The CEMB (Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain) has a list. It is a very very long list that runs for page after page of members who have renounced Islam, and they each explain very bravely in public why they have done so. It fact, they have two distinct categories, both of which run on for many many pages, one is just ex-Muslims in the UK, and the other is international ex-Muslims.

Now what is truly impressive here is that these are folks who face a death sentence for publicly declaring that they have renounced Islam, so do remember it is not like the Church of England where they are happy for you to come and go as you please, and are not too bothered if you decide to opt out. In fact, the prime reason for the existence of the CEMB is, as described in their manifesto, to help those who are unable or unwilling to do so because of the threats:

We, non-believers, atheists, and ex-Muslims, are establishing or joining the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain to insist that no one be pigeonholed as Muslims with culturally relative rights nor deemed to be represented by regressive Islamic organisations and ‘Muslim community leaders’. Those of us who have come forward with our names and photographs represent countless others who are unable or unwilling to do so because of the threats faced by those considered ‘apostates’ – punishable by death in countries under Islamic law. By doing so, we are breaking the taboo that comes with renouncing Islam but also taking a stand for reason, universal rights and values, and secularism. Whilst religion or the lack thereof is a private affair, the increasing intervention of and devastation caused by religion and particularly Islam in contemporary society has necessitated our public renunciation and declaration. We represent a majority in Europe and a vast secular and humanist protest movement in countries like Iran.

You can click here to read the full manifesto.

So looking down the list, and picking out a few examples, why are Muslims abandoning Islam? Well, here is a quick and quite random sampling …

Khalid S , South East UK … Not living amongst loads and loads of brainwashed, uber-emotive, bigoted sheep, i.e. pakistan; maintaining interest in enhancing my understanding of the marvels and beauty of science; listening to sensible, intelligent rationalists like Richard Dawkins and thorough perusal of articles on your site and many others which dissect and expose the ugliness of islam by mentioning and referencing its own pivotal teachings (quran and ahadith) have finally convinced me to give up that backward thing called islam.

Media Jafs … As a person who has always believed in freedom of speech, equality for all, and a staunch feminist from a very young age.. it was a matter of time before I took the last step and left islam, a religion which stands against all the principles I hold dear.

Shakil Mohammed, Bradford … I was raised a muslim from as young as I can remember. When I entered university at 19 I began to openly speak about my thoughts on religion with my peers and found my thoughts to be more along the lines of atheists

Tanjir Sugar, London … When I had realized that though faith is a strong power, but why would my faith be so fragile that mere questioning it would completely shatter it. I started seeing other side of the coin. It was not easy for me to wipe away all these years of evil brainwashing. The logic, evidence and the real truth had finally opened my eyes. Hence, I denounced Islam

Rafi Aziz .. I was a very devout Muslim … However, with the internet I was able to get access to all the translations of the Quran, all the Tafseers, all the Hadith. Most importantly, I could get all this for free. What I learned through this newly found information was shocking. For years I researched as deeply and fervently as I could. The more I learned, the most flabbergasted and disturbed I became. … The second shock came when I read the Quran in a language I understood, English. For years, I was reading it and trying to memorize it in Arabic without understanding a single word accept maybe “Allah” and “Muhammad”. I had no idea what I was reading. …Lastly, I discovered the beauties of Science That really opened my mind to new possibilities. There was just so much wonder in the world that Islam seemed too petty and small.

Mahmood Aghajari, Barnsley …I am from Iran and live in the UK. I was 21 years old when I left Islam and joined Christianity thinking this may help me live in peace. After a while and getting to know myself and my environment and when I came to the UK, I realised all religions are the same and will not allow humans to think for themselves and rationally. I am now an atheist

Mohammed Anon, London … I’m a Bengali ex-Muslim. I was raised as a Sunni Muslim by a devout mother and a non-so-devout father. Islam never made much sense to me; I had doubts from an early age. I’ve always had a hard time believing in the supernatural. One day my friend was giving dawah to me and telling me about the story of Buraq, the flying donkey; as he was telling me about it, I realised there and then that I didn’t really believe in Islam. A few months later, I fully apostatised from Islam.

Main reasons for leaving Islam:

1. No evidence at all going for it.

2. Absurdities, contrivances and contradictions in the Qur’an

3. Life of the “prophet” Mohammed.

4. Brutality of hudud punishments

5. I can’t believe in flying donkeys :)

And on and on … page after page of real people who have found freedom from fear and oppression, and telling you why they have renounced Islam. You can click here to read many many more.

If you are a Muslim and are struggling with doubts and have questions, then why not go to their forum here and ask, its a good place to start.

CEMB Links

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