Anticipating the wave of hate coming from people who, for many, haven't watched the video, I am leaving the comments open. Hate comments are always welcomed (and never censored) as they boost the engagement rates of this channel like crazy. It makes me sad to say this, but by experience, a lot will come from some Muslims who, by their comments, will give others many more reasons to stay away from Islam. There might be some random nationalist trolls here and there as usual, but I just wish the internet could be a place for constructive discussions rather than a giant MMA ring. Give me hope people!

Actually they leave islam because they wanna follow their desire

i was not muslim i was a white boy in the suburbs, and i got bullied by the same kids that looked like me. It's not about any religion. it's about generational trauma. people are also stupid. That's why we need to read and learn. they found a blockage, or trial and it was the test they needed to overcome.The are muslims then there is Islam. also alot of Muslim in the west are from colonialized countries. so there is way more going on than just your own journey. To be fair, i had similar western propaganda about islam in my head. but then i started learning myself, and to be patient, anything i know, i know is not enough. God is All knowing. And im only one person. ther is a sadness i feel when people are so mean to another.

A small important piece o information , hidaya is from allah you cant convince someone to believe in islam .

Every single one of their arguments against Islam are emotional arguments.

Where has she (in the first seconds of the video) in the Quran or in the Sunna that Islam tells people to kill innocent people ?

BismIillah. So I converted 6 years ago and have some very bad experiences with other muslims for a certain period early into my conversion. Did i doubt if i made the right choice, yes i did. My imaan was very low for about a year due to this but Alhamdulillah i stuck with it and actually got a lot closer to Allah 'azza wa jal from this in the end. I focused on the religion instead of the people, i sought knowledge myself and my isolation became a joy because in those moments all I had was Allah 'azza wa jal and what a great blessing that was. I now feel like a part of the muslim community and mix with my fellow muslims, knowing how to discern the ignorant ones from sincere muslims. To anyone who has a similiar struggle, just know that there's nothing wrong with praying at the masjid, giving salams and leaving. Spend that time learning more about Allah subhana wa ta'ala and getting closer to him with dhikr, fasting, and sadaqa. Soon opinions of others will be of little concern and ironically this is the point when I actually started meeting some great friends and things improved. Remember, people are a test for you also. May Allah subhana wa ta'ala guide us and give us istiqamah. Amiin.

At the end of it all, it is only Allah who can guide anyone to Islam. If you want to find the answers, Allah will guide you to them one at a time. If you want to find blame and discrepancies, your brain will show them all to you

very well put together Professor. As a devout Muslim i would really recommend this to all family and friends.

Ex muslim leaves Islam cas he can't see god, becomes Christian and says jesus died for your sins? Buddy did you see jesus die for your sins?

I'll leave this here for brothers and sisters who struggle with the existence of evil; 21:35 "Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned."

I have seen that lots of ex- muslims are gay or struggling with their sexuality..

Liberalism, secularism are big threats to all religions today. The decline of the importance of religion, the decline of religious practices is due to them. Among the major religions, Islam is the only one that has survived well in this era, however, according to the accounts of the past, a lot of Apostate Islam has also been seen.

Islam came to free humanity from the enslavement of their egos .Most people find it very hard to bow down 5 times a day because of their egos ,because the ego does not want to submit itself to Allah(it has to be conditioned) .Taking the easy way out is not the answer.Allah says in the Quran after every difficulty there is relief .

Jazaka Allah kear brother William for this video. I have an X-muslim family member whom I didn't know how to approach because of my knowledge of the past background of abuse. I never doubted the existence of one God or his messengers, but I would be lying if I didn't say that there was a time of strong doubt about the interpretation of the religion itself and whether or not there were any credible unpaid scholars with no political or financial motives left.. Alhamdulillah my doubts faded with time and my faith became stronger than it was before..but it sincerely breaks my heart when I hear the responses to the X-muslim crisis...it is a serious and growing one and it's frustrating to see how eager and superior some feel at calling out the fallen once without considering the seriousness of the role we can occasionally play in (pushing people out of Islam-and keeping them from returning). This is a much needed lecture that I had forwarded to my mother so that she may find the same comfort that it brought me. Sincerely, Jazaka Allah kear 🙏

People who leave islam, are those who hitch hiked into islam and found they don't know the direction in which to go ,so they jump out while the vehicle is still running on the road , but take for example the person who since birth was born into islam will never leave the religion because its engraved into their soul. Its like being born on a farm ,you grow up knowing all the farm details, but starting a farm when you are in your fifties will be a daily stressful struggle.

Ex muslim in social media is not a Muslim

I'd left islam long long time ago if my faith is only based on how other muslim act. 😂

Brother William, this video was much needed. Thank you for raising this issue. I have been feeling this for a long time that these online debates aren't really solving any problem. In fact, the way they are conducted they only create more divisions. You addressed this issue in a really mature way. At the same time, I would like to mention that being an ex-Muslim has become a niche that really pays well. I can understand that many of these ex-Muslims might have been actually abused, but is it fair to demonize a whole community based on their own experience? Anyway, you are doing a great job and keep up the good work. Looking forward to more such informative content.

Mostly Emotional

The fact that a lot of ex muslims left islam because of how muslims treated them is sad. I hope that muslims take this in consideration because we are the ones who represent our religion to the world.

Just watched it and i pretty much agree with you. The fact that you took a neutral stance in this, makes it more understanding in their point of view without any biases. Understanding someone is the most important thing before doing anything else. We are supposed to transmit message of Islam, the rest depends on the person whether they find it makes sense to them or not. I wish Muslims were better at treating these people (not all Muslims are bad before someone calls me out.), i am pretty sure most of them would have sticked with Islam, if they didn't face toxicity. Seen one example by myself how a born Muslim left Islam because of toxic environment of Muslims. Also unrelated but i really hope i see a day where someone i care for the most embraces Islam by their choice after i transmit the message. Even though i am preparing mentally for any possible outcome. Huge props to you for sticking with Islam despite all these misadventures you faced from these Muslims.

Being anti Muslim or ex Muslim is quit profitable .......easy money 💵💵💰

The one’s you interviewed are mostly ignorant or out right liars like the woman who was talking about killing without cause. The Qura’n expressly forbids it. Other is selfish perceptions and desires.

Oh boy ... it seems we are now witnessing the wave of those who enter islam fast for the trend and are now leaving again for the trend. I went through the same period, and believe me, I guarantee you, almost MOST of them are "ANGRY WITH GOD." That's what youc an easily hear in between their words. Very few of them are genuinely "leaving islam," especially those who now believe in "god in the flesh." I chuckle every time I come across one of those.

I couldn't agree more! I'm a westerner with many muslim friends due to having a similar lifestyle. I recently had a conversation about how some muslim influencers villainize ex-muslims. I was told they are not to be trusted because all they want is fame and money. I am happy to see video's that explain their perspective. I think it helps to bridge the gap

Thanks for making this video and sharing our stories Dr. William. Appreciate that you are fair and share the variety of experiences of our community. Moving in and out of Islam is a great book as well. And love your setup/rig!

The Jungian concept of the "wounded healer" might explain a trauma response manifesting as vocalizing distaste for Islam in a psychological context.

Emotions, Emotions, emotions, none presented a logical argument why they left. For example: you left because non-believers go to hell and converted to Christianity, which technically now you believe Muslims and non-Christian are going to hell? What kind of logic is that?

Like no like my brother william i will died Insha Allah as muslim

I struggled with my faith because the overwhelming futility I feel. My family didn't convert with me, just me. I live nowhere near a masjid, and the one time I wore my hijab for a week, people driving past me would throw things at me. It all just wore me down. I still pray (fully covered awrah) in my house, and I fast for Ramadan and 'Arafa, but that's all.

Commenting for the algo, keep it going Dr. You're doing a great job.

Why is it so dangerous to leave Islam?

These people want to satisfy their own desires. A lot of what you’re saying is not Islam, but the people like any other faith. Mankind is created for a reason like anything that is manufactured by a manufacturer. So if that product doesn’t work as expected the manufacturer will recall it, replace it or destroy it. Because Allah doesn’t need us to exist and can replace any creation. And Islam talks of accountability for what ever we have done. For those talking about predestination, Allah knows the past, present and future. Some of these people will never believe whatever it takes, because Allah said it in the Quran.

As Salamualaikum to people of Islam, of knowledge and truth. I just want to add my 2 cents to the “ex muslim” rhetoric. My research has shown me, that the so called ex muslims, were never religious in the first place. From most ex muslims I have spoken to, they were from a liberal or background and were never taught the Quran from a young age. They hardly attended the Mosque and majority were Muslim by name only. Some concepts of ritual bath went over their head and they couldn’t recite a single Surah properly.

The rig at the back looks great, brother. I love open cases.

I am not well right now so I have no energy for all that I want to say here. I have been through abuse right into adult life. And I wasn't helped as a child and didn't even realize I suffered from CPTSD and extreme anxiety etc etc. I wish I had the strength right now but I will say I understand the anger frustrations and confusions of Muslims struggling. But when you really focus on the rules of Allah and how they benefit us then you realize it can't possibly be a wrong thing. People need to learnt he difference between actual Islam, what Muslims do and their own desires and struggles. I still have issues but only with my mental health but I get closer and closer to Allah as I try to understand Allah's rules even more. I used to have nightmares very regularly but, since I have been reciting Ayat Ul Kursi, last 2 verses of Surah Bakrah, and 4 Qul's and tasbee, Nightmares reduced significantly. Basically they stopped and only appear now and then if I am really stressed. But they are so rare now. Before in my nightmares I would be running from bad stuff. I got to a point Alhamdolillah where I found myself reciting Ayat Ul Kursi in my dream and chasing the bad stuff away. Also, I noticed that msot of my life though I would apologize to Allah for any wrong doings, it wasn't till I became more grateful and thanked Allah for blessings that I started noticed more blessings from Allah. Life health improving etc Alhamdolillah. And it's true what Doctor said here when you suffer from PTSD etc you do tend to avoid any place or anything related to the abusive situations. Bu tthat's where we need to learn the difference between their problems and sins and actual Islam and then your own struggles. People jumble it all into one and aren't honest with themselves. Islam is the best way of life people I promise you. I still ahve a lot to work on but there is one thing I know I can trust is trusting in Allah and nothing else matters really. May Allah protect us all from evil whisperings and wrong doings of other humans as well ameen.

Terima kasih sahabat. Video kamu sangat membantu. Salam ukhwah dari Malaysia.

Bro I also went into this state of rebellion and left Islam but Alhamdulillah I returned. My faith is a bit shaky, I try my best to disconnect Islam and Muslims

Assalamu aleykum, good example of correlation between PTSD and lack of logic.

A superb video, undertaken objectively with the content very well thought out. I commend you William

They have a conscience Don't want to go to hell Don't like being deceived by a false prophet It has a bad reputation embarrassing some

Thanks to Allah as I was born a Muslim, then I strayed my way then after years of lost Allah brought me back to the right way. Nothing like Allah's religion, and I'll never ever lose my faith in Allah ❤️ almighty.

Ahki you constantly improving. I’m so happy alternative voices are being raised. We about to witness a different era.

Good day when you upload

Shias dont believe in predestination. Imam Jafar sadiq has a treatise on this. Hell is not for forever. Blessings as well as trials are there to promote seeking proximity to God. Gods mercy supercedes this world and is for everyone, not just believers... Alot of what im hearing here sounds like it comes from salafi/wahabism. Stoning to death is not mentioned in the quran. Maybe in hadith, but not everyone accepts the same hadith. Different ilm al rijal. Rape is never sanctioned especially in the quran. Idk what this woman is talking about-men and women are judged the same..on their actions. Knowing arabic is not mandatory. No one should be pushed to marriage. Marriage is not mandatory. Muslim behavior is not the same as islam. We are flawed as humans, islam is not. These people are lost and not getting the correct understanding. Theyve been mislead either by themselves or by other people.

yea there are people who have toxic agenda and bad intentions ,,, and there are who went through a physical abuse and trauma and left the faith ,,, we should be able to see the difference and respect the choices of people as long as they don't want to harm you

Great video Brother, keep it up :) It's funny I was just done recording my video about my current thoughts on Islam and everything that is stirring up my mind recently. I'll post it on Thursday insha'Allah. This video somehow completes it from another perspective and I really like your open minded approach mashallah!

Masha'Allah! A good initiative! Keep it up!

Our behavior is lacking. BTW, why are almost all who are on the fence or have left Islam, liberal? I have a fascist background and found the controversial aspects (war & slavery) to be somewhat digestable even early on, it must be daunting for those with a liberal background, if they enter such subjects with low imaan.

Love the Sig in the background. Nice vid.

C'était vraiment intéressant, jazakom Allahu Khaieran

Brother William, have you read the book "Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment" by Ahmet T. Kuru? If not please do, it's a fascinating read. I think you are doing a kind of scholarship, the lack of which in Islamic tradition, is partially explained in this book. (This comment has little to do with this video, it's just a way to chat with you, if that's alright.)

There is no good reason to leave Islam many ex Muslims admit this

10:38 you raised an excellent point here professor. Islam is mercy, and without that mercy the deeper inner connections with others are gone i.e one can be very best at following rules but lack the deeper spiritual insight of islam and that is why they treat others with the stringents rules that they follow. This is what you experienced. This what you were affraid of that MUSLIMS will judge you on when you uploaded the video and therefore your comment. Btw your video is very insightful also.May Allah keep us on straight path despite such traumatic experiences with other muslims, help us tread it so WE may end up in ETERNAL BLESSING.ameen

One more important fact: when we lose 1000 emotional and superficial so called ex Muslims, we gain 5 to 10,000 new muslims. So Alhamdulellah.

When 9/11 happened, at the time a Muslim friend of mine said it might be allowed in Islam. I had a fit and very forcefully disagreed. I concluded that my friend had swallowed, hook, line and sinker, whatever theories and justifications my friend was listening to. This was decades ago and now my friend might think differently, though I have never asked. I think it’s understandable to leave a faith when that faith has too many unresolved contradictions and or unanswered questions, and or the person has painful/bad experiences at the hands of other members of that faith. I also understand the appeal of turning to another faith when people of the new faith show kindness, mercy and acceptance. We all want to belong to a group of people who feel the same way we do.

Professor, there is no need for you to worry about the people leaving Islam, ALLAH takes care of that and you take care of yourself

Thoughtful presentation, it never ceases to amaze me how us humans can look at the same situation but come to vastly different conclusions. For me I ground myself with Allah`s book the quran, i really try to understand it and find it an amazing criteria/lens through which to navigate the world with compassion and empathy and a yearning to be close to God/Allah

I went to Pakistan to visit my husband family and I was the only one who prayed in time 5 times except an elderly mother in law. Once I went to my husband’s friends house on Ramadan and nobody fasted except me. Long story shot , stereotypes work , I was thinking Pakistanis are very religious and following at least the obligatory tradition as praying and fasting. I don’t know where they meet all these Muslims who are strict followers.

Thanks for the balanced, unobtrusive, and (I dare to use the word) wise representation. Indeed, Dr. Barylo (the author) articulates-on the example of ex-Muslims- frameworks of thoughts and behaviors that we should be aware of or try to acquire to ensure a fruitful dialog between religions and beyond, if necessary. Sadly, most of the time, (inter-)religious debates-especially if Islam is involved- get stuck in intense hostility and harsh prejudices engrained in the Collective Unconscious and constantly re-enforced by the information flow in which Westerners bathe. It seems that the time of the Crusaders is not yet over. Fortunately, there are voices - like this channel - that attempt to improve the “boundary conditions” helping us across the borders.

Nice video may Allah bless you, Also just wanted to add everyone's different and process ideas differently mainly because everyone is controlled by what their entertainment, information, idea and so on and so forth source says and is, But it's about how open minded and open hearted that person is and at the end hidaya(guidance)comes from Allah we simply connote in any shape or form force religion as its against the what our religion teach us. Jazzakullah khairun

Human beings don't want to be "Controlled" and "Confined" in Boundaries due to their rebellious nature and "Religions" do exactly that. We have a high tendency of taking short term pleasures for long term punishments because our mind and body wants instant gratification. Islam is more strict and discipline in its nature and that's why people want to run away from it because it demands a lot from you. The real problem is extremism whether it's from Muslims or Non believers.

Which Muslim approach to Islam did they leave (Sunni, Shia, Sufi, Quraniyya etc.)?

If you have problem with a muslim, don't blame islam. This life is a test. Whether you want to stay muslim or leave islam, just know that, you are accountable for your actions and you will be judged on judgement day. And you cannot run away from it. You will know soon enough.

I read ayaan ali hesis book infidel because she has always been touted as such an intellectual and i was expecting to see some real 'debunking' of Islam. But instead all I read was a story of deep emotional and physical trauma inflicted by those around her when she was young and vulnerable. She was let down by her community but she blames the religion and conflates culture with religion all the time throughout her book.

I have never seen an Ex-Muslim who taken the faith seriously.

Thank you for the video, Hidayah is a gift that is hard to get and hard to keep also. We as practicing muslim is also striving to become the ideal muslim. So let's walk together and understand each other.

Some people gas light religion as cause of everything thats wrong and horrible.

I commend your patient and positive take on this. Because for a general muslim like me, we would take half of the ex muslim testimonies to be out of agenda and trend and not from a real take. But a testimonies out off ill intent.

Hey brother! I highly suggest you take a look at alternative ex-muslim voices such as Apostate Aladdin. He is very critical of the most vocal voices in the space. I'm an apostate myself (and haven't replaced my faith in Allah with another one) and have always been uneasy with the way some ex-muslim influencers have islamophobe undertones in their content (if not straight up islamophobic). Apostate Aladdin is a very interesting person that has an empathy first approach and he's always open to talk. I'm pretty sure you two talking would make for a very interesting conversation.

I was an exmuslim reverted 6 years ago.. I wanna share something

money gives you a sweet taste. they do it all for fame and money. why would anyone be so obsessed with an abusive relationship (as they describe it)? I have never seen a victim dedicating his/her life to talk about the abuser, never. I am from kosovo, we have suffered for centuries from the serbs and other enemies. we don't dedicate our life to talk 24/7 about serbia and serbs. we move on and try to improve.

I think there are different reasons. I knew a guy who left Islam because an organization promised him a job and visa sponsorship for doing so. He was not religious at all to begin with, so much so that I doubt he even knew how to pray. Nevertheless, it was quite surprising for me because that was not a small thing even for a barely practising Muslim like him. Perhaps he was under a lot of pressure and got exploited by that organization in the moment of weakness. I wish he finds his way back to Islam.

I feel very sorry for these poor people. I don't like how they are sometimes being used by the worst people on earth. Sure they are emotional … and why not. Thank you for another thought provoking video. You are a better man than I.

Perhaps you should make a video about Muslim reverts. The men and the women. Why then are more people reverting if Islam is so bad?

It is really difficult to be revert alone. When you don't get any spiritual guidance it's just you and Allah. Maybe you don't find God after all? Then remains only a rigid set of rules that you call Islam. Boring.

Hi! I don't know if I qualify as an ex muslim; I was raised in a Muslim family in a Muslim country and still live there. Islam was forced down my throat as a child. I've always had doubts about it though and never really felt that I was in a relationship with the devine through it. I tried but agnostic atheism seemed and still seems more compelling. Besides that I have always had a beef with ideologies that seek to recruit more people into their ranks and then boast about their superior statistics over others. All in all, for me religions are a political tool of mass control that don't encourage critical thinking in their followers. As a believer, you're supposed to follow texts without questioning their authenticity and their usefulness to your growth. If you dare to doubt them, you're subjected to extreme punishments that could include death. I discovered your channel recently and I appreciate your efforts. It's really refreshing to see religious Muslim channels who don't seek to dehumanize 'ex' muslims.

When that lady broke fast in Ramadan, i dont even know who told her as she claims (you are done) what kind of story or even an imbecile person that told her that but no one tells the other you are done and you get thrown out of islam, this is not a job at insurance company in south western USA. This is a way of life, so... The stories some of them are stupid and some really do not make any sense

If after becoming muslim people became robotic and not empathetic then its hard to live a present and spiritually devoted life. I understand why trauma can cause a person to leave. They are humans after all not bots following an algorithm. If always stuck in the past or anticipating the future, then there is little room to experience or appreciate the now.

You guys are fantastic, Dawah is getting better and better thanks to you guys

Emotional emotional. Read the text then judge. You are taking testimony from ex Muslim. Take it from who practices and understands it. You will know 2 sides

jazakallah bro when i see th YT vids by ex Muslims their reasonings seem silly i think and they can easily check by just simply asking or googling

As an Ex Muslim, I liked the video quite a lot. It is very thoughtful and well put together. But the comment section is quite disappointing.

Majority of those tend to be highly empathic by nature. It doesnt take much to realise. justice and truth is selective and dependent on favoritism cannot be from a universal creator.

I could swear to God some people are absolutely dumb “ if God going to send me to hell, why would God create me in first place” How stupid that sound? Very. Allah ( SWT) said he could replace the whole humanity with righteous ones if he want, but he put us to the test and gave a us choice. So make your choice, people.

2:58 this made me laugh. It's not a gate it's a mountain

Most of them if not all of them have never been Muslim for a single day

I believe Ex-Muslims expect the ones that convert to Christianity I think those are non-serious people as a person myself who was a target of Christian missionaries Those guys are really influential and powerful and when money is on the line you end up with people who openly become missionaries themselves, A person who has experienced difficulties with regards to other Muslims and not religion would always choose Judaism because logically It and Islam makes more sense in terms of Abrahamic tradition. Then yes I also understand that it could be emotional but this decision is mainly due to lack of knowledge.

Some of these people if not all are not telling the truth why they leave Islam. Being gay can cause automatic friction between those who oppose you. Most of those people have personal and emotional issues. Akhe you are have a very strong point career x Muslims for attention and other benefits.shukran akhe as usual.

I'm sure one or most of them are C5 or C6 level missionaries

Good to see a view point from a muslim. At first i thought u r ex Muslim.

people like myself leave this religion because it is a man made religion (illogical ideology, falsehood, threatens) you would leave too, once you honestly start seeking the truth without relying on fear or believing whatever deceitful leaders tell you to believe (don't be afraid to question everything) .

A lot of testimonies online are lies.

This is an interesting video! Its kind of a touchy subject for a lot of Muslims (as can be seen by the comments), I think a lot of them won’t admit it but it’s because seeing ex-Muslims rattles their own faith. I used to feel like that too but overtime it doesn’t really bother me because I realized many are just operating their viewpoints with (in my opinion) biased or incorrect viewpoints of Islam and many of them have trauma associated with religion either from their society or their parents who used it as controlling tool to manipulate them. I feel bad for a lot of these ex-Muslims because it’s clear that they’re hurting a lot and lash out because of that pain but I don’t feel bad for the Uncle Tom ones like Ayaan Hirsi Ali who sell out Muslims as terrorists or misogynists for imperialistic purposes that benefit western militias.

There is no compulsion to believe - the right path is clearly different from error! The one who does not believe in Satan and believes in Allah - holds on to the strongest bond, which will not be broken. - And Allah hears and knows everything." (Baqarah, 256) "If your Lord willed, there would indeed be all believers on Earth. So why do you force people to be believers?"

Your quoting saint mother treasa there. And for what many condemed her. I've always said that we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic

Muslim brotherhood is not world brotherhood

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Sunan an-Nasa'i: 3969 Sunan an-Nasa'i: Book 37, Hadith 4 Sunan an-Nasa'i: Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 3974 37 The Book of Fighting [The Prohibition of Bloodshed]. (1)Chapter: The Prohibition of Bloodshed. It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: "When the Messenger of Allah [SAW] died, the 'Arabs apostatized, so 'Umar said: 'O Abu Bakr, how can you fight the 'Arabs?' Abu Bakr said: 'The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: "I have been commanded to fight the people until they bear witness to La ilaha illallah (there is none worthy of worship except Allah) and that I am the Messenger of Allah, and they establish Salah and pay Zakah." By Allah, if they withhold from me a young goat that they used to give to the Messenger of Allah [SAW], I will fight them for it.' 'Umar said: 'By Allah, as soon as I realized how certain Abu Bakr was, I knew that it was the truth.'"

In islam there is freedom of thoughts but not of action for exmaple a person can thinking of drinking alcohol cant drink and in islam everything has a region