The Consequences One Can Face Upon Leaving The Religion of Islam In the West

Abstract

Religion is defined as the belief in a superhuman controlling power. For many, religion assists in providing an outlet to express personal connections with the natural world and deep and spiritual connections to oneself. In some religions, sects, and individuals; however, religion goes beyond the personal spiritual journey and begins to influence one’s diet, hobbies, wardrobe, and approach to the family unit. Because of these significant influences, leaving a religion may cause families to be break apart, and as a result, deeply adverse psychological effects can be observed. This manifestation of trauma as a result of leaving is very prevalent in the religion of Islam. Many Muslims, or rather ex-Muslims that suffer from a crisis in faith fear for the consequences that may arise from leaving the religion. These potential consequences may include involuntary emancipation from the nuclear and extended family, divorce, and in certain extreme circumstances, even death. One would think that these punishments would not really exist in the West yet, there are clear with the last twenty years of individuals being abused and murdered simply because of a lapse in their personal connection with Islam.

Faculty Mentor: Leo Wong

Department: Business