Dear Ex-Muslim Women,
Religion has left the deepest scars on your lives and gave you wounds even more painful than those experienced by ex-Muslim men. You carry burdens that not only strip away your freedom but crush your very soul. Just consider:
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You’re forced to wear the hijab against your will, a covering that suppresses your identity.
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You're compelled to pray five times a day, and because you’re often confined to the home, escaping this obligation becomes nearly impossible.
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Forget rebellion, but just leaving your home or breaking free from your society feels like an unreachable dream, surrounded as you are by restrictions.
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One of the gravest injustices: you're married off to a religious man without your consent. And what could be more painful than having to live with someone you don’t love, and even worse, being forced to sexually serve him just to keep the marriage "intact"?
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And perhaps the most heart-wrenching of all: you can’t even speak your truth to your children. You loathe the religion, you're suffocated by it, and yet you’re still forced to raise your kids under teachings that go against everything your conscience believes in.
But Dear Ex-Muslim Women,
Despite all these injustices, I urge you: never give up hope. Your soul is still alive, and within you lies a power strong enough to move mountains.
Give yourself daily affirmations like these:
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“I am fully capable of living this double life. Even amid its burdens, I will make my life as beautiful and fulfilling as I can.”
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“Even in the darkest despair, I will find glimmers of joy, whether it's a fleeting smile or a private moment of peace, I will own it.”
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“Marriage is not the end of the road. There may come a time when I can free myself from this bond, get a divorce, or start a life of my choosing.”
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“Most importantly: my safety is my highest priority. My life, my wellbeing, and my happiness come before my parents, children, or anyone else. Yes, my life is above all.”
A message just for you:
You are not alone. Around the world, countless ex-Muslim women are walking the same path you are, and many have already broken free. Set small goals for yourself, whether it's reading a book, learning a new skill, or quietly planning your escape. Every step brings you closer to a life of your own design.
If possible, reach out to ex-Muslim communities like Faith to Faithless or Ex-Muslims of North America, which offer online support groups and valuable resources. If your situation allows, seek out spaces where you can receive advice, legal aid, or emotional support. But always prioritize your safety before taking any step, assess your surroundings carefully.
And finally, remember this: You are not weak, but you are unstoppable. Every time you listen to the voice inside your heart, you claim a small victory. Trust yourself. Recognise your power. Your life is yours, and no religion, no society, no relationship has the right to take that away from you.
We are with you. And we are waiting for the day you reclaim your freedom.
Hassan Radwan
