Picture this, says Maryam Namazie: “A child is swathed in cloth from head to
toe every day. Everything but her face and hands are covered for fear that a
man might find her attractive. At school she learns that she is worth less
than a boy. She is not allowed to dance or swim or feel the sun on her skin
or the wind in her hair. This is clearly unacceptable, yet it is accepted
when it is done in the name of religion.”
Namazie is the founder of the Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain (CEMB) which
started life in the middle of last year. On Monday - in celebration of the
centenary of International Women's Day - she spoke at a conference on
Political Islam and Women's Rights, and launched a campaign against Sharia.
Iranian Muslim by birth, Namazie, 41, is friendly and softly spoken. But she
does not mince her words. It takes nerve to start an organisation for people
who have rejected Islam. In Islamic law, apostasy is punishable by death.
Namazie receives periodic threats, usually on her mobile phone: “One said,
'You are going to be decapitated'...I went to the police. They were very
attentive at first because they thought it might be linked to the attempted
bombings in Glasgow . But when they realised it wasn't, they never bothered
contacting me again.” Doesn't she worry about her safety? “Yes, I do,
frequently. I worry about whether I will live, especially now I am a mother.
If I see someone looking at me strangely, I wonder.” Why doesn't she use a
pseudonym? “They can find out who you are anyway. And the point of the
Council of Ex-Muslims is to stand up and be counted.” She doesn't really
like the label ex-Muslim and would prefer not to frame her identity in
religious terms but, she says, it is like gays “coming out” 30 years ago:
something has to become public if you are to break taboos. The CEMB has more
than 100 members with inquiries from people who do not dare to join. “Some
have horrendous stories but do not put them on the website because they are
afraid.”
Namazie's grandfather was a mullah and her father was brought up a strict
Muslim. Both of her parents (now living in America) remain Muslim. When
Namazie told her father about the launch of the CEMB, she remembers that he
said: “Oh no, Grandpa is going to be turning in his grave.” “So I told him
that what I am doing benefits Muslims, too, because if you live in a secular
society, you can be a Muslim, a Sikh, a Christian or an atheist and be
treated equally.” Namazie's opposition to state religion is informed by her
own experience. She was 12 when the Iranian revolution “was hijacked by the
Ayatollahs” and her country became the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“I had never worn the veil and was at a mixed school. Suddenly a strange man
appeared in the playground. He was bearded and had been sent to separate the
sexes - but we ran circles round him.” She can still picture, too, the face
of “the Hezbollah” who stopped her in the street because her head was
uncovered. “I was 12 or 13. It was really scary.” Worse happened to others:
“There were beatings and acid was thrown in women's faces, and there were
executions on television every day,” she says. Then her school was closed
“for Islamicisation”.
Namazie and her mother left for India. They lived in a B&B in Delhi and
Namazie attended the British School while her father and three-year-old
sister remained in Tehran. This was meant to be a temporary measure, but
soon her father - a journalist - decided that they all had to leave. The
family spent a year in Bournemouth before travelling to the US where, when
Namazie was 17, they were granted residency.
At university, she joined the United Nations Development Programme and went to
work with Ethiopian refugees in Sudan. “Six months after I arrived Sudan
became an Islamic state. I was, like, this is following me around!” Along
with others, Namazie started an unofficial human rights organisation,
gathering information on the government. The Sudanese security service
called her in for questioning. “I wasn't very respectful and the UN guy who
came with me said, ‘No wonder your parents took you out of Iran'. The
Sudanese guy threatened me, saying, ‘you don't know what will happen to you.
You might have a motorbike accident or something'.” The UN quietly put her
on a plane home.
This was a turning point, shifting her from non-practising Muslim to atheist.
Two decades on, she is devoting her life to opposing religious power. She is
in the midst of organising the first international conference of Ex-Muslims,
to be held in London on October 10. And she is about to launch a “no Sharia”
campaign.
She must have been shocked, I suggest, when the Archbishop of Canterbury said
the introduction of some Sharia in Britain was unavoidable. No, she says;
she wasn't even surprised. “It was quite apt, although he didn't expect the
reaction he got. It was an attack on secularism really. It is, in a sense,
to his benefit if there are Muslim schools and Sharia. It makes it less
likely that anyone will oppose Christian schools and the privileged place of
religion in society.”
She is adamant, though, that no form of Sharia should be allowed here. “It is
fundamentally discriminatory and misogynist,” she says and is dismissive of
the idea that people would be able to choose between Sharia and civil
jurisdiction. Women could be railroaded into a Sharia court, she says. “This
would hit people who need the protection of British law more than anyone
else.”
She believes that we are confused about the meaning of human rights. “Rights
are for individuals, not for religions or beliefs. ‘Every human is equal'
does not mean that every belief is equal.” Islamists portray themselves as
victims, she says, and policymakers have bought into this. Namazie says that
the Muslim Council of Britain should not be seen as representative of
British Muslims - but would nonetheless welcome any opportunities to debate
with it. “Ex-Muslims are in a good position to challenge political Islam,”
she says. “We must not let little girls or anyone else lose their human
rights. We can't tolerate the intolerable for any reason - including
religion.”
Council of Ex-Muslims in Britain www.ex-muslim.org.uk
exmuslimcouncil@googlemail.com; 07719-166731; www.maryamnamazie.com
What an admirable group of human beings CEMB are. Makes me wish that I too had been co-erced into being a Muslim since birth and was now forced to join them. I sincerely hope that this will become a powerful movement that attracts a worldwide following that it richly deserves. Good luck to them.
Brian Harrison, Bangor, UK
where I live in the west midlands, we the english person can see, that muslims do not want to mix with us, I have seen muslim taxi drivers speed dawn our roads and they do not care of the safty of us on the road, they do not want us to live in our own country
Derek Woodley, Wednesbury, West Midlands
what exactly is the point of islam that we keep missing . what does it offer people that other religions do not . i have never read a muslim telling a jihadist they have missed the point . a religion has to take responsibility for what it says and how its followers act .
john smith, liverpool,
Namzaie simply did not know anything about Islam, she just left it because of some people who misunderstood Islam...May Allah guide us all
sam, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
How can one impart this wisdom with a straight face?
Why can't you, people, keep your beautiful religionS out of our face?
nana, London, UK
May God have mercy on all of us. Namazie is missing the whole point of Islam. It is unfortunate that she was raised in such troubled times in a troubled country. Islam is a beautiful religion that is a complete guide to living and enjoying life granted by no one else but God.
To say that all humans are created equal is a joke. Can a man give birth to a child? Can a woman's physical attributes be compared to a man? No! The list goes on... Man and woman have been created unequal to compliment each other. Each must recognize his/her role in society. It is no wonder why the divorce rate in the "West" is astounding. Man and woman have become confused. They have forgotten their "rights" obligated on their partner. Men, protect your woman. Women, take care of your man's needs.
Some one mentioned about the wisdom of the founder fathers of the US. How can one compare their wisdom with that of the Almighty God with a straight face?
May all of us find our way back to Islam.
Jay, New York, US
If there was no God... we wouldn't exist... whether you believe in the Christian, Hindu or any other version of it... Science did not create life... So why make it our fundamental tool.. Those in denial will eventually know the truth... Feel sorry for NAMZAIE and for the ones who bore her... may your grandfather's soul rest in peace and not be effected by your acts.. May Allah open the doors of his message to you... and forgive you for your doings and bring you back to Emaan
z. Imran, Dulles, va
Its time we realised that islam is intent on destroying the West, our way of free life, expression, equality for all, and the pursuit of individual choice.
We need to all wake up to this stealth threat veiling itself in our political correctness demanding a right to express itself in our societies. Remember, we have no churches, no real rights, no expression of our freedoms in these middle eastern countries so desperate to establish islam in the west. Its time for them to head back east!
lionel, ny,
Wow! What an incredible woman. Well done! If only more people would stand up for their beliefs as she does - our world would be a better place. Thank you for speaking up for women and girls!
Afsaneh, Yonkers, New York
Excellent articulate article. A very brave and courageous woman!
I'd like to thank Maryam for giving a voice to Muslim apostates not only in the UK but all over the world (especially those of us residing in Muslim countries).
Haris S., Islamabad, Pakistan
Thank you Maryam for speaking up. You are saying publicly what I wish I could. Thank you.
Abu Ali, London, UK
The american constiution got it right when it states that it is self evident that under God all men are created equal.
Take God out of the equation or out of mens thinking and man will strive with man for supremacy.Or for that matter men with women.
I agree with your sentiments as to islam but to throw out the baby with the bathwater is a grave mistake.
For islam is a spiritual power and human so called rights is not the answer.God is greater than islam
G Blezard, London, uk
If you believe in God- omnipresent, omnipotent,omniscient- the sum total of all knowledge and the yet unanswered question- you cannot possibly believe or subscribe to a religion.
Why would God, by definition the ultimate bandwidth need a middleman i.e. religion? Religion and its practioners are dangerous and most importantly stand in the individual's path of realising God
Kara Swart, London, UK
This is avery positive development.More people are also needed like this within the muslim community worldwide to come out against the BIn ladens and al zawaharis of the world and to condemn human bombings and other terror acts as these get justified in the name of islam.
Dilip, Hyderabad, India
I as a Muslim I Believe that the Conference will be beneficial for all. This will encourage the nation to look into TRUE Islam. This will be a great advertising tool where Islam will be centre of attention and will question their current views on Islam. People will go away and research into why Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world.
Hassan, Blackburn, Lancashire
Well done Maryam Namazie. It is time that Europe stands up to Islamic groups from a secular viewpoint. The Learned and very sophisticated Archbishop R Williams should take note of what this woman says and stop encouraging infliction of more pain and misogyny on women.
Also to Jayil,
"Whosoever turns back from his belief, openly or secretly, take him and kill him wheresoever ye find him, like any other infidel. Separate yourself from him altogether. Do not accept intercession in his regard." Sura 4: 88-89. But who cares what Qoran says. You say apostasy is not a crime in Islam? That is fine, then, please go and tell this and argue with Bin Laden, Mr Ahmadinejad of Iran, Islamist in Middle East, those gathered in the mosques, Muslim Coucil of Britain (MCB) and their spiritua leader Sheikh Qaradawi. Why tell us? We are not the ones who encourage and justify kiling apostates.
Felecity, London, UK
Muslims apologists frequently quote one verse (2:256) from the Quran that is said to confirm Islam does not force people to become or stay Muslim (and presumably does not seek dominance for Islam).
It is contained in sura 2 (the 91st sura chronologically, from the later Medina period: chronological order numbering from Rodwell).
Now 2:256 says let there be no compulsion in religion. The alternative background to the actual meaning of this verse is attached. It is understood from Ibn katib a statement ensuring that some Muslims children brought up as Jews would not remain as Jews despite their upbringing .in other words the context It has nothing to so with non Muslims freely choosing their own religion or Muslims freely changing their religion.
The punishments for apostasy in Islam count against a benevolent view of choosing one’s religion (2:256) or changing it.
Leigh , Wellington, new zealand
Well, Muhamad from Cambridgeshire, if you choose to live in a ateist/Christian country you have to accept that some people will look at you/treat you diffenrenly if you do different things in comparison to them. I am not saying it 's right but just a simple fact of life.
Sonia, Harrogate,
Joe Grendizer, LA, USA - can you please, please expand. It is such a change to encounter some genuine comedy in the midst of these worthy, thoughtful but sometimes dull posts. It's good to know that satire is not down and out yet!
Esther, London, UK
This woman clearly knows what individual rights and our struggle for secularism are about. And she is very courageous to speak out and form this organization. I wish her nothing but success!
Sascha, Germany,
Kudos on a wonderful article and such a courageous, intelligent woman! I especially appreciated her understanding of individual rights. As Ayn Rand pointed out, the smallest minority is the individual.
hkrening, Denver, Colorado, USA
Hi Esther, it is stated in many Qur'anic verses: e.g
[Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. So can you (Prophet) compel people to believe?] (Yunus 10: 99)
[Say, 'Now the truth has come from your Lord: Let those who wish to believe in it do so, and let those who wish to reject it do so'] (Al-Kahf 17: 29)
[So (people) respond to your Lord before there comes a Day that cannot, against God's will, be averted--you will have no refuge on that Day, and no possibility of denying (your sins). If they still turn away (remember that) We have not sent you (Prophet) to be their keeper: your duty is to deliver the message] (Ash-Shura 42: 47-48)
[There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. Allah is all hearing and all knowing] (Al-Baqrah 2: 256)
Cant supply better proof then that can I?
jayil, london, uk
Now coming to the false notion that everyone who leaves Islam is automatically killed, I can assure you that this was certainly not the case in many cases. Even though the penalty for treason was the death penalty (as was the case in the Law of Moses as well), there was no targeting of people who simply chose to leave Islam without any implication of treason. To simply kill anyone who chooses to follow a religion other than Islam is against the fundamental teachings of the Qur’an. Freedom of conscience is a fundamental principle of the Qur’an that is clearly stated in many Qur'anic verses.
jayil, london, uk
Jayil, London
A sizeable number of Muslim seem to be unaware that apostasy no longer applies. If they did, they could dedicate themselve to portraying Islam in a more constructive way. Your own feelings on its supposed abolition seem to be somewhat ambiguous.
Esther, London, UK
This person is an excellent example for the reason why 'apostasy' was intruced in Islam. It does not apply now, but was regarded as "traitor in time of war". If we think about this in relation with war...it becomes understandable.
jayil, london, uk
"It is extraordinary that she doesn't get round the clock police protection, or at least panic buttons and alarms linked to the nearest police station, etc.
Do the authorities have to wait until some religious nutter murders her before acting?" -- paul, sheffield, UK
Thats because the police are smart, they know that only a few nutters are out to get her, and that the majority of Muslims do not care about her or what she does. Apostasy doesn't apply to people any more. There are others who are in worse situation then her.
jayil, london, uk
fahad, I too can think of many "cheaper" systems for "justice". it all depends on what you value and what you consider to be just.
I suspect all sensible people would relegate religion to a personal level. there is major cross-over between religious commandments and common sense societal norms (not surprisingly), but the devil is in the details - take that how you like.
sure, we have too many people in prison, too many repeat offenders and family life can be disrupted. however, we should be able to deal with these issues without resorting to religion. I'm sure we can all think of examples where religion has caused or failed to prevent misbehaviour and religious justice is not "fair". people are, in any case, more likely to respond to reason and self-interest than to deluded mumbo-jumbo.
maryam has my admiration and support. I hope she lives. the religious justice of islam is likely to prevent this, though. enough reason not to encourage its adoption in any form.
jem, london, uk
Amusing really... and for all the misconceptions that are spread about the religion of Islam, it actually works in its favor, because when people become intrigued and read up about the religion for themselves from it's authentic sources, they realize just how great the faith really is, recognizing the spirit of fairness and justice, kindness and mercy, which is inherent throughout.
They would have you believe it is us men forcing women to wear a veil over their heads or cover head to toe because other males might find you attractive.. and lets just accept that at face value for argument's sake, but it still doesn't address the reality that in the 'free societies' of the UK, the US and Europe.. a majority of new converts to the fastest growing religion of Islam are actually women, even as high as 3:1 in some places.
Put that in your crackpipe and smoke it! Cheers.
Junaid, Bradford, UK
Simple fact of life - ALL RELIGION is mythology and None of it is backed up by scientific fact.
Most of the people in the U.K accept this and believe it or not at least 50% of all Americans are atheists. " Freedom of and FROM religion " is enshrined in their BILL of Rights.
Don, Liverpool, England
Don you can believe anything you can I do not think any muslim has problems with that. If you really believe that freedom of religion is enshrined in the bill of rights, they you should respects fahad's rights to be a muslim an express it. Surely this freedom is for everyone isnt it? Or would you rather it should apply to atheist only. What upsets most atheist including you is that as muslims we have listened to all the scientific theories and read richard dawkins and his lot's books(author;the god delusion) and still remain muslims. Why is it difficult to accept that there are people that just do not see it your way? Everyone should have the same rights.
Muhammad, Cambridgeshire,
It is extraordinary that she doesn't get round the clock police protection, or at least panic buttons and alarms linked to the nearest police station, etc.
Do the authorities have to wait until some religious nutter murders her before acting?
paul, sheffield, UK
She has my utmost support. I wish her well. For it is only Muslims and those from Muslim backgrounds that should bring their religion and their people into this time. It somehow seems a bad habbit of Muslims to let themselves be controlled and coerced so easily into represion based on their beliefs. It saw them fall from the most advanced and civilised people on the planet at their beginnings. With mathematics and archetecture etc, to oppressed states scared of change and advancement. I'm sure this is not what Allah and their holiest profet would of wanted. I give all my best wishes and love to those beleivers who wish to tread their own path towards Allah.
Daniel, Bristol, UK
Although she lacks their notoreity, this woman is as courageous and as heroic as Ayaan Hirsi Ali or Wafa Sultan. I wish her and her family well.
Danielle McKane, San Jose. CA, United States
She receives death threats. The police do nothing. Is it or isn't it against the law of this country to threaten to kill someone? Yes, it is, and was, long before any new-fangled legislation. The police must be held to account.
Ralph Lane, Pevensey Bay, UK
Maryam Namazie is an incredibly courageous human being. Bless her for her bravery!
I think it's unwise for her to compare her movement with the gay movement, however. Gays should not be hated, feared, or shunned from society on account of what they are: because what they "are" are our neighbors, brothers, sons, co-workers, friends. But there is a legitimate moral objection to some of the things gay poeople (and gay organizations) advocate and "do." It's a behavior thing.
And rejecting objectionable behavior is not the same as invidious discrimination against a person.
In fact, Namazie's organization, ex-Muslims, might have more in common with ex-gays. First, so many ignorant people don't believe that ex-Muslims and ex-gays even exist; and second, ex-Muslims and ex-gays are asserting their right to choose their own behavior in a way that does harm to nobody.
Andrea Doman, Johnson City, USA
Yet another charlatan pandering to the ignorant, xenophobes and racists. Its funny how homeless Iranian communists from banned terrorist groups have set up shop in the West. Namazie has no conception of human rights, like much of her communist brethren who whole heartedly supported Soviet brutality. Some of us actually know history and aren't fooled by these types.
Joe Grendizer, LA, USA
What a brave, brave woman. Despite the threats she still has the courage to keep going and fight for what she believes. So many women and girls in this world live lives of misery and degradation justified by the interpretation of religion of those (men) in power. I am not Islam bashing either. There are fundamentalists in all religions, Christianity included. The common thread is always the restriction of human rights - particularly the rights of females. Our biology disadvantages us as it is hard to be out fighting for our rights while we must care for our children, and it suits these men to keep it this way - women barefoot and pregnant, and/or denied the opportunities to be educated and have a voice. The West has it wrong when it believes that allowing religious minorities to practise discriminitory traditions against individuals in the name of religion is being "inclusive". As Maryam rightly asserts, human rights are about individuals, not groups or organizations.
Riki, Melbourne, Australia
Fahad - In the U.K. we punish the offender not the offended.
But first they get a fair trial and the necessary time taken ( where needed ) to decide an equally fair punishment and not the summary brutallity handed out by less enlightened regimes.
I live in the U.K because they have the highest regard for human rights :To the extent that if anyone chooses to live by a different set of values they are free to do so even if they need to live in a different country. The U.K is a secular society.
I like living in the U.K but I get the distinct impression that you don't !! I am an Atheist which means that I have the right to disbelieve anything . Simple fact of life - ALL RELIGION is mythology and None of it is backed up by scientific fact.
Most of the people in the U.K accept this and believe it or not at least 50% of all Americans are atheists. " Freedom of and FROM religion " is enshrined in their BILL of Rights.
Don, Liverpool, England
To Fahad, I really think you ought to live in a Muslim country. For those of us trying to live a civilised existence, free from the oppressive strictures of religion, especially Islam, Ms Namazie's story is truly inspirational. I too would very much hope that the powers-that-be would give her and Council of Ex-Muslims much needed support - and seek their advice. I would point out that none of of us is born with a faith, so it would have been better to describe her as of being from an Iranian Muslim background.But that shouldn't detract from a great piece.
Irfan Malik, London, UK
Good luck to Maryam Namazie. I'm sure she has enraged the people who benefit from the subjugation of women. I hope she can find the financing to be truly effective in helping the abused. People have basic human rights and it's refreshing to hear someone familiar with the problem state that all religious practices are not equal.
Mary , san diego, CA USA
why should Britons take a stand against Islam and Sharia? is it because of the current Judicial system where 2 of every 3
re offend and the 1 star hotel system called prison is bursting with customers (: or is it because women can no longer support their babies because the man of the house is not around and they are forced to send their children to the nannies that are provided by the Government.
at least in Islam, the only person who pays for his or her doing is the offended. after a fair trial the punishment is carried swiftly and neither the family nor the state pay for the loss productivity of the person who offended.
alas , if you Britons like paying for the 1 star hotel you call prison. its your money just multiply 32000£ into 82000 person in the person system. that is your bill plus the cost of lost productivity. our system (Islam) is cheaper and deters offenders from doing what they did in the fist place plus others.
Fahad, london, UK
What a brave woman. Until I read this I would have thought that it was impossible to be an ex-Muslim. Good for her.
Since we fought all our battles for religious freedom centuries ago i.e. the right to belong to any religion or none and not be burnt at the stake, I hope that she feels at home here. I wish her long life and every success. What she is saying badly needed saying.
Margaret Stoll, Rochford, Essex, England
Good luck to her. It would be nice to see the Government extending a hand to her organisation, but it seems unlikely.
For a front bench packed with women this government is ridiculously cowardly in neglecting to engage in this debate that the country wants put right out in the open.
Neil Anderson, Bridetown, Barbados
The Government should also appoint Maryam as a commissioner in the new Equality and Human Rights Commission, as a balance against evangelical Christians like Joel Edwards, who has consistently opposed equal rights for homosexuals.
Chris, Dorking, Surrey,
An extraordinarily brave woman who merits our full support. Why does the Government not welcome her into its consultative committeees on integration?
Alistair, Edinburgh, Scotland