This post is effectively a mirror of my response comment on the /r/ahmadiyya subreddit to user ‘terrabera’, who alleges that the moderation team at the Questioning Islam/Ahmadiyya subreddit is hypocritical. I’m not sure if my comment will be approved or removed from that subreddit, so I have mirrored it here, with additional links.
Reasons Why Many Muslims Haven’t Left Islam—Yet
The ex-Muslim label is gaining prominence in the religious zeitgeist of the 21st century. There are however, many more ex-Muslims than just those who have consciously or publicly adopted the label. For every person who identifies with the ex-Muslim label, I have met 100-plus born Muslims who have mentally and informally, checked out of Islam.
This article enumerates some of the reasons why many born Muslims haven’t formally left Islam yet. The focus is on Muslims in the West, although this piece does touch upon challenges unique to those living in Muslim majority countries.
No Bigotry. No Apology.
The problematic word ‘Islamophobia’ has done a good job of conflating criticism of ideas (Islamic beliefs, ideology) with a hatred of and bigotry towards people (Muslims). That’s why anyone serious about combatting anti-Muslim bigotry shouldn’t use that word. I reject anti-Muslim bigotry. It is wrong. I also reject racism (remember, ‘Muslim’ is not a race). […]