Ex-Muslims of North America

Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA) is a non-profit organization established to support individuals who have left Islam. Founded on September 28, 2013, in Washington, D.C., by Muhammad Syed, Sarah Haider, Sadar Ali, and Nas Ishmael, the organization aims to promote secular values, advocate for acceptance of religious dissent, and reduce the discrimination faced by ex-Muslims across North America. EXMNA operates under the IRS designation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is recognized by its Employer Identification Number (EIN) 46-4333040.

Mission and Objectives

EXMNA's mission centers around several key objectives:

• Reduction of Discrimination: Advocating for the acceptance of those who leave Islam and raising awareness about the social and legal challenges they face.

• Community Building: Establishing support groups and networks for ex-Muslims to foster camaraderie and provide safe spaces for expression.

• Amplifying Voices: Striving to give diverse ex-Muslim experiences a platform, while countering efforts aimed at silencing criticism of Islam.

The organization envisions a world where individuals are free to follow their conscience without fear of persecution or stigma related to their religious beliefs.

Activities

EXMNA engages in a variety of activities aimed at supporting ex-Muslims:

• Support Chapters: The organization runs closed-group support meetings in 25 cities across North America. Attendance requires a screening process to ensure safety and confidentiality.

• Emergency Support and Grants: EXMNA offers emergency assistance to ex-Muslims in distress. For example, in 2018, it assisted Mahad Olad, who was held against his will in Kenya, providing the needed resources for his return to the United States.

• Advocacy and Public Campaigns: The organization has been involved in key advocacy efforts, including a campaign that pressured Twitter to reverse a content blockage request from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority regarding blasphemy. Such campaigns highlight EXMNA's role in safeguarding free expression.

• Educational Outreach: EXMNA has also conducted campus tours across North America to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ex-Muslims and to encourage dialogue surrounding religious dissent.

History

The inception of EXMNA arose from the need to create a supportive network for ex-Muslims, as the founders recognized that mere support was insufficient to combat the stigma and potential abuse faced by apostates. The organization has since expanded its reach and services, becoming a significant advocate for ex-Muslims and secularism in a predominantly religious society.

In its early years, EXMNA rapidly grew in membership and scope, with an estimated 4,000 members and about 1,000 volunteers by 2021. Support groups established by EXMNA became independent organizations, allowing EXMNA to focus more on advocacy, research, and public education.

Reactions and Challenges

EXMNA has faced various challenges in its operations, including public backlash and institutional issues. For example, in 2016, a grocery store chain initially refused to provide a cake for the organization, citing its name as offensive. After legal intervention, the company issued an apology and fulfilled the order.

Additionally, incidents such as a temporary lockout of EXMNA's Facebook account have highlighted ongoing issues with social media platforms and the complexities surrounding the expression of dissenting views in relation to religion.

Overall, EXMNA continues to fight for the rights and dignity of ex-Muslims and advocates for a world where freedom of conscience is upheld and protected.