1740: Haafizah Bhamjee on Ex-Muslims, Apostasy, Women’s Rights, and Secularism in South Africa
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Medium (Personal)
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2026/08/16
“I grew up in a relatively conservative Indian family in Johannesburg. I was raised Muslim, but often found religion disinteresting and restrictive.”
“Often times, I felt isolated inside of that community because I thought differently to my peers and the people around me.”
“Looking back, I regret the time lost.”
“I’ve been involved in different kinds of activism and human rights advocacy since I was a teenager.”
“Women, almost always, get the shorter end of the stick.”
“Being able to see inequality as immoral was revolutionary for me.”
“Choosing to foreground my desire for dignity and respect was what led me towards questioning faith itself.”
“Many ex-Muslims still live in fear and secrecy, despite the secular democratic laws that protect freedoms and choices.”
“Leaving Islam is often met with shaming and violence.”
“Solidarity amongst atheists and free-thinkers is important in order to create a united face against the persistent rise of religiosity.”
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