Ex-Muslim activism in Kerala

Ex-Muslim atheist activism in Kerala is a social phenomenon that has been on the rise since 2021, when it began to develop from discussions on social media platforms into a broader movement in society at large. The Facebook community "Ex-Muslims of Kerala" originated from a broader atheist group, then branched off in 2019 as support for the movement gained traction from numerous Kerala ex-Muslims.[1] On 9 January 2022, the organization "Ex-Muslims of Kerala" announced its formation.[2]

The stated intent of the organization is to offer a platform and support to those who stopped practicing Islam, and work to reduce discrimination faced by those who leave Islam.[3][4][5][6] It is the first organization of its kind in India and focuses on activism in the Malayalam language of Kerala. It seeks to protect the human rights and dignity of ex-Muslims and ensure the right to religious freedom promised by the Constitution of India, and to legally challenge human rights violations perpetrated in the name of traditions of faith or practices.[3][6]

Ex-Muslim day

Beginning in 2022, Ex-Muslims of Kerala has observed 9 January as "Ex-Muslim Day".[2][7] On 9 January 2021, E A Jabbar, a critic of Islam,[8] had a public debate about the scientific miracles in the Quran with the Salafi[9] preacher M. M. Akbar.

Backlash against ex-Muslims

While Clubhouse discussions are publicly viewable, many ex-Muslim Clubhouse users said that they felt confident enough to express their views on the app, but choose to use pseudonyms in an effort to conceal their identity to avoid targeted harassment and retaliation.[1][10]

In one example of social ostracism, after leaving Islam, Ex-Muslim Arif Hussain Theruvath's wife left him and denied him access to his children.[1][11] In an effort to avoid social and financial backlash associated with Ex-Muslim activism, some ex-Muslims flee Kerala[citation needed]. Outside of Kerala, there have been instances of persecution; in one such case, Dubai sentenced Abdul Khadar Puthiyangadi to three years in jail for activism done exclusively in Malayalam language when Puthiyangadi was in Kerala.[12]

See also

Bibliography

  • Ex-Muslim Movement – Dissension Or Reformation? | The Hills Times

References

  1. ^ a b c Dore, Bhavya (10 August 2021). "Ex-Muslims in India find solidarity online as they face social and familial rejection". Religion News Service. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Ex-Muslim organisation gathers steam in Kerala". Keralakaumudi Daily.
  3. ^ a b Philip, Shaju (10 January 2022). "Now, an outfit for 'Ex-Muslims' in Kerala". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  4. ^ "ഇസ്ലാം മതം ഉപേക്ഷിച്ചവരുടെ കൂട്ടായ്മ കേരളത്തിലും, മതമുപേക്ഷിച്ചവർക്ക് സാമൂഹ്യപിന്തുണ". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd.
  5. ^ "Ex-Muslim organisation gathers steam in Kerala". Keralakaumudi Daily.
  6. ^ a b "ExMuslims of Kerala vows to protect rights of those who renounce religion". The New Indian Express.
  7. ^ "'Ex-Muslims of Kerala' declares Jan 9 as formation day". The Print.
  8. ^ PTI (9 January 2022). "'Ex-Muslims of Kerala' declares Jan 9 as formation day". ThePrint. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  9. ^ "M M Akbar refutes Rashid Abdulla's claims". The Times of India. 21 May 2017. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  10. ^ "Clubhouse redefines debates on Islam in Kerala". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  11. ^ TNM Staff (31 January 2022). "Kerala group offers support to those who're ostracised for leaving Islam". The News Minute. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  12. ^ "Release of Malayali rationalist sought". The Hindu. 19 September 2021 – via www.thehindu.com.
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