How the Arabic and Islamic Manosphere Uses Religion to Spread Misogyny Online

Although Atai presents his ideas as relationship advice, his videos often frame interactions between men and women as power struggles. In a video viewed by WIRED Middle East, Atai describes violence as a way to “punish” women or retaliate against sexual rejection.

How the Arabic Manosphere Adapts Red Pill Ideology

The Arabic manosphere does more than translate Western Red Pill content. Its creators have adapted the ideology to local anxieties surrounding religion, masculinity, marriage, money, social change, and other issues.

Kadura said influencers are exploiting economic insecurity, political instability, religious identity, and fears about declining morals and social cohesion to build audiences. Misogyny reflects a broader source of frustration, with women becoming its most visible targets.

The problem is not religious expression online, but the use of religious authority—real or alleged—to justify misogyny, harassment, and the public surveillance of women. The Islamic manosphere is not limited to the Arab world. Like the broader manosphere, it crosses borders, languages, and platforms.

Ali Dawa and Religious Influencers Online

Among notable creators based in the UK, Ali Dawa’s channel features street debates and commentary about relationships, gender roles, religion, and Western culture. In one clip, Dawa says he hates Muslim feminists “the most.” In another video, he approaches women in public and challenges them about their attire, which he describes as disrespectful.

“Dawa” is not only the name of this YouTuber. In Arabic, it means inviting someone to learn about Islam. Ali is one of the influencers often referred to as the “Dower Brothers.” They are generally known for promoting manosphere-style content more proactively than offering invitations to learn.

From Television Preachers to Online Manosphere Creators

Kadura sees the Dawa Brothers as successors to various media figures who were native to television. During the 1990s, Islamic television programs in Egypt and Saudi Arabia regularly featured sheikhs answering callers’ questions about relationships, dress, acceptable behavior, and other subjects.

Unlike television preachers, however, today’s influencers are not limited to scheduled broadcasts, nor do they interact only with people they choose to call.