Former Muslims in Europe: Between Secularity and Belonging

The study examines the experiences of people moving out of Islam in the UK and the Netherlands, challenging the antagonistic debate between 'the religious and 'the secular' and advocating for recognition of the ambiguity that most people live in. It adds nuance to understandings of secularity and Muslim identities in Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the contemporary Western European academic, media, and socio-political realms, Muslims are predominantly perceived through the lens of heightened religiosity. This religiosity is often viewed as problematic, particularly in the context of securitized discourses surrounding Islamist terrorism. However, there are discernible signs that a significant proportion of individuals who were raised in Muslim families have either abandoned Islam or self-identify as non-religious.

To explore the experiences of individuals leaving Islam, this study conducts fieldwork in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. It critically challenges the binary nature of the debate between 'the religious' and 'the secular,' or who is considered in and who is deemed out. It advocates for a recognition of the inherent ambiguity that permeates most of our lives. Through its detailed examination of various forms of leaving Islam, this study provides valuable insights into understanding secularity and Muslim identities in Europe.

The study reveals that moving out of Islam is a multifaceted and complex process that encompasses various factors such as personal beliefs, social pressures, and cultural clashes. It highlights the diverse experiences of individuals who have left the religion, including those who have transitioned to other faiths, those who have become atheists or agnostics, and those who have simply abandoned their religious practices.

One of the key findings of the study is that the debate surrounding secularism and Islam often oversimplifies the complexities of individual experiences. It suggests that the binary classification of people as either religious or secular ignores the fact that many individuals navigate a complex spectrum of beliefs and practices. The study argues that recognition of this ambiguity is essential for developing a more nuanced understanding of secularity and Muslim identities in Europe.

Furthermore, the study highlights the social and cultural factors that contribute to the phenomenon of moving out of Islam. It explores how social norms, family expectations, and religious discrimination can influence individuals' decisions to leave the religion. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by those who leave Islam, including marginalization, prejudice, and social exclusion.

To address these challenges, the study proposes several recommendations. It calls for greater empathy and understanding from society towards individuals who leave Islam. It suggests that policymakers and educators should promote inclusive and respectful dialogue that recognizes the diversity of Muslim identities and encourages interfaith understanding.

In conclusion, this study contributes to the growing body of research on secularism and Muslim identities in Europe. It provides a nuanced understanding of the experiences of individuals leaving Islam and challenges the binary narratives that dominate the discourse surrounding these issues. By recognizing the ambiguity that most of us live in, the study advocates for a more inclusive and respectful approach to secularism and Muslim identities in Europe.

Weight: 403g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367698591