My name is Amil Imani, and I am a former Muslim from Iran. I am often asked why I left Islam and how did it happen. Looking back, I see no particular time or event that suddenly severed my link with Islam. There was nothing nearly as dramatic as what reportedly happened to Paul on the road to Damascus, transforming him from a rabid Christian persecutor to a devoted follower of Jesus.
My alienation from Islam had its seed in the way I was raised. My parents encouraged me to ask questions and to question everything, rather than telling me to shut up, as children are often told.
Never fully embraced Islam
Being born in a Muslim family in Iran, I was literally enveloped by Islam and everything Islamic. Many questions unavoidably kept popping in my mind, and I tried to find answers to them. More often than not, the answers I found tended to repel rather than attract me to Islam. I never fully embraced Islam. I didn't leave Islam. Islam simply failed to take me.
From very early on, I believed in a modified version of Occam's razor, also known as the lex parsimoniae or "law of parsimony." To me, an explanation with the fewest assumptions is either the correct one or the preferable one. The best answers, more often than not, are the simple ones. Islam, by contrast, seemed to supply numerous answers to the same questions in complex and confusing forms. A great many of the answers, it seemed to me, were improvisations of the clergy who took the freedom of saying what suited them. The Quran itself, being bewildering, helped the clergy in their muddled pronouncements.
My search for answers has taken me on a journey of discovery in the competing, crowded, and confusing marketplace of ideas. I noticed a universal human need to believe in some power or forces beyond ourselves and beyond the finite and the corporeal. If there were no God, we humans would make one up, it is said. I found out that, in this debate about this seemingly innate need to believe in a supernatural being, three major viewpoints have emerged: Monotheism, positing a single god who created the universe, set it in motion, and, according to deism, let it play out without interfering in it; polytheism, with many gods, sometimes requiring a "super-god" above the rest, "sorting them all out," so to speak; and atheism, characterized by dismissing any and all gods. (Other views included pantheism, humanism, freethought and mythicism.)
Of the three major camps, polytheism seemed to me the most attractive and yet troubling at the same time. And Islam's theism—"Allahism"—steeped in superstition, replete with nonsensical explanations and discriminatory sharia law, repulsed me. I discovered eventually that all the religious instruction I needed to guide my life was contained in the ancient Zoroastrian triad of good thoughts, good speech and good deeds, and I accepted the Universal Charter of Human Rights as their logical extension.
Going to the source: The Quran
Muslims contend that their faith is squarely based on the Quran and all other Islamic dogma should conform to the teaching of the Quran. They also claim that the Quran is a literal word of Allah and consider Allah the one and only creator of the entire universe. According to the Quran itself, Allah created the universe by one word of his mouth, in Arabic kon va yakoon—"be and became." These claims made my task somewhat simpler. My search was narrowed, and I focused myself fully on the Quran, aiming to understand it to the best of my ability, striving to find out what exactly Allah's words were.
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Although I am not Arab, I know enough Arabic to go directly to the book of Allah and study it word by word. As I spent endless days studying the Quran, instead of becoming enlightened, I found myself more and more confused and bewildered. At that time, I ended up with the conviction that the Quran may indeed be the handiwork of Allah, as Muslims believe. But, in reality it is nothing more than a smallish book consisting of a collection of confusing verbiage, contradictory phrases and even outright errors of facts that purportedly the illiterate Mohammed authored over the course of some 20 years in a piecemeal fashion. I am certain that presenting the Quran for evaluation to a body of 100 of the greatest and most impartial scholars, fully versed in Arabic, will result in a verdict similar to my own conclusion.
As Quranic scholar Gerd-R. Puin says:
The Koran claims for itself that it is "mubeen," or clear. But if you look at it, you will notice that every fifth sentence or so simply doesn't make sense. Many Muslims and Orientalists will tell you otherwise, of course, but the fact is that a fifth of the Koranic text is just incomprehensible.
Moreover, the Quran is full of what could be called "hate speech" against non-Muslims. As summarized by Dr. Moorthy Muthuswamy:
About sixty-one percent of the contents of the Koran are found to speak ill of the unbelievers or call for their violent conquest; at best only 2.6 percent of the verses of the Koran are noted to show goodwill toward humanity. About seventy-five percent of Muhammad's biography (Sira) consists of jihad waged on unbelievers."
As an ethical and loving person, I just could not hate those billions of non-believing human beings, as required by holy writ.
"About sixty-one percent of the contents of the Koran are found to speak ill of the unbelievers or call for their violent conquest."
Time for change
The 21st century presents great challenges and opportunities that demand new ways of thinking and behaving. The doctrine of Islam may have been appropriate for the desert dwellers of some 1,400 years ago, the people Muslims themselves stigmatize as "The Ignorant." However, Islam today is dysfunctional, to say the least. As a matter of fact, Islam went astray from the very beginning and inflicted a great deal of suffering on both its followers and those who resisted its advance.
Life is precious. It is to be protected, nurtured and celebrated. Mankind is moving, perhaps at a glacier pace, toward reconciliation and ever-expanding inclusiveness, without any group or ideology imposing itself on others. Any attempt against this trend of "unity in diversity" is doomed to failure, as exemplified by the demise of fascism and communism.
The Islamic "charter," the Quran, in many parts preaches discrimination, death and imposition of its dogma on everyone. The political system of Islam, just like fascism and communism, is likewise a dysfunctional ideology that needs to be abandoned. Humanity has matured considerably since the time of Muhammad. In order to continue its forward march, mankind must follow a roadmap appropriate for its age and state of development. It is foolish to insist that a book composed nearly a millennium and a half ago must serve as the one and only guide for humanity today.
"It is foolish to insist that a book composed nearly a millennium and a half ago must serve as the one and only guide for humanity today."
Islam as slavery
Islam is a slaveholder religion. It feels that it owns you; it condemns you as an apostate to be beheaded if you dare to leave its chains. Islam demands submission, which is the meaning of its name, and Muslims happily call themselves "slaves of Allah." In this regard, Islam also has a long history of actual slavery, justified by its texts. Non-Muslims, by contrast, respect the individual as a free human being and support one's inalienable right to believe whatever one wants to believe—even if it is a non-belief. If one still wishes to wrap oneself in this suffocating security blanket—Islam—then, I ask, please keep it to yourself and refrain from forcing it on others.
Iranian ex-Muslim activist Amil Imani has his own website at AmilImani.com, as well as FreeAmericanPress.com. Amil writes hard-hitting exposes of Islamic doctrines and history, especially as concerns his beloved native land of Persia. The author of Obama Meets Ahmadinejad and Operation Persian Gulf, Imani is also a dedicated American patriot and Constitutionalist, having lived in the United States since 1979, the same year his country was taken over by Islamic fundamentalists. Amil works with many other Iranian activists and longs for the day when his homeland can be free.
Iranian Women Protesting Against A Budding Islamic Oppression (1980)
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|2013-02-05 00:32:01 Susan James - Thank you for your courageThank you very much, Mr. Imani. Very eloquent indeed. Honestly, I was sick to my stomach when Obama stood silent when the brave Iranian people rose up. My prayers are with you and them and their fight for freedom.
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|2013-02-05 00:48:57 Tammy - Islam is a ShameI Love his messages and I wish they were more people like him who are not blind and have a heart. This man has guts. bravo for him and God protect him. Great job D.M. Murdock and AMIL IMANI !
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|2013-02-05 05:42:05 David - Great articleI was raised a Christian,but I always had doubts and have spent a lifetime searching for truth. It is so refreshing to see others with the same views as I. My mind belongs to me, and my children have always been tought to question everything as well. It is great to see that people are doubting the writings that the priest class have used for centuries to control mankind for their personal gain. I have a simple belief. Be a good person. Nothing else matters. I have no use for magic books.Thanks for a wonderful site Acharya. We are of kindred spirits Mr Imani.
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|2013-02-09 05:28:32 PaulSir
Just something to think about
what is your compass of what is good? I'm sure many of the followers of Islam thinks raping and killing non believers is good.
May God bless you
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|2013-02-05 10:42:43 Susan Macher - Bless you Mr. ImaniBless Amil for his brave, relentless, journey to expose the truth…….it would be an honor to be his friend.
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|2013-02-05 18:36:08 Mary - You are a freedom-fighter, AmilYou are a freedom-fighter, Amil, and I salute you! Islam will NOT dominate, because, ultimately, Realty will always prevail. And the Reality is: people will not live under a negative, puritanical, joyless theocracy forever.
I am reminded of St. Patrick in Ireland, who brought Christianity to Ireland, and overturned the ancient Druids without any bloodshed. It was a unique achievement, and probably cannot be duplicated anywhere else. I don’t know if you are a Christian, but Patrick’s story, methods, and heroism might serve to help liberate the Iranian people too.
And I’m also reminded of the ancient Greek playwright, Euripides, who said (long before Christ): “If gods do evil, then they are not gods.” How can that simple concept be spread throughout the Muslim world?
Sincerely,
Mary
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|2013-02-05 18:37:59 Page - Thank you for all you do, Mr. ImaniHi, Amil.
I really enjoy your articles. Your a fantastic writer. I love your objective.
I’m an American living in Cairo, Egypt for 8 years now. Things ahead look very dark and depressing. I’m hoping to get back home to Georgia soon and away from all this mess.
Anyway, keep up the good work!!
Page
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|2013-02-05 18:43:01 V - You are doing a yeomen service to educate the humaDear Amil,
You are doing a yeomen service to educate the humanity on the danger it faces from Islam. The greatest breeding place for Islam is India. India (Hindus) has experienced Islamic terror multiple times more than the Islamic terror experienced by rest of the world combined. Islamic terror continues (openly supported by pseudo-secular and Marxists political parties) unabated in India (mostly against Hindus). Yet the world is silent.
Could you please write a series of informative and educative articles on this? No Islamic terror analysis and strategy would be complete without including India’s situation.
Thank you.
May you live long and boldly keep up the truthful exposure of Islam.
Vasudeva
“A drop of practice is better than oceans of theories, advices and good resolutions.” Sri Aurobindo
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|2013-02-05 14:39:04 Acharya SThank you for your kind regards to Amil. We are aware of the plight of India, which has suffered for over a thousand years this terrorist burden, and continues to do so unabated.
The Hindu religion is constantly insulted by Muslims (and Christians), but Hindus for the most part do not rampage in the streets demanding heads to roll. Imagine if it were the other way around? We are dealing with bullies, pure and simple.
Here are some links of importance to your cause - please feel free to spread them in forums all over the internet. That's a huge way in which to disseminate this vital information and to draw attention to the plight of Hindus in their own homeland.
80 million Hindus killed by Muslims
http://www.politicalislam.com/tears/pages/tears-of-jihad/
Here is a video about India's millennial struggle against Islam.
http://youtu.be/C8MCl0bHVXo
Here's a succinct history of Islam in India:
The Magnitude of Muslim Atrocities
http://www.hindunet.org/hindu_history/modern/moghal_atro.html
Quote:Islamic imperialism came with a different code--the Sunnah of the Prophet. It required its warriors to fall upon the helpless civil population after a decisive victory had been won on the battlefield. It required them to sack and burn down villages and towns after the defenders had died fighting or had fled. The cows, the Brahmins, and the Bhikshus invited their special attention in mass murders of non-combatants. The temples and monasteries were their special targets in an orgy of pillage and arson. Those whom they did not kill, they captured and sold as slaves. The magnitude of the booty looted even from the bodies of the dead, was a measure of the success of a military mission. And they did all this as mujahids (holy warriors) and ghazls (kafir-killers) in the service of Allah and his Last Prophet.
Be sure also to see my article about the Mumbai massacre - atrocious beyond words. Note that these horrible and evil deeds were committed explicitly in the name of Islam.
http://freethoughtnation.com/contributing-writers/63-acharya-s/194-...
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|2013-02-05 20:27:53 Mina Zadmehr - Nuclear Weapon PartAbout Nuclear Weapon....I just get 2 add it was Israel which helped shah allah 15 years be4 he scaped!
Mullahhookers JUST TOOK OVER..Then no1 get problem with this "pea cefully" use 4 Energi!
Problem is NOT the nuclearWeapon but the mullahCLOWNS!
Is one night "khamenie" dreams about izlam(shia)last imam mehdi anoth er NIGHT rafsanjani...then it will be "Fight" against them..as babies which of them should push the botten(UP)!
That's the problem which even WE get the problem by that!
What happens when during the fight the third mullahclown omar shows up and dream their own pedophilmuhamad 2push the botten?
As you know since 2009..the hizbullahs mullahhooker omar get a huge band with mullah the OCKUPANTS of Iran!!!
That's why they should be "stopped"!!
Little comersial 4 my youtube-channel..Thank you:
http://www.youtube.com/user/INTHENAMEOFAHOUR?feature=mhee
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|2013-02-07 02:38:20 Cindy - Thank you so much, Mr. Imani!Thank you so much, Mr. Imani! You will never know how much millions of Americans (and citizens of other western countries) admire and appreciate your immense courage, your endurance and perseverance!
We MUST prevail against this 7th century barbaric, ruthless, disgustingly primitive cult masquerading as “one of the world’s great religions.”
I honestly believe that the world IS awakening. We are nearly strong enough against these people, but without you and the other anti-Islam, anti-Islamofascist warriors, we would be in greater peril.
Thank you. God bless you. Keep up your sensational, powerful writing!
Cindy
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|2013-02-07 02:40:44 Bob - Thank youWhat strength, to see so clearly at such an early age – from within the confines of a family cloistered by the yolk of Islam; what strength, what wisdom, from a child! It’s not easy to escape one’s parents’ programming, particularly at a young age! Thus your observations, explanations, and determinations are beautifully clear & sensible, starting points for both captured Islamic minds, as well as the uninitiated, who may yet be deceived, & preyed upon by Islam – points you bring fore, Amil, to commence the fight for freedom – freedom for ourselves, and for our fellow-travelers on this beautiful, but dangerous, journey of life.
Amil, you are my hero
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|2013-02-09 01:57:07 Georgeg - ISLAM is the work of the devilDear Amil
Excellent well written article. Here are some violent and racist versus in the book of the devil.
*There is no separation between Church and State. (Koran chapter 2, verse 193)
* Fighting is prescribed for Muslims. (Koran, chapter 2, verse 216)
* Wives are a field to be used by their husbands as they desire. (Koran, chapter 2, verse 223)
* Men are superior to women. (Koran, chapter 2, verse 22
* Women have half the rights of men in court as a witness. (Koran, chapter 2, verse 282)
* A man may marry up to four wives at the same time. (Koran chapter 4, verse 3)
* Women have half the rights of men in inheritance rights. (Koran chapter 4, verse 11)
* A man may beat his wife. (Koran chapter 4, verse 34)
* No opposition parties are allowed. (Koran chapter 4, verse 59)
* Stealing is punished by the amputation of the hands. (Koran chapter 5, verse 3
* A Muslim must not take a Jew or a Christian for a friend. (Chapter 5, verse 51)
* Muslims must fight until their opponents submit to Islam. (Koran chapter 9, verses 5, 29)
* A Muslim apostate (one who leaves the faith) must be killed. (Koran chapter 9, verse 12)
* Muslims must make war on non-Muslims. (Koran chapter 9, verse 73)
* Adultery is punished by public flogging. (Koran chapter 24, verse 2)
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|2013-02-10 02:11:29 eib - Never forget that you are a Persian.You possess the heritage of Cyrus and Darius, the Persians and the Medes.
The land was famous in the ancient world for the training of horses. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were made for a Medean princess.
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|2013-02-13 21:53:33 Tom - Autonomous LivingThank you for the fine thought's Amil, I enjoyed reading them while drinking my morning addiction called coffee...
Yet another example of the control mechanisms deployed on the masses in disguise as religion. I grew up feeling the same as you but in christian church's not muslim mosque's. Similiar hipocrisy and contradictions that most seem to actually fall for and allow the mind wash to begin. Like you I alway's asked questions and was skeptical in my way of thinking, which didn't take long to find my path away from religion.
Blaming religion soley though to me is missing the finer details of what one could call this paradigm. All around the world I see this control mechanism at play under many disguises, it has many names and many idols so to speak. For example one person brought up the mulsim hindu conflict. True what has been going on within that sector of the globe, but lets not forget also another atrocity has been at play within the hindu system called the Caste System. Like all parts of the planet experiencing the restrictions of free will, there seems to be this pryamidal structure running behind the scenes.
However not to get off track from your subject. Yes you have exposed what many have already learned about the Koran and added to Acharya's depth of study concerning religion in general. Great job and great article.
My concern however is, are we as children behaving so below as above, meaning are we just following in the footsteps of the seemingly negative and controlling forces that govern our lives and if given the opportunity would we improve our lot or fall pray to those same forces of entitlement, nepotisim, caste sytems, fedual systems and so on, that seem to keep rearing it's ugly head all throughout mankinds history. People tend not to put a human head at the top of government, corporations nor the church but a human head is indeed running at the top of this mess. To me the wizard of oz if definitely behind the curtain and he is joined by many others will similiar intent. Like a coiled snake it has many heads or just one, we see the tail but not the head. It has no country it has no allegiance it is hidden and has us playing a game we dare not leave.
These are just my two cents and thoughts again thanks for the articule!
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|2013-02-14 11:08:35 AnonymousFor an excellent analysis of the Quran from the skeptical point of view, see--
http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/quran/index.htm
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|2013-04-08 08:29:13 JAS - re: Thank you so much, Mr. Imani!Cindy wrote:Thank you so much, Mr. Imani! You will never know how much millions of Americans (and citizens of other western countries) admire and appreciate your immense courage, your endurance and perseverance!
We MUST prevail against this 7th century barbaric, ruthless, disgustingly primitive cult masquerading as “one of the world’s great religions.”
I honestly believe that the world IS awakening. We are nearly strong enough against these people, but without you and the other anti-Islam, anti-Islamofascist warriors, we would be in greater peril.
Thank you. God bless you. Keep up your sensational, powerful writing!
Cindy
Yeah I thoroughly agree with you Cindy, we should get rid of Christianity, while we're at it lets get rid of all the other religions too.
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|2013-04-28 10:26:19 Mohammad Yaasir - AuditorMr Amil Imani,
Islam is a beautiful religion. Allah is the only god. (sorry to those of different views..
). do u think that the world would exist on itself? do u think that night becomes day and vice versa by themselves???? do u think that the proportion of day to night and night to day in different seasons are all regulated by themselves?????
The Prophet (SAW) performed jihaad becausse non believers were prosecuting him!!! do u not know the sotry of hazrat bilaal (R.A). how come then u say such things???
i hope allah gives u guidance again.
Saint Andrew