You have a right to be free.
The freedom of conscience is guaranteed by the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18.
Whether you wish to convert to Christianity or some other religion, or have no religion at all, you have a right to live in peace, free from fear.
If you are in the U.S. and are being harassed or threatened for leaving Islam, you have recourse. Contact the local police. Contact us at writeatlas@aol.com and director@jihadwatch.org if they don't understand or dismiss your plight. We will call public attention to your case, which will make it more difficult for you to be harmed.
And here are some resources:
This is a comprehensive site showing the human origins of the Qur'an, the truth about Muhammad, giving you answers to arguments in favor of Islam, and much more. Note: it is a Christian site, written from a Christian perspective. But anyone interested in Islam, and in leaving Islam, will find it a valuable resource.
Leaving Islam: Apostates Speak Out by Ibn Warraq
This book contains the stories of Muslims from all walks of life -- Muslims like you who have made the difficult decision to be free.
The Truth About Muhammad by Robert Spencer
The eye-opening truth about Islam's founder, from Islam's core texts.
Women's shelters in the Miami area (site of the first SIOA Religious Freedom Campaign):
Women of Power Restoration Program - elpoderdelaoracion.org
12100 SW 218 STREET, Cutler Bay - (786) 226-7883
Miami Women's & Children Shelter - miamirescuemission.com
2250 Northwest 1st Avenue, Miami - (305) 571-2250
Women's Shelter of Hope
Miami - (305) 886-5001
May God bless you, Pamela and Robert!
Posted by: haver yavani | 04/13/2010 at 11:04 AM
Great site.
No problem providing information for people moving from Islam to Christianity, but please be up front in your description about the "Answering Islam" site. The site name and description are misleading in that they totally hide half of the purpose of the Answering Islam site, as stated by that site's bi-line: "christian-muslim dialog".
Just 3 sentences above you invite initiates of "some other religion" and even of "no religion at all", then you direct these victims of Muslim proselytization and belligerence to a site where they will be proselytized to by Christian apologists. Of course you are legally allowed to proselytize to anybody, including vulnerable people seeking refuge, but couldn't you show some compassion and just "defend" them in their time of need, per the stated purpose of your site here?
Posted by: blaine | 04/13/2010 at 01:29 PM
Hmmm...
I have to say, although this is certainly a noble project that needs exposure, I'm not very impressed with the options of "contact the local police" and then, if that doesn't work, public attention.
I'd think one of the last things an Apostate - especially a woman or underage teen - would want is public attention, and I am doubtful local law enforcement even has the ability to protect them, certainly not long term.
Women need shelter and way to gain independence from family, so its good to see some shelters taking part. But I wonder if they are capable of dealing with, not only an abusive husbands, but abusive brothers, fathers, sons, and even male members of the community who are unrelated.
And as we are witnessing in the Rifqa Bary case, children fleeing from islam open a whole new can of legal worms.
I'd like to see SIOA start muslimah friendly shelters that can protect women from male family members and ease her transition from islam (if she chooses) while preparing her for an independent life.
I'd also like to see SIOA start a Q&A type billboard service to answer questions about islam, maybe even post most common questions and answers on the billboards themselves.
I believe in SIOA, and I have made a modest contribution. I realize the organization is new and may take some time to reach its stride. Just tossing out a few ideas.
Posted by: DJM | 04/14/2010 at 05:00 AM
This site is a good idea...You can work out any bugs as you go...I'm sure you will get lots of suggestions for how to do that...
Posted by: duh_swami | 04/14/2010 at 06:06 AM
You guys are original Bravehearts! I would contact the local jiujitsu clubs for physical bodyguard if needed! They might be willing to donate their services for the cause!
http://www.youtube.com/user/submissions101?blend=1&ob=4
Posted by: Amwiser Kafira | 04/14/2010 at 06:44 AM
From France where we are in the front line,
We are with you !
Posted by: Baudricourt | 04/14/2010 at 02:48 PM
Dear SIOA,
"You have a right to be free." is the best possible opening but it's followed by "The freedom of conscience is guaranteed by the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18."
The UN isn't the source of rights and anyone who knows anything about, or the makeup of the UN might not feel too comforted by its Human Rights declarations.
Perhaps you can mine something from Ayn Rand: http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/individual_rights.html
Posted by: Melinda | 04/15/2010 at 06:56 AM
It's truely a shame when in USA the Evil Islamic people have political pull. I remember a time not so long ago that people here stood up for their faith, now we have so many outsiders immigrating here and a sorry federal govt. that stands by and fails in it's only job...protecting the citizens. They say we have a threat of Islamic terrorist's yet their actions deny that, by leaving our borders wide open! The time is coming and now is that we must fight the dark forces of Islam. Miami newspaper has pulled the advertisement for this site and in Chicago the city busses are mobile billboards for Islam. We all need to contact and boycott any and all organisations promoting this hate group posing as a religion called Islam.
Posted by: Vinny the Hand | 04/16/2010 at 09:36 AM
Re eddie:
If you are so certain that nobody will leave your perfect religion, then the SIOA campaigns are entirely useless, as they will have no clients. You should be very happy. You may want to make a tax-exempt contribution, to perpetuate these useless campaigns which distract these anti-Islamists from saying nasty things about Muhammad.
Ex-Muslims:
I hope that you take advantage of the services being offered, and that, after you are safe yourself, you can offer advice here for others in similar situations. You can see right here that people like "eddie" consider critics of Islam to be sub-human. As a defector, you are not only viewed as a pig, but a pig who deserves to be butchered. I hope you take some comfort knowing that, even though it may look like nobody in America believes that any "real" Muslim would look at you this way, SIOA both understands and commiserates with you
Posted by: Blaine Simpson | 04/18/2010 at 09:38 AM
Admins: I suggest that you heavily moderate comments at this site.
Debating the benefits of Islam back and forth has little benefit to victims of Islam, who are the primary intended audience here. This is an explicit advocacy site just like the Calling Islam site, and there should be no expectation for free debate.
The "blessings" comments are also counter-productive. Those who are victims of Islam are probably ready to puke from thousands of pleasant reminders about the gracious Allah. Our apostates will be all too aware that these aggressive proselytizers are motivated by their belief that Allah hovers above waiting (impatiently) to annihilate deniers.
Posted by: blaine | 04/24/2010 at 06:45 AM
Is this offer of aid valid to apostates who are fleeing for life from Islam outside of the United States?
Posted by: Adeline Lindholm | 04/25/2010 at 10:23 AM
GOD BLESS YOU for this blog. I read about the blog in the NY DAILY NEWS (article today - may 26th) and ITS ABOUT TIME!
Basically - the islamic 'faith' has been perverted by radicals into the demonic 'jihad' movement- and i truly believe ALL Westerners are at risk in coming years.
The demographics are scary in most muslim countries = most of them having 50% + of the pop under the age of 30 - highly unemployed- angry-and out for blood- our blood.
However- if you look at their birth rate- it is staggering- and soon Islam will be (if its not already) the dominant world religion.
I am very concerned as - to me- islam (in its current state) is not a religion - but a demonic cult........
So- i hope your message is heard-and resonates with more people.
One last thing- where is the woman's lib movement in all of this- or are they not concerned that if the trajectory continues - they will be forced not to drive, to learn, and to cover their bodies and basically be kept like a dog by their master?
I would think women in general would be much more concerned than they are by what is happening.....
anyway- thanks for giving me a place to ramble -and GOOD LUCK
Posted by: ajb | 05/26/2010 at 09:52 AM
i think this website is wasteless.if anyone needs help ,they have to had 2 call the police right away.BUT if anyone wants to be a desprate CELEB on this website and be on on TV ,the would send the word plz help to this websit
i am a muslim.i'm proud of my relegion.i love my relegion.no one gorced me to do anything.my relegion taught me with the good morals .we do not honor killing.LOOK IN THE QURAN u'll see that killing has no place in our relegion.
this website is USELESS .stop fighting our relegion plz.
Posted by: me.yahoo.com/a/C0bWxid3mNsWKA0PNHOKPl43.lS6 | 09/18/2010 at 07:58 AM