“The documentary film featured the personal testimonies of ex-Muslims who have faced death threats, severe abuse and ostracization [sic] from their communities for leaving Islam….Some students found the event insensitive given the political climate, while others thought the event promoted discrimination. In the glass display case for Freethinkers, a note was left which read, ‘Atheist Islamophobia is not okay.’ Across campus, many flyers for the event were vandalized or torn down.”
The film is about Muslims being victimized, and the knee-jerk reaction of Leftist and Islamic supremacist students at Portland State University is that this makes Muslims victims. The plight of the ex-Muslims depicted in the film is lost in the brouhaha.
“In some traditional and conservative interpretations of Islam, death and imprisonment are punishments for apostasy.” Actually, the idea that apostates should be killed is the dominant mainstream in Islam, not just an idea held by those who favor “traditional and conservative interpretations.” The death penalty for apostasy is part of Islamic law. It’s based on the Qur’an: “They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah. But if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper.” (Qur’an 4:89)
A hadith depicts Muhammad saying: “Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him” (Bukhari 9.84.57). The death penalty for apostasy is part of Islamic law according to all the schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
This is still the position of all the schools of Islamic jurisprudence, both Sunni and Shi’ite. Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the most renowned and prominent Muslim cleric in the world, has stated: “The Muslim jurists are unanimous that apostates must be punished, yet they differ as to determining the kind of punishment to be inflicted upon them. The majority of them, including the four main schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) as well as the other four schools of jurisprudence (the four Shiite schools of Az-Zaidiyyah, Al-Ithna-‘ashriyyah, Al-Ja’fariyyah, and Az-Zaheriyyah) agree that apostates must be executed.”
Qaradawi also once famously said: “If they had gotten rid of the apostasy punishment, Islam wouldn’t exist today.”
But at Portland State University, to quote such statements is “Islamophobia.” Incidentally, I spoke at Portland State University a few years ago. Just before I was about to start, I was told that the Muslim Students Association was having a meeting at that moment in the same building. I immediately went over to the MSA meeting and invited them to come to my event and engage in free discussion and/or debate. None of the Muslim students took me up on my offer.
“Documentary on ‘ex-Muslims’ sparks contentious debate at Portland State,” by Andy Ngo, The Ex-Muslim, November 25, 2016:
This is a guest post by Andy Ngo. He is a graduate student in political science at Portland State University. His academic interests include political Islam and secularism in the Middle East and North Africa. He can be reached on twitter at @MrAndyNgo and email at ango@pdx.edu .
On Nov. 23, over 60 people attended the screening of Islam’s Non-Believers at Portland State University. The documentary film featured the personal testimonies of ex-Muslims who have faced death threats, severe abuse and ostracization [sic] from their communities for leaving Islam. The film’s director, Deeyah Khan, is a Muslim and human rights activist.
The event was hosted by secular humanist student group, Freethinkers of PSU.
Controversy surrounded the event in the weeks leading up to the screening. Some students found the event insensitive given the political climate, while others thought the event promoted discrimination. In the glass display case for Freethinkers, a note was left which read, “Atheist Islamophobia is not okay.” Across campus, many flyers for the event were vandalized or torn down.
In response to the backlash, two ex-Muslim women featured in the documentary issued statements which were read or shown at the screening. “I hope you realize that discriminating against ex-Muslims is not an excuse to validate your savior complex,” Rayhana said in a pre-recorded video message.
Sadia sent Freethinkers of PSU a written statement. It read in part, “Islam’s Non-Believers was such an important documentary because for the first time ex-Muslims have been given a face and a voice. It has made us human.”
Despite the controversy leading up to the event, the screening proceeded without any disruptions. Dr. Peter Boghossian, professor of philosophy at PSU, facilitated a group discussion after the film ended.
In attendance were ex-Muslims of Saudi Arabian, Pakistani, Egyptian, Jordanian and Iranian backgrounds. Some of them shared their thoughts with the diverse audience, which included practicing Muslims. Several ex-Muslims requested that video cameras be turned off due to fears they could be publicly outed as apostates and because of concerns for their physical safety.
Apostasy is the act of leaving one’s religion. In some traditional and conservative interpretations of Islam, death and imprisonment are punishments for apostasy.
One Muslim woman in attendance objected to the narrative presented in the film. “The punishment for apostasy in the Qur’an is not death,” she said. “The Qur’an is written in Arabic and most people from Bangladesh, India and other parts don’t speak Arabic.” Two native Arabic speakers later challenged this assertion when they recited several Qur’anic verses which can be interpreted as prescribing death for those who reject God.
At one point, Boghossian had to interject in the contentious discussion. “We could be here for weeks if we are going to engage in an exegetical debate about Islamic theology and interpretation,” Boghossian said.
Despite strong disagreements, the discussion remained civil and engaging throughout the evening. Toward the end of the discussion, an Arab student pleaded to the audience: “To the people who are afraid to criticize Islam … I implore you to think about the minority within the minority. [Religion] is defended every day. The minority with the minority does not have a voice.”…

scott says
I hope with the Donald, as president this b.s.will stop once and for all.
Robeaver says
Do not hold your breath. Business may supersede religion, or the middles class.
LR says
What bs? This is great! There was a film, and discussion and debate, and no terrible problems. There were ex-muslims and Muslims in the audience. This is good. This is what needs to happen in this country. This is what is suppose to happen in this country. Free and open debate.
Allan says
Peter Boghossian is a rather interesting character, as you can see by reading his Wikipedia entry, esp. the section about his “Views”. For example, he’s not a conservative, but he insists that “the regressive left have taken over academia.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Boghossian
LR says
Allan,
If you want to read about PC crud, and the fight one professor is giving it, look up Jordan Peterson at Toronto U.
I am sickened by all this PC bs, and I am not ‘conservative’.
JIMJFOX says
“the regressive left have taken over academia.”
And he is is DEAD RIGHT on this. Students are so easily brainwashed.
Alien Republican says
Atheist “islamophobia” is not ok ? There is hope then, that some brand of “islamphobia” is ok.
Salome says
Indeed, I’d have thought in a student context, atheist Islamophobia would be the only kind that would be respectable. After all, ‘religion’ is bad, mkay. The inability of the atheists to tell the difference between Islam and all the religions in the world that don’t kill apostates should be enough to show that they are being evenhanded and therefore not discriminating against Islam.
PRCS says
Salome,
Lumping all atheists together, as you have, brings the “basket of deplorables” line to mind.
I know for certain that some atheists are very able to “tell the difference” between Islam and other religions.
Robeaver says
Do not hold your breath. Business may supersede religion, or the middles class.
Carolyne says
I am an Atheist and I find these denigrations of Atheists to be uninformed, to say the least. I respect religions which do not wish to kill me or force me to convert. I have no respect for Islam basically because of it’s philosophy of mistreating women and forcing their nonsense on pain of death. If someone wishes to say a prayer at a public event, such as a football game, that’s fine with me, so long as they do not expect me to join in. I don’t object to Christmas or Hanukah decorations on public property. Its basically, leave me alone and I will gladly leave you alone.
I do not believe praying to a God to end suffering makes sense because if a God were able to do that, why is there suffering in the world? Would a God just leave “His people” to their own devices and not prevent their persecution? Why does “He” allow it in the first place?
I know that religions differ, from the pacifist Quakers to the bloodthirsty Muslims.
gravenimage says
Good post, Carolyne.
gravenimage says
Salome, clearly *these* Atheists objected to the savagery of Islam.
cs says
Islamic terrorism is A OK. Nice one, US is degenerating, Trump got in in the last round of the fight to try in turning over the game.
CrossWare says
The only people should ever get rescued from islamic hellholes are Christians and apostates. Return all moslems into their little cradles and then close the border and throw away the key. Their “islamic scientific inventions” will protect them from starvation! (all lowercase were intentional!)
Carolyne says
I think you left a few people out. The Jews should be rescued, the Atheists should be rescued. In fact, all non-Muslims should be rescued and leave the idiotic progeny from centuries of first cousin marriages to their own shit holes. That’s what they like. That’s who they are. Give them what they like. It’s the kind thing to do.
gravenimage says
Yes–*all* Infidels are at risk in Dar-al-Islam.
Crusades Were Right! says
The REAL definition of “Islamophobia”:
(noun) A word that Mohammedans, communists, feminists and other enemies of Western Civilisation use in order to silence critics of Mohammedan efforts to conquer the West by suggesting that those who would resist such conquest are merely bigots.
Itzrak says
Alternatively. ” Islamophobia is a term created by fascists and used by cowards to manipulate morons.”
Oliver says
Alternatively-to people who seem to think like Itzrak-above.
people who think Muslims are just like other people, with the same love of life; and want peace.
or, in other words, people with their heads up their butts.
gravenimage says
Um, Oliver, where did Itzrak say that “Muslims are just like other people, with the same love of life; and want peace”?
JawsV says
PSU is filled with liberal retards.
linnte says
Jaws, the whole state of Oregon in the Western side of the Cascades is Liberal Leftists. It is hard to find conservatives, even in the Churches!
Hoping the documentary discussed here will get people thinking, and at LEAST cause them to read the Qur’an to “prove how peaceful it is”, like I did. It changed my life! Prayers also for those ex Muslims who have become atheist, that may find Jesus and his freedom.
JIMJFOX says
” ex Muslims who have become atheist, that may find Jesus”
Ever thought they have had a gutful of religion??
Western Canadian says
Little jimmy, your pathetic religion of atheism is second on a scale of utterly pathetic worthless and based entirely on ignorance. The only religion worse, is islam. Apologies to all decent atheists out there. The @sshole ones are really hard to stomach.
Veka Fitzfrancis says
We aren’t all retards. PSU is my Alma Mater, and in 2012 when I graduated things were already really bad. PSU was (and probably still is) accepting Saudi money to ‘educate’ it’s citizens. Almost overnight the campus was flooded with black niqab wearing woman who openly paid other people to sit their exams and write their papers. The Young Republican club held a showing a video discussing jihad (with no mention of religion, amazingly enough) and the Muslim Student Association showed up to threaten the club members.
There are conservatives out there, but we are damnably quiet about it because advocating a pro Constitution stance will get you flunked out of most classes.
Carolyne says
I think we sort of discovered the mindset of many Portlandites by the riots after the election. They neither believe in nor practice democracy.
Muhammad's Ghost says
*Portlanders
Don’t over generalize. It’s a very liberal city but those protesters do not represent everyone.
gravenimage says
True, MG–I live in Oakland, and those idiots burning dumpsters on the news don’t represent me.
Oliver says
Carolyne–I think that you will find this amusing (I heard this on the radio, and was told that there is a video of it- but I never saw one, nor looked for one).
During the riots, a male protester was using a baseball bat, and hitting a metal covering (I think of a utility meter or similar); the cover swung open, and hit a female protester in the face.
She ( female protester) attacked male protester Then the other protesters . joined in-some on each side (the radio person did not say if the sides were even, or if all women vs all men, etc)-just that it became a free for all. Then, still other protesters decided to stop the fighting-then they got beaten up by the two groups fighting.
I think ( and hope) that they all got smashed up good. And all are now sterile and unable to propagate the pieces of garbage that they are.
I found it amusing.
i would also bet that there were police around, and that they found it amusing.
Lucia Bartoli says
These anti-American schools SHO of be fined and/or shuttered. Yet a new hyphenation: atheist-islamophobia? For the love of God, will someone shut these ahole professors up? Tell the students who think they’ve got iron balls or steel ovaries to go to those countries and spend one full week watching the leftovers of those raped, stoned, beheaded while being protected by real grown ups (troops) who look st this every day! Can u imagine your little boy being raped or your little girl sold off and shared by numerous men? Well–that’s a truth u apparently haven’t learned yet. Do grow the F up!
J-pal says
Dear Lucia
THANK YOU!
Yes, since the word “islamophobia” (whoever used it for the first time ever on this Sacred Planet), consists of islam and phobia, there MUST be some adequate REASON for inventing this combination…it wasn’t there 20 years ago, was it?
But some people “read world history with extremely thick filter” to scan events and texts ONLY in their own (brainwashed state) views of “life”. When it comes to islam, it has barely one eye left…what can be left after brainwashing away all the synapses??? Only the reptile brain…
Religion has to do with four relationships… God, Man, Nature and Self (if there is a self /buddhist do not recognise the concept of “self”)… But, the so-called “islam” is not healing relationships, they are severing ALL THESE FOUR relationships, why I assume this is not at all in any aspect “A Religion”… So, “what is islam?” Is a very relevant question to me… how about you?
David Pimentel says
In short, Islam is purely a tyrannical political ideology that is wrapped in a thin veil of religious rhetoric and rites.
Carolyne says
I believe that most, if not all, religions teach that their “God” is to be feared. Most of these “Gods” are benevolent if not crossed, but if crossed, there’s the devil to pay (Pardon me, I couldn’t resist.) It seems that Allah is permanently in a bad mood and the slightest infringement of his rules will cause you to experience great suffering on earth and in the afterworld.
One of Allah’s most important rules is that all mankind believe in and obey him and he sends out his disciples to see that His will is done. By force if needed. If force doesn’t do the trick, then death.
Cretius says
Islam is a political ideology that uses its claim of being a religion to attempt to set up a parallel system of Islamic laws and courts, called Sharia, in every country that it enters. This is the action of a political ideology, not a religion. Islam’s goal is, and always has been, the establishment of Islamic totalitarianism worldwide.
Be aware that Muslims abhor and are terrified of the TRUTH. They always label persons who reveal the facts about Islam as Islamophobes, Racists or Bigots when in fact and reality, all we are doing is revealing the bigoted teachings of Islam and it’s aggressive and bloody 1,400 year holy war against non-believers that continues to the present. Unfortunately, the useful idiots on the Left continue to enable this holy war.
Western Canadian says
Carolyne, once again you demonstrate that your own belief system,atheism, is based on ignorance and bigotry.
JIMJFOX says
“Religion has to do with four relationships… God, Man, Nature and Self”
The SINGLE word that covers ALL of it is…. DELUSION.
Western Canadian says
And, little jimmy, the most sickening, ignorance based delusion of them all, is of course atheism, as preached and practiced by @ssholes like you.
Tjhawk says
“Atheist islamophobia is NOT OK”
Beating down the free and open search for the truth with the term “islamophobia” is NOT OK!!
Holly McMolly says
The cause of individual liberty must be defended at every step. Religious people, whether Muslims, Jews or Christians, must be opposed. What is at stake is secular democracy, and the progress of science.
Oliver says
Holly,
MANY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE, whom you feel must be OPPOSED, have made great contributions to society, over the centuries.
I AM NOT AWARE, HERE IN THE US, WHERE RELIGIOUS JEWS OR RELIGIOUS CHRISTIANS ARE A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY OR SCIENCE.
Some of these people (religious or otherwise) might have views that you disagree with BUT THAT IS THE SIGN OF A DEMOCRACY.
Carolyne says
Why must religious people be opposed? I don’t believe in religion, but I certainly do not oppose those who do unless and until they wish to harm me. My life has never been threatened by a Christian or a Jew. Nor a Hindu. With Islam, the threat is permanent and every day. It is their creed. It is their identity,
PRCS says
With you on many, maybe most of your comments.
So long as religious folks aren’t trying to impose their beliefs upon me, to infringe upon my rights–legislatively–I’m not very concerned.
As Islam authorizes/approves/mandates/expects violence to achieve its ultimate goal, Muslims bear considerable watching.
balafama says
hollymolly u know nothing about secular democracy or whatever u call it if u think religions must be opposed . the religious in america and britain have given their lives to protect democracy more than any atheists have . atheists have been shown to be the worst authoritarians just look at lenin,stalin ,kimjung un all evil despots . the only science atheists end up promoting is destructive nuclear science ,think north korea and communist russia while impoverishing their citizens .u really haven thot this through have u .shove it
PRCS says
Not all atheists, balafama.
Carolyne says
Muslims have also given their lives to protect their way of life, but that doesn’t earn them any honor. I don’t think that religion is a good acid test to determine who and what must be opposed. Nazis also gave their lives in battle. Are we to then say they were honorable in doing so? Of course not.
To me, if one gives one’s life for a cause, the highest honor is to give one’s like in defense of one’s home and family, children, country–not revel in blood and gore as Muslims do for the sheer joy of blood lust.
Honor, not religion is the determining factor.
JIMJFOX says
Better yet- as Patton said-
“War is not meant to be you dying for your country-it is by making
the other bastard die for his.”
There is no ‘honor’ in war.
gravenimage says
balafama, there are a lot of civilized Atheists here–including on this thread.
Kay says
What planet are you from Holly?
Western Canadian says
From planet ‘ignorance-bigotry’,of course.
gravenimage says
Ridiculous–most faiths are not a threat to democracy.
Angemon says
Well, what kind of islamopobia is OK then? Christian? Jewish? Hindu? Buddhist? Maybe muslim? Is that it? The only OK – i.e., acceptable by the “right” (meaning left) thinking crowd – islamophobia is muslim islamophobia? I mean, I’ve certainly seen sunnis going after shias and shias going after sunnis, and shias and sunnis ganging up on ahmadi, and not a peep from the left on that (unless, of course, they were trying to blame the West for it, using mental gymnastics that would make the combined US and Russian Olympic teams, by comparison, look like uncoordinated mongoloids trying to hump a door knob).
No, seriously, I want to know what kind of “islamophobia” is OK so I can start practising it 🙂
This singling out is simply a shaming tactic – and one directed at the people who are, by definition, not expected to “respect” or pull punches on any religion: atheists. I mean, are atheists supposed to feel ashamed because someone says their criticism of a specific religion is “phobia”?
“Saviour complex”
😀 😀 😀
F***ing ace, lass – I’m going to borrow that expression and use it liberally as a replacement to the ageing “unwarranted moral superiority”
Religion of peace – unless you want out…
Of course she did. There’s always one, isn’t it? You can quote whatever islamic sources you want, as well as point out whatever number of historic examples you can find, there’ll always be a muslim saying that’s all false and unislamic.
Yes, it is. In any case, islamic law doesn’t derive from the quran alone. Nice misdirection.
Well, so what? Are they unable to know what the quran says? Are there no translations of the quran into their respective languages? And what do those who do speak Arabic say?
BAM! – in your face, bitch!
Carolyne says
That, Angemon, is pure brilliance–=-particularly your second paragraph. What variety of Islamophobia is OK? I wish the note-writer would have told us.
Cretius says
Even when you provide proof from Islamic writings the useful idiots on the left will support Islamist propagandists intent on shutting down any fair comment or discussion on Islam and it’s Jihadists. You must sweep aside the labels of ‘Islamophobia’ and ‘racist ‘ and persist in telling the truth. Thinking individuals will come over while the sheep will continue to follow the Judas goat of Islam.
Robeaver says
As a member of the left, I object. Liberal values does not mean willing subjugation by Islam, or any other religion.and I may be farther right than you can imagine on certain issues, Islam being just one.
Carolyne says
Then your describing yourself as “A member of the left,” is incorrect.
Kay says
I’m not surprised the discussion was contentious in liberal Portland. I’m just glad they were able to have it! Kudos to the prof.
Since we don’t know who wrote the note in the glass case, my guess is it was someone who equates Islamophobia with atheism; after all, aren’t all who aren’t Muslims considered non-believers in their vile creed?
Kay says
I like the phrase “the minority within the minority.”
It may be a way to point out Mohammedism’s supremacist and intolerant practices.
Oliver says
One thing that I found GOOD–last part– Despite strong disagreements, the discussion remained civil and engaging throughout the evening
Shows signs of acceptance of differing views- not fighting breaking out .
Matthieu Baudin says
“…Despite the controversy leading up to the event, the screening proceeded without any disruptions. Dr. Peter Boghossian, professor of philosophy at PSU, facilitated a group discussion after the film ended…”
Very good, the ball has been set rolling.
davej says
The difficulty we encounter in fighting against Islam, compared to the fight against Communism or Fascism, is that while all are retrograde ideologies, only Islam has such a high degree of personalized struggle. Only Islam has the religious devotion (aka brainwashing) needed to inspire it’s followers to blow themselves up for Allah. More secular fanatics usually do not carry their cause quite as far, which highlights the unique challenge in battling Islam – it was well designed to be the ultimate evil ideology, with promises of carnal rewards to it’s martyrs and death to any who doubted it.
The voices of courageous ex-Muslims must be listened to with extra attention. Naturally this will enrage both Muslims and their leftist apologists, but so what – it sucks to be you.
Dennis says
I prefer to be called Islamarealist because I understand it’s aim to control us all.
Stan Lee says
There were approx. 1800 Muslims who were denied entrance into Australia recently. (news report) If you may have missed it, Obama jumped at the opportunity to import them here. He was reported as “fast tracking” their entrance to our country.
Pres. Trump will be loaded with the crap Obama is rushing to do, it smacks of “spite work” by Obama.
Obviously, Obama will do behind the man’s back what he wouldn’t try to Trump’s face.
Carolyne says
I read that Obama is secretly negotiating with Australia to import thousands of Muslims now held on Christmas Island. Merry Christmas!
gravenimage says
This is actually true:
“Obama Administration Agrees to Take Mideast Refugees Refused by Australia”
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/patrick-goodenough/obama-administration-agrees-take-refugees-refused-entry-australia
Muhammad's Ghost says
PSU is a relatively small school but has, for many years, had a strong presence of foreign students from the Gulf States (UAE, KSA, etc.). This goes back to at least the early 90’s. Students in Hijab are common and the MSA chapter is very active.
LR says
Well, that is good they had a discussion on this then…At PSU.
Dave says
I found a link to the film
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bupBgmtsNWU
gravenimage says
Thank you, Dave.
Norbert says
One Muslim woman in attendance objected to the narrative presented in the film. “The punishment for apostasy in the Qur’an is not death,” she said. “The Qur’an is written in Arabic and most people from Bangladesh, India and other parts don’t speak Arabic.”
Given that kind of logic, we can conclude that, since the majority of the world’s Muslims are in illiterate, the Koran is invalid, regardless of what language it’s written in.
Gotta love it. Muslim “thinking”.
gravenimage says
Insane–what does it matter what language the Qur’an is written in?
eduardo odraude says
Muhammad says, “Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.”
He says those words in the most canonical hadith collection, Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 84, Hadith 57.
Various other canonical hadiths attest that Muhammad called for death to those who leave Islam. That’s why even today all the schools of Islamic law prescribe death for apostasy from Islam.
Check out for example these links to news stories about people being killed for daring to leave Islam. And many, many more such stories have been reported in the global media.
A December 2010 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found relatively widespread popular support for the death penalty as a punishment for apostasy from Islam: in Egypt (84% of respondents in favor of death penalty), Jordan (86% in favor), Indonesia (30% in favor), Pakistan (76% favor) and Nigeria (51% in favor).
Quoting Islam
gravenimage says
Portland State U: Film on ex-Muslims facing threats and abuse denounced as “atheist Islamophobia”
……………………….
My God, what claptrap. As though objecting to Muslims wanting to murder apostates were “Islamophobia”–unless these cretins believe that Muslims have the right to slaughter any who leave that foul creed.
And, of course, it is not just Atheists who object to this savagery, but *all* civilized Infidels.