Hi I am new to this site I am an Ex-Muslim have been for the last 6 years now I am 23 though I am still a closet Atheist I want to know are there any more like me who want to come out but cannot because of the threat to their life
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Welcome Harry, I'm glad to see another person has joined the forums in search for like minded people. I myself am an in the closet atheist, although my previous religion is Christianity. I noticed you said "because of the threat to their life." If I may ask, are you currently in a country where apostasy is punishable by death?
yes I live in Bahrain which is the closest country to Saudi Arabia and 70% of the laws are same including the death sentence for apostasy and not only that anyone can kill me in my home street university and they won't be trialed rather me made heroes sadly
My heart goes out to you, friend. I cannot imagine the pressure that is put on you each day. If I may lend some advice, I would recommend keeping it a secret, and leaving as soon as you can. While I'm not entirely sure how much help I could be, let me know if there is any advice you need, and I'd be happy to lend it.
I have kept it quiet for the last 6 years because its very hard to get out and in these last 6 years I have finished my education and now my internship just remains which will need 1 more year and after that I will try to get out of here so that when I go to a new country I can start my new life with no pressure this year is the most important for my life as I am looking for people who can help me get out of here nothing else
Well, best of luck to you Henry. I sincerely hope you finish whatever you have to and get the hell out of there.
Welcome Harry.
I am an ex muslim but I can hardly compare myself to your situation. The future of Turkey isn't looking good at this point but it is still a land of freedom compared to Bahrain. Yes, most of us keep quite or do not expose ourselves but not because someone will kill us. It's just easier so if you live in a small conservative town or have a seriously religious family.
Just be patient and don't do anything that would put you under risk. Think of it as playing a game or acting. With your fluent English and completed education, I am sure you will ind a way out of that country before long.
The only help I can give is advice on what countries you can consider applying for work and living. Canada and Australia are countries that accept selective immigrants. You could start by searching the application procedures and whether your profession is listed as needed. That would make things easier.
Although it can help to mention you belong to a "minority" where you live, I suggest you do not say it directly so as not to give an impression like you are using it to get yourself over to their country. Make it happen naturally, through a context like when trying to explain that you want to do this or that advanced study and for you as a rational there is no problem but the country you live in won't allow it even if it meant improvement for the country itself. Your reason to go there should focus on your wish to improve your life as in academic and cultural aspects and be able to be in a country where you can use your full potential and be useful to that country too. Religion/sharia is just pulling you back and is not the main reason for your attempt. That's all I can come up with to help at the moment.
Stay safe and be patient and never lose hope :)
Well, although I've never actually been so into Islam, I have visited the Mosque and read the Q'uran sometimes, even held a prayer with the others. I didn't consider myself a Muslim as I was quite unsure about God's existence, but I'm an Atheist, that's all I intend to be.
I live in Albania and we don't really have any Death penalties for Apostasy, one can simply just switch from Islam to Christianity or Atheism.
But, we also have the saying - "Kemi Pashkë dhe Bajram por Shqipërinë e kemi Bashkë" - Gjergj Fishta (Poet and Priest).
Even this One - "Lereni më nj'anë Fenë, të shikojmë mëmëdhenë" - Naim Frashëri (Romantic and Patriotic Poet)
*TRANSLATION*
"Kemi Pashkë dhe Bajram por Shqipërinë e kemi Bashkë" - Gjergj Fishta.
"We have Easter and Eid al-Kabir (Bajram is how we Call it) but Albania we have Together" - Gjergj Fishta.
"Lereni më nj'anë Fenë, të shikojmë mëmëdhenë" - Naim Frashëri
"Leave aside Religion, let us look to our Motherland" - Naim Frashëri
So basically, in Albania there is not Religion other than being ALBANIAN.
But, either way, you should try and find a way out of there, if you are Financially Capable, good for you, If not, then find work and stack up some money.
I am warning you as you may already know yourself, your life is in extreme danger in those lands.
I suggest you apply for U.S.A, Canada (not so sure about that) or Australia.
You'll find more Support in U.S.A or Australia, there are fellow Atheists there which can help you settle more Comfortably.
I thought Canada was fairly atheist compared to the U.S.? The U.K. Isn't bad either, but they do have all of those refugees.
I recommend Australia since Atheism is Top Non-Religion there.
I thought it would be more accommodating.
Hello Harry! Welcome to the community. I am a closeted atheist and an ex muslim.
There are plenty like us and luckily we have the internet to vent our angst. I am sure you will find a lot of information here and people who share a similar outlook in life.
hello harry
i am closet Atheist too and i am from saudi your neighbor i gusse :)
i've been atheist for the last year and i'm scared shitless for my life
so if that if any help to you your not alone .
Hi Harry,
I'm an Atheist from Bangladesh. My Ex-Religion was Islam. It has been 3 years that I'm in Atheism.
In my country, Apostasy and Atheism is punishable by death.So, it's not a easy task to be an Atheist or leave the faith of Islam in our country.
I think almost all the Muslim majority countries have the same situation. But I don't want to loss the hope. I always dream for a beautiful day. When every people will love humanity not any particular organized religion.
Please keep a low profile. We don't want you to get hurt
Welcome to the forum. Stay anonymous, stay safe.
Hi harry, let this website be your safe haven for as long as you like
Hello Harry, I understand your situation. I live in Bahrain as well, it is tough to have to hide your beliefs and pretend to be someone else all the time around people. But nonetheless, you have made a plan for yourself to get out of this hell-hole. You keep on going, work on your plan and i hope you reach your goal in life once you get out.
Hi Harry, i am from Sudan. Don't worry you are not alone, i've experienced what are you dealing with & i still do. Hopefully we all manage to make it out.
Welcome to my Political Party, if you have fb.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1074248916000083/