21 May 2016

Leaving Islam not like other religions, author says

Toronto author Ali Rizvi says leaving Islam is not like leaving other religions.

In his forthcoming book, The Atheist Muslim, Ali explores the divide between the religion of Islam and Muslim culture, and how giving up the religious side of the culture can mean being shunned and perhaps worse.

"There are many people, like evangelical Christians, that are also disowned by their families [for leaving their religion], but this is a problem where there are governments [that] will put you in jail for it, there are mobs that attack you in the streets, there are people that hack you to death," he told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn.

Rizvi says he once observed a liberal interpretation of Islam, but says he has since left the faith altogether.

"I'm fortunate enough to have a family that's understanding, that's open-minded enough to tolerate different points of view," he said. [CBC/Radio-Canada] Read more