Hello, I am an ex-Muslim. Many years ago, I left Islam because I found many things in it that did not align with my conscience—such as women’s rights, the death penalty for apostasy (leaving the religion), and the extremism that justifies violence. I have never harmed anyone; I simply expressed my opinion. But today, reading the news of the life-threatening attack on Salim Vastik in Loni, Ghaziabad, my heart sank. Salim, who like me is an ex-Muslim and criticizes Islamic practices, was attacked this morning with sharp weapons. He is currently fighting for his life at GTB Hospital in Delhi.
This attack is not just on one individual, but on free speech and the right to leave one’s religion. But what saddens and angers me the most is the reactions on social media. After OpIndia shared the news, over 3,000 reactions came on Facebook, but among them, 46 people were laughing with the ‘haha’ (😂) emoji. And most of these were from IDs with Muslim names—like Alisher Alisher, Hussain Malik, Abdus Salam, Seraj Khan, Arbaaz Aklimpurya, Sarfraz Shai, Fazeel Khan, Firdosh Gani, Akhtar Raza, Sameer Ali Khan, Sagir Sayyed, Abu Ahmad, Ali Ali, Kadir Hussain Dhana, Raza Ghazi, Aadil Hussain, Kaizmi Mashahadi, Imran Mohammed, Jane Alam Pasha, Bakir Rajput, and many more. A few Hindu names appeared too, but with locked profiles. Are these people even human? A life-threatening attack on a person, and they’re laughing?
The comments are even more shocking. Someone says “Alhamdulillah 😊” (Thanks to Allah), someone “Very well done,” someone “That’s why he reached heaven,” someone “If he became Hindu, no issue, it’s his wish” (while expressing joy), someone “He’ll die till the grave, if anyone has info, tell me,” someone “Cutting and killing is what their heavenly book teaches; the root of the main problem is that wretched book,” someone “Safeguarding ex-Muslims is the government’s job,” someone “Did he survive or not still,” someone “The government is useless,” and someone “A jihadi won’t come to the comment box because in their eyes, this act was good.” These comments show that some people are supporting the attack and happy that an ex-Muslim received ‘punishment.’
I myself am an ex-Muslim and know how terrifying this fear feels. The Quran mentions death for apostasy (though some interpret it differently), and it’s clear in the Hadiths. But in a secular country like India, where the constitution guarantees everyone the freedom to choose their religion, why this violence? What did Salim do wrong? He just expressed his opinion and criticized Islamic extremism. And now, this laughter on social media… it shows how deep the radicalism runs. These people might not carry out the attack themselves, but by justifying it and laughing, they are encouraging violence. Are these the same people who say ‘Islam is a religion of peace’? If it’s peaceful, then why so much hatred when someone changes their beliefs?
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) are mixed too. Some people are praying for Salim and demanding justice, while others point out patterns—from Salman Rushdie to Kanhaiya Lal, attacks on ex-Muslims or critics. One post said Salim spoke against wrong Islamic practices and social evils, so radical Islamists attacked him. On the other side, some call it a result of blasphemy. But is death justified for blasphemy? No, never.
I appeal to everyone—whether Hindu, Muslim, or anyone else—never support violence. The government must ensure the safety of ex-Muslims. We are human too; our lives matter. If we can change our thoughts, society should change too. Extremism is not the enemy of any religion—it’s the enemy of humanity. May Salim recover soon, and may the attackers receive strict punishment.
If you are also an ex-Muslim or want to discuss this issue, please contact safely. Remember, truth and reason will prevail.
– An ex-Muslim
