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The Feed: Sept 19

Patrick Abboud hears from former Muslims in Australia who have turned away from extreme Islam, now living double lives.

Tonight The Feed hears from former Muslims in Australia who have turned away from extreme Islam, but are now living double lives.

Journalist Patrick Abboud said: “For years I’d heard whispers that there was a secret network of ex-Muslims living in Australia, and it stayed with me. I wanted to understand why it was so difficult to turn away from this religion. So, when Awal contacted me I knew it was time to tell the story of this underground group of young Aussies turning their back on Islam. Becoming Ex-Muslim is one of the most challenging documentaries I’ve ever worked on, but also one of the most rewarding.”

Names have been changed for these interviews.

A growing movement of young Australians is turning its back on the more conservative forms of Islam. The Feed’s Patrick Abboud has gained exclusive access inside a secret network of young ex-Muslims, as they invite television cameras in to tell their stories for the very first time.

Walking away from any religion comes with consequences, but leaving Islam can be particularly difficult, especially if you’ve been raised with views that are in conflict with the modern and moderate faith practiced by the vast majority of Australian Muslims. Those turning away are living double lives, hiding their decisions from family and community out of fear of abuse and even physical reprisals. That’s certainly the case for the young people who told their story to Patrick Abboud.

They’re rebelling against extreme versions of Islam, like that advocated by Hizb ut-Tahrir, that restricts their freedom and constrains their choices. It’s an interpretation that says apostates – or unbelievers – should be put to death. Out of fear, these ex-Muslims have found refuge in secret meetings online and in person.

Awal*, the 24yo gatekeeper of the hidden ex-Muslim network, believes it’s worth the risk to tell her story in order to normalise the process of leaving Islam in society. Rashti* left the faith after suffering abuse from her father back in Pakistan and she is now an integral member of the group in Australia, and Ahmad* and Urwa* are currently leading double lives, in limbo and relying on the network for support.

Sydney Imam and solicitor, Sheikh Haisam Farache says that Islam in Australia is a broad religion and the extreme conservatism that these young ex-Muslims have rejected is a narrow cultural interpretation practised by few, rather than a religious one.

Muslim group Hizb ut-Tahrir declined to be interviewed for the documentary but described the ex-Muslims in fear of their group as ‘fakes’ in a comment to The Feed.

Sheihk Haisam Farache will answer audience questions live on The Feed Facebook page after the episode from 8pm Tuesday 19 September

*Names have been changed

7.30pm Tuesday 19 September on SBS VICELAND.

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