This year, we demand an end to apostophobia, because leaving Islam is a human right!

Apostophobia, or the fear, hatred, discomfort with, hostility towards, or discrimination against apostates, is rampant in Muslim families and Islamic states because apostasy is a forbidden and punishable sin in Islam, by death according to Shariah.

With no or restricted access to support, safety and freedom, Ex-Muslims are continuing to suffer hateful, violent and fatal consequences like being disowned, abused, imprisoned or even killed, just for leaving Islam.

This Ex-Muslim Awareness Month in December 2024, we invite you to share your stories of apostophobia, amplify Ex-Muslim voices, and join in calling an end to the hate and harm people experience for leaving Islam!

2024 Ex-Muslim Awareness Month Hashtags

#EndApostophobia #ExMuslimAwarenessMonth

Definition of Apostophobia:

Apostophobia is the fear, hatred, discomfort with, hostility to, or discrimination against Apostates. This sentiment is a form or racism and a person who harbours it is called an Apostophobic. Apostates are described as people who have left a religious in-group to join an out-group, left their religious in-group and became non-religious, or left a religious out-group to join another out-group.

About Ex-Muslim Awareness Month

Ex-Muslim Awareness Month was born out of the Ex-Muslim Subreddit and organized for the first time in 2022 by Haram Doodles! Together with a coalition of Ex-Muslims, including content creators, organisations, and communities of apostates worldwide, this month is dedicated to raising awareness of Ex-Muslims, celebrating the right to apostasy, and advocating for our freedom to leave Islam.

Held immediately after “Islamophobia Awareness Month” in November, Ex-Muslim Awareness Month shines a light on the unique challenges faced by those who have left Islam. For many, this decision comes with life-altering consequences — from community rejection and isolation to threats of violence, persecution, and even death.

Why Ex-Muslim Awareness Month?

For Ex-Muslims, leaving Islam is often a journey fraught with danger, trauma, and loss of community. Apostasy is forbidden in Islam, and leaving the faith can lead to ostracisation, harm, or even state-sanctioned punishment. Most Ex-Muslims are forced to remain hidden to protect themselves from serious risks. This month provides a crucial space for raising awareness, offering support, and promoting the right to freedom of belief.

Get Involved and Support Ex-Muslim Awareness Month by:

• Following and amplifying Ex-Muslim voices on social media using hashtags #ExMuslimMonth, #ExMuslimAwarenessMonth, and #ExMuslimAwarenessMonth2024 #EndApostophobia.
• Learning about Ex-Muslims and the challenges they face. If you’re unfamiliar, start with googling “apostasy in Islam” or explore Ex-Muslim communities on Reddit, Discord, and Telegram.
• Joining a local or online Ex-Muslim organisation, volunteering, or donating to Ex-Muslim causes.
• Advocating safely for Ex-Muslim rights within your own communities, among friends, or even on a policy level.

Let’s work together to make sure that no one has to live in fear for questioning or leaving their faith. This month and beyond, get to know Ex-Muslims, learn about our stories, and support our journey toward freedom and acceptance.