‘Ex-Muslim’ movement gains significant momentum in western countries

France has reported up to 15,000 ‘ex-Muslims’, while in the US, around 1,00,000 Muslims renounce Islam annually

(Ex-Muslim refers to individuals who have chosen to renounce or leave Islam)

(Credit – Pew Research Center)

Washington (USA) – Islam, after Christianity, boasts the largest number of followers globally, with over 180 million followers worldwide. While Islam is the fastest-growing religion, it also sees a significant number of apostates. Unlike other faiths where renunciation is not usually met with violence, leaving Islam often incurs severe repercussions. Those who renounce Islam, known as ‘ex-Muslims,’ have formed a movement in the western countries. This movement has shed light on the growing support for those leaving Islam. In France, which hosts the largest Muslim population in Europe, there are approximately 15,000 ‘ex-Muslims,’ while in the US, around 1,00,000 Muslims renounce Islam annually.

According to a Pew Research Centre report from 2018, 23% of American adults raised in Muslim households, no longer identify as Muslim. Among those who renounced Islam, 7% cited their rejection of Islamic teachings as the reason. Additionally, a survey conducted in the US, as reported by Anglican Inc., revealed that approximately 55% of ex-Muslims have embraced atheism, around 25% have converted to Christianity, and roughly 10% remain undecided.

Apostasy is widely considered taboo in Muslim society, and openly declaring it, carries significant implications. In many Islamic countries, apostasy is illegal, and even in regions where it is legal, such as Europe and the US, ex-Muslims face numerous challenges. A BBC investigation in 2015 uncovered instances of persecution faced by those who left Islam in Britain. The public acknowledgment of apostasy by ‘ex-Muslims’ serves as a powerful message, providing courage to others in similar situations.

The ‘ex-Muslim’ movement is active in both the US and Europe

In 2007, the ‘Central Council of ex-Muslims’ was founded in Germany, marking a significant milestone as the first major platform for ‘ex-Muslims.’ Since then, numerous groups have emerged in the western countries aimed at providing support for individuals who have left Islam.

ex-Muslims of America is one such organisation dedicated to assisting those who renounce Islam. They actively advocate against Islam, addressing issues such as the unequal treatment of women and the practice of polygamy.

Wafa Sultan, residing in Los Angeles, is a prominent ex-Muslim who delivers speeches to Arabic-speaking audiences, highlighting the shortcomings of Islam and encouraging them to leave the religion.

French journalist Zainab Al-Rizai is another notable ‘ex-Muslim’ who openly criticises Islam and its practices.