Islam Is Not Bad, Muslims Are: I’m Done with Islam (Article Review)

Islam Is Not Bad, Muslims Are: I’m Done with Islam; by Alexandra Ainz-Galende and Rubén Rodríguez-Puertas. 2021. Religions 12: 798.
www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/10/798
Moving In and Out of Islam, edited by Karin van Nieuwkerk (2018)
utpress.utexas.edu/9781477317...
ABOUT ME:
Hello and welcome! I'm a Sociologist at the University of Warwick, UK where I explore social issues and find ways for people to resist, heal and flourish.
My publications and other creative projects are on my website williambarylo.com . To get in touch, email me at [e-mail]
This channel will NOT be monetized so:
1. I can have creative freedom and
2. Offer ad-free videos to my viewers.

[@bluemacaroons]

When i was little i didnt understand that I was taught a lot of things about islam relating to lifestyle that weren’t true or were up to personal preference or culture and i thought i and everyone else had to listen to and follow them. If i didn’t do these things i was scolded as being a bad and disobedient child and compared to other seemingly ’better’ kids. I thought it was normal to be treated like that, so i would try to tell my friends the things i was taught and they would disagree, but i didn’t have the proper islamic education to understand these things. I now understand how much i stressed and hurt my friends from the misinformation and want to learn properly and instead of being bossy implement the true teachings of islam into my own life. I don’t think my parents realised how much this affected me and think there were various reasons why i was brought up that way, but i definitely don’t want to be a burden on other muslims when i myself am imperfect. A lot of basic etiquette on how to treat others and your family kindly wasn’t shown to me, but i want to improve that about myself so i don’t hurt others. So i definitely understand how reverts would feel in such situations

[@williambarylo]

100% agree. People need to think about etiquette

[@anon19086posts]

By Allahs guidance reading the Quran felt like a Boulder was lifted from my shoulder because growing up and even in adulthood I felt constantly haggled about everything. Everything was haram. Condemnation for everything and no support or empathy and encouragement for one another as an ummah. It can dent your enthusiasm to keep striving for the sake of Allah. Then there’s the racism , superiority complex and self righteousness of some that further makes a person feel like they’ll never be a good Muslim. But now I always tell other sisters don’t leave Islam because of this! There are many wonderful brothers and sisters, ignore the small crowd who pester and peck at everyone!

[@williambarylo]

I want to be hopeful that more people will realise that people are on a journey. And that more of those who understand come together!

[@ltc0060]

Exactly the same. People make being a muslim so hard. And when I read quran, and listen only to it. That is so easy. And more importantly, I can feel faith growing in my heart if I focus on what god have revealed, and mute others. That never happened when I listened to others. These days, I find myself asking god to lead me to good and right understanding/path, because I think, thanks to this prayer, god helps me in ways, others cannot.

[@peakinyou]

The reason because everything seems haram is because we are surrounded by mostly haram. Wallahi and that's true. May people even Muslims don't know opposite sex are not allowed to shake not to talk of hug each other. Today we see these done most of the time.

[@BuffaloPros]

Amusing story, in the medical community as a patient, no woman attempts to shake my hand. So I have nothing to explain!

[@wyno2661]

There ought to be more discussions about this subject as it affects way too many Muslims. Prophet Muhammed PBUH led BY EXAMPLE, but now we are more interested in fulfilling our personal "quota" by telling random people what's allowed and what not. YT comments are a prime example highlighting that type of mindset.

[@williambarylo]

Yes the internet is not the healthiest place at all!

[@BuffaloPros]

The amount of misinformation or incompleteness of knowledge online is jaw dropping. Poisonous for anyone. Wiki can't even get jinn right.

[@realshehrkhan]

Excellent content and analysis! We also have to keep in mind that every muslim has to abide by Haqooq-ul-Allah and haqooq-ul-ibad, each being equally important. If a person neglects his duties to God, God might forgive them eventiually but if that person neglects his duties towards other humans, those can only be forgiven when things are made right with the neglected.

[@williambarylo]

Yes!

[@CLBOO6]

Even as a born muslim, I too had sometimes distance or detach myself from certain muslim communities especially mosque community because they could be too judgemental and quite toxic and resort to practicing on my own and learning from online community I can communicate with muslims from different cultural background and are less tied to cultural Islam.

[@williambarylo]

That's indeed a benefit of online spaces!

[@hikkato88]

Thank you dr William for open our eyes, I hv no clue about this. In Shaa Allåh from now on I will treat and look the revert and who ever try to be good Muslim with Rahmah without pushing or burden them, as Allah said in a Quran {وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ} "We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds"

[@williambarylo]

I hope more people will follow your example!

[@afnandridi9595]

I’ve come across ex Muslims who I feel for. Lovely people who I hope will return. But ngl I think this take of the article’s title decontextualises the reality of (neo)colonialism, imperialism, and racism and such systemic pressures that Muslims face. Maybe I’m just being biased because I’ve personally come across (racist) people who suggest you’re a religious hypocrite for not being perfect 😀 when I say not perfect, I mean that I said mean things about white people after their racist abuse led me to develop psychosis, a three month hospitalisation, and 5 years and counting of intolerable meds. It’s not only lacking in the ABCs of empathy, but is spiritually abusive actually to decontextualise Muslims’ context to measure their religiosity which only Allah can see. Sometimes these ex-Muslims are projecting when they accuse more visibly practicing people of lacking rahmah can’t lie. (Btw i don’t say mean things about white people anymore). I get though that sometimes it’s not because of these pressures- Muslims aren’t perfect some communities are abusive and isolate converts especially I get that.

[@williambarylo]

Very accurate! Indeed, there are many reasons why some Muslims in the first place display inadequate behaviour as you mentioned. This is a topic I have investigated for my upcoming book and I think the modern colonial culture of division/separation in Euro-America has a lot to do with it

[@afnandridi9595]

@@wardasaid8709 I don’t deny this, but as mentioned with the case of Algeria before you deleted the thread, there is also a context. The Western post-9/11 Muslim apologia of decontextualising these factors which allow us to live luxuriously off of the suffering of the global south, and reducing it to “Islam=good, Muslims=bad” is unjust. And I don’t think we’d do it if we faced the brunt of that neocolonialism and imperialism. However, I always think it is important when contextualising not to lose one’s agency. The blessed Prophet pbuh dealt with persecution and hypocrites, and near annihilation, and yet the Muslims didn’t pick up a sword, walk into a coffee place, and murder civilians.

[@BuffaloPros]

My family almost became apostates. The only way to do da'wah is through conduct and sharing positive knowledge.

[@heavenlymilano]

If you are sure about your belief you may leave the community who "hammers you regarding what is haram and what is halal" but you do not leave the faith. Good luck to them in their new endeavors.

[@williambarylo]

Sadly, some people struggle to make the difference. I'll expand on this on a video dedicated to ex-Muslims

[@potts995]

@@williambarylo There are many different types of ex-Muslims but curiously the most prominent one’s I’ve noticed tend to be pro-Zionists.

[@ltc0060]

You are indeed right. However, for all the muslims god has also revealed that "Do not falsely declare with your tongues, “This is lawful, and that is unlawful,” ˹only˺ fabricating lies against Allah. Indeed, those who fabricate lies against Allah will never succeed." 16:116. If a muslim has not even thought about this verse deeply, he should avoid commanding people but just give advice in best way possible. If my advice leading people away from islam or stressing them out of religion when I myself do not really know why is something considered haram or halal by scholars (ie. not declared halal or haram in a verse by god clearly), then obviously this is not the best way to give advice. I should change my attitude for my own benefit. Because indeed god will declare judgment between disputing parties, swiftly. The minimum responsibility is clear and easy to do. If I want to increase, it will only be for my benefit. But this does not make "increasing good deeds" compulsory for others.

[@heavenlymilano]

@@ltc0060 As an adult, I make my own decision. If someone gives me advice, I listen to them, thank them but at the end of the day I do what I think is right. Noone can drive me away from Islam. If someone tries to impose their views on me, I just distance from them. Having said that importance of advising khayr and sabr is emphasized in the Quran many times. So if a Muslim gives me righteous advice, may Allah reward them for that.

[@ammarahsajid2457]

I'm an American Pakistani who is a born Muslim and I have spent most of my life in Pakistan and traveled around quite a lot. This is a great channel and yes to all the reverts/converts I would say is don't depend on Muslims. What you need to depend upon is islam and associate with good people no matter what background or religion they are from. It makes things easy trust me. They are more understanding and accepting. But if you find good Muslims then hold onto them fastly. They are precious.

[@williambarylo]

Yes!!!

[@faree38green]

The ex Muslim community is growing. I have come across both converts and those who grew within the faith to have left Islam. The reasons are multiple and complex but there is a common thread running through.. It was how they had been treated... As a community we really need to introspect and reflect

[@williambarylo]

Completely agree. I've got a video coming on that topic soon

[@faree38green]

@@williambarylo look forward to that. Thank you

[@BuffaloPros]

I'm disabled and I could have left over how I am treated. My rewards if with Allaah. I am VERY fortunate to be part of a jama'at, though. But yes, kindness is essential.

[@faree38green]

@@BuffaloPros May Allah bless you and make it easy for you. I agree... Let's be kind to one another... And if you can't then at least don't do any harm... Or do nothing

[@BuffaloPros]

Jazakallaah khair, likewise. There's no Islam without kindness.

[@shinwaramin8582]

its important for born Muslims to understand other religion are like a culture,,, they are not like Islam ,, Islam have rules and have halal and haram ,,, so for someone who spend his or her life without rules or certain guideline and now becoming a Muslim ,,, its not easy transition , we should be more open minded ,, but we have a great number of uneducated people with tribal close mindset that need to be replaced by a lot of educated Muslims ,,, revert Muslims in Slovakia are good example ,,, they are doing a great job ,,, i hope other learn from them

[@williambarylo]

Yes, pedagogy is really important!

[@shinwaramin8582]

@@williambarylo we have alot numbers of illiterate people too ,,, the umma of (iqraa) (read) ,, yet we have alot of illiterate

[@ZakariaFallah-wb3xd]

As muslims we should avoid haram and enjoy halaal and we should convey it in a pleasant maner using the scriptures as evidence sadly it is true muslims are not the rolemodel but fortunately we have the scriptures from the rolemodel intact Alhamdulilah for the blessings of Islam

[@williambarylo]

I hope more people get to study the essence of the message aside of the rituals

[@ZakariaFallah-wb3xd]

Islam is here for all mankind and all layers of society intellectual or not so for all to come from darkness into Light in Shaa Allah

[@Dystopikachu]

Since you are a sociologist, maybe it would be of interest for you to ask the youtuber 'Apostate Aladdin' for an interview on this topic. He was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, and lived under some of the most oppressive form of Sharia law imaginable, which contributed to him leaving the religion. Maybe you could talk to him about why he left the religion rather than just adopt a more liberal interpretation once he moved abroad? On the internet I rarely see any conversations in good faith between Muslims and ex- Muslims, at least not in English.

[@williambarylo]

I think there's a very particular reason why you don't have these conversations between Muslims and ex-Muslims! I'll cover more on that in a future video where I review various online ex-Muslims

[@Dystopikachu]

@@williambarylo Ex-Muslims will often cite the immense stigma of apostasy as being the main obstacle to conversation. All the so-called "debates" I've seen have certainly validated that view for me. The Quran cannot be more clear what the penalty for apostasy is. Or maybe it was one of the hadith, not my religion ^^

[@MODEST500]

@@Dystopikachua person cannot be a muslim if he or she doesnt believe in hadiths.

[@Dystopikachu]

@@MODEST500 Yes but if you're say a Sunni Muslim do you have to regard all of the hadith as sunnah or do people pick and choose what is a remnant of an old age and what is a strict rule to follow?

[@MODEST500]

@@Dystopikachu We don't pick and choose. Instead we go back to those scholars who have studied this subject. if you have time and effort then you can study it as well and become a scholar yourself to know how it is done. we dnt pick and choose . a hadith is either sahih , weak or Daif aka fabricated. this is determined by numerous factors. the most important of all is the chain of narrators. all muslims are obligated to follow sahih hadiths which have been proven with authentic reliable chain. this is part of sciencce of hadith and only scholars and students of knowledge are allowed to do that and even for that they have to prove with evidences .

[@shahid8545]

I've always learned mostly on my own and kept to myself over the years as a revert but you don't leave the truth because others are rude, rough and ignorant. This is also part of the test. You are living in the lowest land (earth), this is a place of trials and tribulations so just expect it everywhere you go. However, once a person has truly tasted the sweetness of Salah it's impossible to leave.

[@williambarylo]

Very true. Sadly, some people can't dissociate the faith from the people who harmed them

[@verilyze]

Brother i appreciate but their is no need for these people If their faith is so weak that they can't take criticism They can go away If someone has bad experience in US do they leave their citizenship most likely not

[@williambarylo]

I don't think it's a matter of weakness. It's more a mental health issue. People don't have the tools or knowledge to resist and overcome these dynamics, and make the difference between faith and people. It's like kids, they need support and guidance to work at full potential in adulthood

[@verilyze]

@@williambarylo well look at you you also suffered But did you throw a temper tantrum And you are even working solution Its quality you know like elite soldiers team Thousands enlist only few get selected and even fewer stay but those who do are top tier Quality > Quantity But in my opinion Both is needed as everybody can't be great

[@williambarylo]

@@verilyze indeed. Islam is not the army. the first companions were the poor, those in debt, those enslaved and the first years were the most difficult to the point they had to leave makkah

[@verilyze]

@@williambarylo yeah but the most output was by generals like Khalid and champions Point was meritocracy the blessed has a duty to help the less blessed as a soldier being elite he defends weak people that was the point But here I was trying to portray mindset those are some tough people mentally who get to elites soldiers Just as those poor people who endured the suffering

[@kinemaxillo-faciale]

@williambarylo but what we need to do there's a law so we don't tell them what's the ruling, and let everyone do anything he wants, can you make videos about the action how we fix stuff not just talk about this

[@williambarylo]

Yes I have a video on this topic coming soon

[@kinemaxillo-faciale]

@@williambarylo inchallah, May Allah grant you jannah for your work

[@williambarylo]

@@kinemaxillo-faciale and to you too!

[@kinemaxillo-faciale]

@@williambarylo amin

[@user-ez1lq2hn9v]

I am your sister from Yemen, and by Allah I only spoke out of hunger and distress. My mother, my brothers, and I lessons and tears. We are in a situation that only God knows about. God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs for those who brought us to this situation. By Allah Almighty, I did not write this appeal out of distress and distress. Poverty, O world, they have felt it So, I hope for you. By Allah Almighty, Lord of the Great Throne, he ate what I had in the house. By Allah, my brothers, he is my brothers by sitting in the house. Who has no food? By God, we are in a very difficult situation. We have 6 people entering the house, and my father has died, and there is no one who can depend on us and who lives in it.We live in a rented house because we cannot pay the rent we owe. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''' My brother, my first words are: I swear to God that I will not lie to you or deceive you. I am a Yemeni girl displaced from the war. My family and I live in a rented house in Al-Shahrab 15000 Yemenis among us, and now we owe 45,000 for 3 months. The owner of the house is one of the people who does not have mercy, by God, my brother. He comes every day, insulting us, talking about us, and moving from the house to the street because we were unable to pay him the rent. The neighbors saw us crying and came back.They came back to talk to the neighbors and we were given the weekend. So we made him swear by God. He will take us out into the street. Have mercy on him and us. Our country is due to this war and we do not find food for our day, and my brothers and I live in a difficult life. Our father died, may God have mercy on him, and we have no one in this world who was with us in these harsh circumstances. My younger brothers went out into the street and saw...The neighbors eat and stand at their door in order to give them bread even if they break it. By God, to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, they closed the door and expelled them and came back crying. They are dying of hunger. No one has mercy on them and a holiday is returned. I have made a living, and now if one of us helps us with a kilo of flour, I swear to God, I am dying of hunger. My brother, I am an alien to God. Then, I ask you to help me for the sake of God. I ask you, by God, to love goodness and to help me, even if you can, by messaging me on WhatsApp.On this number 00967717415667 and ask for the name of my card and send it and do not be late and may God reward you with all the best, my brothers Sagar, see how they are and help us and save us before they throw us out in the street, you will be lost or we will die of hunger. My family and I ask you, by God, if you are able to help us, do not be late and may God reward you well..`/--~«««~-♡~♡~♡~~•~•~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡♡♡~~~: ~:~¡~¡~¡~;I.i.i.i.i.i. i.I.|-...............،،،

[@patriayvida6850]

By all means, join Christiany because they're soooooooooooo much better.

[@williambarylo]

Most Muslims already believe and follow the message of Jesus. For those who become atheist or agnostic, that's a different story

[@BuffaloPros]

Christians are the most hateful group of people I've ever seen. Worse than neo Nazis, surprisingly.