Hey, guys.
I've been an ex-Muslim for about 6 months now. There's no extensive story about my apostasy, really. I had always noticed inconsistencies in the Qur'an and the moral bankruptcy of Muhammad in the hadith and such, I just kind of pushed them out of my mind thinking it was blasphemous to put him those categories (sex-crazed, slave owner, racist, wife beater, etc.). While attempting to strengthen my deen, I came across more misogynistic ideas in the Quran, specifically, the houri. I asked a few questions in a very small online Muslim community and was handed a slew of personal insults in return. I never did get my answers about those servant boys...Anyway, I picked up a Sam Harris book while looking for more info in the religion section of the university library and it more or less confirmed that I wasn't going out of my mind because I criticized Islamic tenants. Along came Mr. Hitchens, that brilliant man, and several atheist/non-religious websites offering information on religious practices and customs as well as the detailing of factual evidence, literary, ethical and scientific inconsistencies in the Quran and Bible.
I haven't told a soul online or off and I was hoping to change that. I definitely can't tell any of my siblings as they slip god into every thought process, slut shame, worship the concept of virginity and talk about apostates like they're deviant, soulless invalids. My father is whatever the Islamic version of a Jesus freak is and completely narrow-minded about any opinion besides his own. All the Muslim friends I have gasped in horror when I where a shirt with short sleeves and tie my hijab up, so no luck there. I don't have many non-Muslim friends since I kind of, uh...avoided them thinking they totally wouldn't understand me. Kind of a waste of 3 college years but there's hope yet! I had hoped someone close to me would at least be accepting (and if the need for judgement is there, they'd at least keep it to themselves) but that doesn't seem to be the case in the near future. Ah, well.
I've started identifying myself as both an agnostic atheist and a secular humanist. I've dedicated myself to living the most I possibly can with my short time here and to do and be compassionate and caring to everyone within reasonable means. So far, it's been a very eye-opening experience and I'm very glad to have found a like-minded community with so many backgrounds. I look forward to learning from you all.
Topic: Greetings from the US!