Ferghane Azihari: A Voltairean Critic of Islam in Lausanne

Speaking before an audience of about 50 people in Lausanne, the French liberal author Ferghane Azihari defended the arguments presented in his essay Islam vs. Modernity. A well-reasoned presentation, followed by a lively discussion with the audience.

«The lack of enthusiasm that Muslims have shown for archaeology and pre-Islamic worlds is one of those calamities that indicate that Muhammad did not merely triumph on the battlefield. He also won the war over memory.» This statement is among the many sharp remarks by Islam versus modernity, the essay whose main arguments Ferghane Azihari—who himself comes from a Muslim family—came to defend in Lausanne before an audience of Regard Libre on June 12 at the Hôtel Mirabeau in Lausanne.

Drawing on a Voltairean tradition of criticism of religions, the French essayist of Comorian origin argues that Islam constitutes not only a faith but also a system of beliefs and norms whose historical influence has been detrimental to individual freedom, economic prosperity, and intellectual fulfillment. Before an audience of about fifty people, he outlined the main arguments of his book, blending historical, philosophical, and political considerations in an unapologetic critique of the Muslim religion.

Religion as one factor among others

The Q&A session with the audience was itself very insightful. When asked about the causal role he attributes to Islam—as opposed to other possible explanations—in accounting for the poorer performance of Muslim societies compared to non-Muslim ones, Ferghane Azihari clarified that he did not consider religion to be the’the only one' reason for these results, but since the’a obvious causes.

«What I’m saying is that without the Islamic factor, these societies would have been freer, more prosperous, or even more peaceful,» the author said. Otherwise, how can we explain that all current Muslim countries are authoritarian states, that only 3% of Muslims live in countries freer than the global average, or that Muslim civilizations have not experienced the same development of the arts and sciences as the West, even though the latter initially enjoyed a richer material and intangible heritage?”

Ferghane Azihari, 32, delivered a well-structured, bold, and erudite presentation to his audience, while also taking pleasure in engaging with their questions and challenges—even during the cocktail reception. By organizing his only visit to Switzerland as part of the promotion of his book, Le Regard Libre has been at the heart of its mission. And its community has been there every step of the way!

Editor-in-Chief of L'Agefi, Jonas Follonier is the founder and president of the Regard Libre.

You have just read a review from our print edition (Le Regard Libre No. 128).

Ferghane Azihari
Islam vs. Modernity
Presses de la Cité
January 2026
400 pages

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