Susan Crimp - Why We Left Islam: Former Muslims Speak Out

We dedicate this book to the thousands of innocent individuals murdered in the name of Islam-the men and women lost on September 11, 2001, in the Bali and Madrid and London bombings, and in the attacks in India and Pakistan-as well as the countless men and women killed in Iraq and in other attacks throughout the world. (Since September 11, 2001, Islamic terrorists have carried out more than ten thousand deadly terror attacks.)

We dedicate this book also to the innocent schoolchildren barbarically slaughtered in Russia and to Sister Leonella, an elderly Catholic nun who spent a lifetime loving Muslims only to be repaid with a bullet in her back. This book is also written so that the victims of Islamic regimes who endure death by stoning, amputation of limbs for theft, and who live in fear of death because they leave Islam, may not be forgotten. Our intention is that, in reading the collection of stories, the world will clearly hear their cries for justice and their cries for freedom.

"If any religion allows the persecution of the people of different faiths, if any religion keeps women in slavery, if any religion keeps people in ignorance, then I can't accept that religion."1

-Tasmila Nasrin: Physician and Author

"There is no truth on earth but monotheism and following tenets of Islam and there is no way for salvation of mankind but the rule of Islam over mankind. "I

-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

"Even if we were to agree that the vast majority of Muslims are 'moderates' and that, say, only a mere 20 percent of Muslims are 'literalists,' that means that some 250 million Muslims in the world today are dedicated enemies of the infidel West. "3

-Raymond Ibraham

"...on September 11, 2001, I saw the real face of Islam. I saw the happiness on the faces of our people because so many infidels were slaughtered so easily. I was shocked at the gloating of our people for killing innocent kafirs [unbelievers]. I saw many people who started thanking Allah for this massacre. Our Islamic people said that Allah gave us our wish, and that this was the beginning of the destruction of kafir countries. To me, this was sheer inhumanity. Then, the imam implored Allah to help the Taliban against the U.S. military. I was angry. It was then that I stopped praying."4

-Khaled Waleed, Saudi Arabia

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

XV

Chapter 1

Chapter 19

Chapter 33

Chapter 43

Chapter 47

Chapter 75

Chapter 81

Chapter 85

Chapter 89

Chapter 93

Chapter 97

Chapter 105

Chapter 111

Chapter 113

Chapter 119

Chapter 123

Chapter 133

Chapter 139

Chapter 143

Chapter 147

Chapter 155

Chapter 159

Chapter 163

AFTERWORD

CONTRIBUTORS

NOTES

EFORE BEGINNING, it is necessary to briefly review some basic facts and terms about Islam and its authority structure. The first and most well-known of Islam's sacred books is of course the Qur'an. The Qur'an may somewhat be viewed as the Bible of Islam in that it is the primary holy book of Islam. The Qur'an was conveyed entirely by Mohammad, the founder and "Prophet" of Islam. The word "Qur'an" means "recitation" or "reading" in Arabic. The book consists of 114 chapters called surahs.

The Qur'an, however, is not the only source of sacred or even inspired traditions in Islam. For while it is the only Islamic text said to be the literal words of Allah, equally important to all Muslims is the Sunna. Much of the Sunna is found in several collections of traditions known as Hadith. Remember that word, as it will be used much throughout this book. "The Sunna" in Arabic literally means, "a clear or well trodden path." The word refers to whatever Mohammad said, did, condoned, or condemned. It is the record of Mohammad's sayings, customs, teachings, or the example that he left for all Muslims to follow. Muslims view Mohammad as the perfect example for all human beings. This doctrine is spelled out quite clearly in the Qur'an:

If you love Allah, then follow me (Mohammad) Qur'an 3:31 (Shekir)

Whatever Mohammad did or said, therefore, becomes the basis from which to model all life and belief. The Sunna is as important as the Qur'an because it interprets the Qur'an. Without the Sunna, the Qur'an cannot be properly understood. In fact, many aspects and practices of the Islamic religion are not mentioned in the Qur'an but are found only in the Surma. Therefore, the Qur'an and the Surma together form the basis for the beliefs and practices of Muslims everywhere. In this sense, both the Qur'an and the Sunna are believed to be inspired and authoritative. When confronted with some of the more violent or base teachings or practices of Islam, most Muslim apologists will simply ask the question, "Where is that in the Qur'an?" This is a purposeful attempt to mislead the questioner. For, as stated above, whether a teaching is found in the Qur'an or only in the Surma, it is an essential aspect of Islam.

'HIS BOOK would not be possible without the cooperation of some extremely brave men and women who agreed to share their stories, for which they could face death. As a result, some have chosen to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms to protect themselves. Others included here have even entered the Witness Protection Program. Despite the price that this act of witness demands, they have been brave enough to come forward and tell their stories. While some cannot be thanked by name, their cooperation and courage are beyond commendable.

Special thanks also go to other tireless heroes. Parvin Darabi has worked tirelessly to bring global attention to the problems facing women in the Islamic world. Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch and Jochen Katz of Answering-Islam.org have labored for years correcting fundamentalist propaganda and providing responses and solid answers for searching hearts and minds.

Gratitude is also extended to Maxine Fiel for her contribution, as well as to Mara Einstein for the expertise she offered to help bring this project to fruition. In addition, we thank all of those who have been brave enough to break out of their own personal prisons by standing up to tyranny. Finally, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

UE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER of this book, we can already hear the potential cries and chants of "Death to the authors. Death to the editors. Death to the publishers." Indeed, it is sadly true that the simple expression of one of the West's greatest freedoms, namely the freedom of speech, could result in danger to all involved in this project. However, in this time of global Islamofascist terrorism and crippling political correctness, there is too much at stake to capitulate to fear.