of the most oppressive forces on earth. The commentary detailed that in Iran, a woman can be arrested for showing her hair, while in Afghanistan, girls are banned from attending school after sixth grade. Furthermore, the author reported that in several countries, leaving the faith or being gay can result in being killed.
The commentary criticized Western political perceptions, stating that in the West, a faith that rules over hundreds of millions is filed under "oppressed," while its rise in politics is labeled as progress. The post reiterated that treating religion entering government as a political victory ignores the documented reality of governance in places where religion and state power are merged.