Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is Fazal Khaliq Mashwani, and I am from Afghanistan. On 4th September 2024, I arrived in London on a student visa. I was born and raised in a Muslim family, but over the last three years, as the terrorist group, the Taliban, who claim to be the best Muslims, took control of Afghanistan, I began to question the reality of Islam. The Taliban assert that their every action reflects Islam and that they are merely implementing Islamic law.
In Islam, questioning the religion is not encouraged; instead, followers are expected to believe blindly. This made it difficult for me to ask why Islam permits certain things that seem to contradict basic human rights, particularly in relation to women, inequality, and violence. After much contemplation, I came to the conclusion that Islam is not a true religion. If it were, it would not promote hatred, violence against women, and hostility towards non-Muslims, slavery, and terrorism (I have references for all of these points). Consequently, I no longer believe in Islam and have lost my faith in any god.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban are enforcing Islamic law on everyone. Girls are prohibited from attending schools, universities, or working. They cannot go out of the house alone or raise their voices. Women must cover their entire bodies, yet even then, they are not allowed to pursue education because, according to the Taliban, they tempt men. Men are forced to grow beards, are banned from getting lower fades in their hair, wearing neckties, listening to music, or having relationships with women. The Taliban also force people to pray five times a day and often check their phones for evidence of dissent.
As someone who no longer believes in Islam, I felt like I was losing my mind witnessing such brutal acts. I refused to pray, was in a relationship with a girl, joined several atheism groups, liked atheism pages on Facebook, and voiced my support for atheism on TikTok. I often found myself in arguments with Muslims who justified these actions in the name of Islam. These arguments placed me at risk of being accused of blasphemy. Had I remained in Afghanistan, someone would likely have reported me to the Taliban, or they would have discovered my views by checking my phone. The punishment for apostasy in Islam, especially under Taliban rule, is death (I have references for this).
Fortunately, I was able to come to London, where I can freely express my beliefs and condemn the brutal actions against women and freedom. However, I cannot return to Afghanistan. Under Islamic law, particularly as enforced by the Taliban, the punishment for leaving Islam is death. Therefore, I am seeking asylum in the United Kingdom for my safety.
Kindly, contact me as soon as possible and arrange a meeting for me with Miss Maryam Namazie, or connect me to her through email.
The Humanists UK recommended me talking to her about my issue.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Fazal Khaliq Mashwani