User:SkepticalKuma1123/sandbox

EXMNA

EXMNA
Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA) is an organization that is actively networking and supporting ex-Muslims. EXMNA’s goal is to develop a safe haven for ex-Muslims that are seeking a community outside of their religious background.

The Apostasy Taboo and Public Advocacy
Many members remain in the closet about their lack of belief in Islam. This is due to the unethical and inhumane treatment of apostates by many Islamic communities. Islamic scholars and communities impose harsh consequences upon those who are accused of apostasy (Takfir). As a result of Takfir, it is dangerous for closeted members if they are exposed as ex-Muslims. Even members in North America can face hostility from family members because many ethnic and/or religious communities can be isolated to a certain extent, and what the result of this could be is not knowing how to be independent. Making closeted ex-Muslims dependent, and not able to voice their own opinion under threat of being removed from the family.

Local Support and Global Solidarity
Currently, there are several groups of ex-Muslims of various sizes self-organizing in cities all over North America, and all over the world. Major cities that have started EXMNA local chapters include but are not limited to: Toronto, Washington D.C., Houston, and Chicago. EXMNA is actively reaching out to other individuals and groups outside North America to foster relationships and alliances.

No Bigotry and No Apologism
The Council of Ex-Muslims of North America, are against racist ideologies. They view that bigotry towards Muslims is unjustified and is usual racist. The groups that propagate this type of racism usually unwittingly lump in groups like Sikhs in with Muslims. The views that EXNMA has on the issue are contrary to this and will not support groups like this.

On the other hand, there are those who react to the bigoted, xenophobic types by trying to justify the violent parts of Islam and the harsh actions of some Muslims. This second type (the apologists) often shields Islam and Muslims from any and all critique and scrutiny, even the kinds of critique and scrutiny they themselves apply to other ideologies like Christianity, Capitalism, Communism, and others.

EXMNA members tend to stand between the two camps. Most of these ex-Muslims were raised Muslim or converted. EXMNA members denounce the bigotry of those who promote racist and xenophobic ideas under the guise of criticizing Muslims.

Origin
The Group was founded by members Muhammad Syed, Kiran Opal, Sarah Hadr, Sadaf Ali, and Nas Ishamael. The founders noticed that ex-Muslims were all around the United States who have very little contact with others who have renounced their former faith. The founders then started holding meetups from reddit, and that sparked them to take it internationally between Canada and the United States. Now they have groups from all over the US and they aiming for every major city to have a ex-Muslim group for support.