Leaving Islam: Apostates Speak Out

by Ibn Warraq

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"In the West, those who abandon their religion (apostates) find it to be a difficult, emotional decision that sometimes carries with it social repercussions, such as physical and psychological isolation from family, friends, and colleagues. However, in culturally diverse societies with a mixture of ethnic groups and various philosophies of life, most people look upon such intellectual shifts in allegiance as a matter of personal choice and the right of the individual. In stark contrast, the show more socially restricted Muslim world still views apostasy as an unthinkable act, and orthodox Muslims consider it a crime punishable by death." "Defying the death penalty that all apostates potentially face in the Islamic world, the ex-Muslims represented here feel it is their duty to speak up against their former faith, to tell the truth about the fastest-growing religion in the world."--BOOK JACKET. show less

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Member Reviews

3 reviews
Far from being academic and unreadable, this book presents historical figures and personal stories on apostastes of Islam in a positive manner. It is the first work of its kind and thus has its flaws, but is both necessary and helpful for all those who face persecution merely for being born into the wrong culture.
Virtually unreadable, this book is an academic and historical look at apostacy in Islam. Unlike most other religions, Islam prescribes death to apostates, so you can imagine that this is a weighty issue. Unfortunately, the writing is academic and sterile to the point of being almost impossible to read, despite the interesting subject matter. This book would be of interest to serious scholars of Islam, and probably only them. Karen Armstrong's books are a much more accessible (and readable) look at religion, if one is so inclined.
½
Excellent book about Islam and apposty. Book contains many personal stories. This is not a feel good book from Karen Armstrong, this is the real deal.

Dutch language review:
http://leestafel.blogspot.com/2008/08/weg-uit-de-islam.html

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16+ Works 1,022 Members
Ibn Warraq is the highly acclaimed author of Why I am Not a Muslim and Defending the West. He is also the editor of The Origins of the Koran, What the Koran Really Says, The Quest for the Historical Muhammad, Leaving Islam, and Which Koran?

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
297ReligionOther religionsIslam, Babism, Bahai Faith
LCC
BP168 .L43Philosophy, Psychology and ReligionIslam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc.Islam. Bahai Faith. Theosophy, etc.Apostasy from Islam
BISAC

Statistics

Members
91
Popularity
347,432
Reviews
4
Rating
(3.86)
Languages
Dutch, English
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
3
ASINs
1