When Muslims leave Islam, it can feel disheartening for the community, but Imam Mustapha Omar explains why this phenomenon should neither shake our faith nor cause us to lose sleep. Just like dropping out of the best university does not diminish the institution, leaving Islam does not affect the religion itself. It only affects the individual who makes that unfortunate choice.
Why People Leave and How to Prevent It
Most people who leave Islam never had a solid foundation to begin with. They have been hit by a barrage of doubts from an industry dedicated to attacking Islam, with over 60,000 publications written against it in the last century alone. Like a skilled attorney trying to discredit a credible witness, the enemies of Islam throw a thousand arguments hoping just one will stick and create enough doubt to pull someone away.
“Allah has given us freedom of choice, and when things like this happen, I actually look at it as proof that Allah has given us that freedom. If we do not see that choice being manifested around us, we would almost start doubting. The freedom is there, and we see it.” — Imam Mustapha Omar
Practical Advice for Those Struggling with Doubt
- Start reading the Islamic position on the issues troubling you instead of only consuming content from critics of Islam
- Maintain self-discipline and keep practicing your Islam while you search for answers
- Seek out qualified scholars and ask them your specific questions directly
- Read “God, Islam and the Skeptic Mind” (second edition) for thorough counter-arguments to common doubts
- Keep asking Allah for guidance with sincerity and humility, and He will guide you to the truth
The Key Ingredient: Sincerity
“Do not be arrogant in your approach. Do not start mocking scholars or Muslims. Just be humble, be sincere, and be someone who is searching for the truth. If you are sincere, Allah will guide you down the right path.” — Imam Mustapha Omar
If you are on the verge of leaving Islam, know that the answers exist but you may not have been searching in the right places. Maintain your connection with Allah, approach your doubts with humility rather than arrogance, and invest the effort to find qualified people who can address your concerns. Islam has withstood 1,400 years of attacks and remains the fastest growing way of life on earth because the truth cannot be defeated.
