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

 "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

Links for support:

Ex-Muslims of North America: https://exmuslims.org

Faith to Faithless (UK support): https://www.humanists.uk/our-work/faith-to-faithless/

r/exmuslim global reddit community: https://www.reddit.com/r/exmuslim/

References:

Pakistan college student lynched after discussing Adam and Eve/incest