By joining the organization, I would be able to raise my voice and support for those whose lives have been and are still being oppressed, especially women and children, by the religious leaders of Islam who are obstinate beyond reason about the perceived truthfulness of Islam and lack even an inkling of empathy. Also, I would like to contribute in any way I can towards critically analyzing the doctrine of these self-proclaimed guardians of morality and the world so that they are not able to impose their rigid ideology upon others with as much ease as they can presently. I believe that the council will allow me to enhance my own awareness of the issues affecting us all and by reciprocal exchange. I myself might also be able to add my perspective or help in any other way possible for the council as a whole and for its members too. Finally, this council will give me sense of belonging and an opportunity to share my views with like minded people, which is so essential for a happy and positively contributing life.

My own journey of freedom from the bonds of Islam started when I was in 10th grade and 16 years old. I began to have many doubts about the religious doctrines of a benevolent creator in face of so much cruelty, and omnipotence in face of so much that casts doubt on the goodness of such omnipotence. However, opposition of friends, family members, and school teachers took its toll on me and I somewhat reverted back to faith after being ignored and humiliated. The next phase began about 4-5 years from the present time, when I was in university and was fuelled by my revolt against the morality as preached in Islam and rising interest in philosophy. Slowly and gradually, I felt the knots cast around myself by the quranic injunctions/teachings unravel and I began to exhale the air of freedom and reason. It was an exhilarating experience and I felt something like the childhood innocence having returned back. I have not looked back ever since and have observed a very significant increase in my happiness, empathy for my fellow beings, and reasoning capabilities despite losing touch with the larger society.