In 2021, the United Nations declared March 15 the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Marking the occasion, the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that rising hatred towards Muslims was part of a global trend towards ethno-nationalism. For decades, and particularly since the Arab uprisings of 2011-2012, countries in the Middle East and North Africa have struggled to balance democratic principles and religious beliefs. This panel will explore what religious freedom means to societies in MENA, and whether state authorities with vested interests in how religion is interpreted guarantee the rights of all citizens, even those at odds with their respective governments.