I have been an atheist since last year. Not because I was fed up of the restrictions and regulations placed in Islam. I never even wanted to drink, gamble or have sex before I got married, and I don't want to now. The reason I became an atheist is that there are too many questions in my mind that Islam, or any other religion for that matter, can't answer. Those questions whose answers I can get from science. This is not me bashing on Islam or religion in general. I don't even consider religious people fools like most atheists do. But religion was just not working for me anymore.
The first problem I have with religion is that it's an institute based purely on belief and blind faith. Just think about this for a second. You were born into a family of a particular religious belief. You grew up, and your parents told you that you have a religion, that your religion has a special holy book, and that that holy book is one hundred percent true. You believe them and grow up thinking that your religion is the only true religion, and other religions are myths and legends. How do you know that your religion is not the false one? Every religion in the world claims that it is the one true religion, and has countless "proofs" that show it's authenticity. But here comes the catch. You are not allowed to ask questions.
This is what started bugging me a year ago. If God is All Powerful, All Knowing, All Wise, why can't He prove to His own creation once and for all that He exists, and answer every question humans have to ask? Why is it that in every religion in the world, there are stories of men supposedly doing impossible things, with no religion being able to give any conclusive proof? And why, in every religion, are some questions answered by "Because it's God's will."?
I believe that religion was created by man as a substitute for science. Man did not know much about the world or the universe two thousand years ago, and just as we explain the world around us today as matter made of elements and compounds, and the Sun as a giant ball of Hydrogen and Helium, the Ancient Man explained the world around him as something a Higher Power had created. This Higher Power was generous and kind and loving and had created this world for humans to live in comfortably and peacefully. With that belief, the Ancient Man relieved himself of further need to ask any more questions. After all, this Supreme Power was more intelligent and knowledgeable than man was, and knew what was best for them.
I do, however, understand why people in the 21st Century still believe in Religion and God. It gives them hope. It assures them that everything will be alright in the end, and they find comfort in prayer when they feel hopeless. That is completely fine. People have the right to choose their beliefs and follow the way they think is right or that which makes their lives easier to live.
However, here comes another problem I have with Islam. A Muslim is not allowed to change his religion, or subscribe to the idea of irreligion. And the punishment for denouncing the teachings of Islam is severe. Islam states the death penalty for anyone who leaves this faith. This is what hinders most Muslims from speaking their mind. This is the reason why Muslim turned atheists like me have to hide our true selves while living in a community filled with Muslims.
What good will come of this death penalty? The Quran itself states that you cannot make someone believe in God. It states that you cannot force someone to believe in Islam. Then why force someone to stay in Islam if they are born in it? I won't believe in God if I can't believe in God, and restricting me from speaking my mind will do nothing to benefit Islam or the Muslim community, nor will it convert me back to Islam.
Writing this down anonymously in a blog is all well and good, but how can I convince people around me that having a mind of your own is not a sin? How can I convince people that just because I have an opinion I don't deserve to be killed? I know that most of us are stuck in this situation, and the best thing we can do right now is talk with one another. We have to remain strong as a community. I've struggled with this for over a year and I know that I am not alone. If anyone wants to talk, I am here for you. Leave your email down in the comments below and I will get back to as many people as I can (although I'm not expecting many people to read this).
