The term "ex-Muslim" refers to a person who was previously a Muslim but no longer identifies as one. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including changes in religious beliefs, personal experiences, or societal pressures.
Some ex-Muslims may still believe in a higher power or
identify with another religious or spiritual tradition, while others may have
become atheists or agnostics. It is important to note that leaving Islam can be
a sensitive and potentially dangerous issue in some countries and communities,
and ex-Muslims may face social or legal repercussions for their decision.
Why they left Religion?
There are many reasons why individuals may choose to leave
Islam. Some of these reasons may include:
Personal experiences: Some people may leave Islam due to personal experiences, such as negative interactions with religious authorities, disillusionment with the community, or exposure to ideas that conflict with Islamic teachings.
Societal pressures: In some cases, leaving Islam may be the result of societal pressures, such as family, community, or government pressure to conform to religious or cultural norms.
Philosophical or intellectual disagreements: Some individuals may leave Islam due to philosophical or intellectual disagreements with certain Islamic teachings or interpretations.
It's important to note that leaving Islam can be a sensitive
and potentially dangerous issue in some countries and communities, and
ex-Muslims may face social or legal repercussions for their decision.
How much dangerous to leave Religion?
The danger of leaving Islam can vary depending on the country, the cultural context, and the individual circumstances of the person leaving the religion. In some countries and communities, leaving Islam can be a highly sensitive and potentially dangerous issue, with individuals facing social, legal, and even physical repercussions for their decision.
In some Muslim-majority countries, for example, leaving Islam is considered a crime and can be punished with imprisonment, fines, or even death. Even in countries where leaving Islam is not illegal, ex-Muslims may face discrimination, harassment, or violence from their families, communities, or religious authorities.
It's important to note that leaving Islam is a personal
decision and individuals who choose to do so should take steps to protect themselves,
such as seeking support from like-minded communities, being cautious about who
they disclose their beliefs, and taking necessary safety precautions
depending on their circumstances.
What Would Happen If Someone Left Religion?
Historically, it's not hard to see why people would convert to Islam in India - in order to get out of the caste system and into the more equal society that Islam provides. In the estate/caste system, you are born to determine your position in society.
In Islam, however, the equality that it provides is not just attractive - it's essential. When I asked a group of former Muslims in a survey what made them leave Islam, almost one in five said it was because they disliked the religion and its teachings (12%). Another 8% said that they were not religious at all, while another 5% reported that they just didn't believe in God.
The Quran teaches that Allah is the Creator of the universe, and He alone sustains it. It also teaches that man is His deputy on earth, and he is to fulfill the will of Allah in this world and establish the true order of things where equity and justice reign supreme.
In some countries, such as Pakistan, laws have been introduced that punish people who convert to other religions or philosophies with death. This is called "apostasy" and has become a hotly debated issue in many Muslim countries. A bill currently being drafted in Pakistan would allow the government to impose death penalties on people who convert to other religions or apostasy from Islam. In order to qualify for the death penalty, the offender must confess their sins to a court or present testimony from two adults.
Leaving Islam is not an easy task for any apostate and they
are often subjected to threats, torture, and death by their own Muslim
community.
How Much Will the Apostasy Rate Increase in the Islamic World?
The Islamic world is experiencing a growing number of apostates who have abandoned Islam. This trend has been documented in many countries and is increasing across the globe. In fact, some ex-Muslims are committing suicide.
Those who choose to renounce their faith often face a variety of repercussions, such as death threats, imprisonment, and even forced conversion to Christianity. For them, apostasy is not an easy decision to make, and many struggle for years before making up their minds.
Some have personal doubts about the illogicalities in the Quran and other Islamic scriptures. Others have been put off by blasphemous statements or violence committed in the name of Islam.
Renunciation
In addition, some Muslims feel a sense of social pressure to remain faithful. In this case, a renunciation of Islam is often perceived as a betrayal of family and friends.
Nonetheless, some ex-Muslims are willing to go public about their renunciation. In the US, for example, well-known organizations such as EXMNA (Ex-Muslims of North America) and Former Muslims United are promoting a more open approach to apostasy and encouraging those who can safely renounce their faith to do so.
Other ex-Muslims have left the fold for a range of reasons, including religious bigotry or oppression in their home countries. In Afghanistan, for example, ex-Muslims are subject to death sentences if they break a religious law. The government has also been accused of targeting non-Muslims, including women and members of the media.
Apostasy rate
The apostasy rate in the Islamic world is expected to continue to increase over time, with the total Muslim population projected to grow by 73% between 2010 and 2050. This would mean that by the middle of the 21st century, Islam would outnumber Christianity.
But if these demographic trends continue, the Christian share of the world’s population will overtake the Muslim share in about 2100. By then, about 1% more of the world’s population will be Muslim (35%) than Christian (34%).
The apostasy rate will have to continue to rise for
Christians to overtake Islam in the coming decades, as it did in the past. As
we see in the graph below, this is a likely scenario if current trends
continue. However, other factors - war, famine, disease, technological
innovation, political upheaval, or simply the growth of other religions - could
change these trajectories. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out for
any changes in these trends.