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80. Inside the Ex-Muslim Movement - Muhammad Syed on why leaving Islam Can Be Liberating, and Dangerous

80. Inside the Ex-Muslim Movement - Muhammad Syed on why leaving Islam Can Be Liberating, and Dangerous

Season 1 Episode 80 Published 1 week, 5 days ago
Description

 "One of the things I heard again and again was: I thought I was the only one." — Muhammad Syed 

Leaving religion can be one of the most liberating decisions of a person's life. For those leaving Islam, it can also be one of the most dangerous. This episode looks at why so many ex-Muslims stay hidden, how community breaks that isolation, and what the data really tells us about people leaving the faith worldwide.

Our guest is Muhammad Syed, human rights activist, writer, and co-founder and president of Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA), the first ex-Muslim advocacy and community organisation in North America.

In this conversation we cover:

  • Why so many ex-Muslims believe they are "the only one", and how visibility and community change that
  • What scripture, interpretation and culture each contribute to the risks ex-Muslims face, from loss of family to threats of violence
  • The numbers behind a global trend, and how both the political left and right get the conversation wrong

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