The Atheist Muslim

A Journey from Religion to Reason

By: Ali A. Rizvi

Narrated by: Neil Shah

In much of the Muslim world, religion is the central foundation upon which family, community, morality, and identity are built. The inextricable embedment of religion in Muslim culture has forced a new generation of nonbelieving Muslims to face the heavy costs of abandoning their parents' religion: disowned by their families, marginalized from their communities, imprisoned, or even sentenced to death by their governments.

Struggling to reconcile the Muslim society he was living in as a scientist and physician and the religion he was being raised in, Ali A. Rizvi eventually lost his faith. Discovering that he was not alone, he moved to North America and promised to use his new freedom of speech to represent the voices that are usually quashed before reaching the mainstream media - those of Atheist Muslims.

The Atheist Muslim recounts the journey that allows Rizvi to criticize Islam - as one should be able to criticize any set of ideas - without demonizing his entire people. Emotionally and intellectually compelling, his personal story outlines the challenges of modern Islam and the factors that could help lead it toward a substantive, progressive reformation.

©2016 Ali A. Rizvi (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"By demanding a space for questioning Islam openly that does not devolve into attacking individual Muslims, the work pushes towards the possibility of a cultural Islam that maintains family and ethnic traditions without requiring belief." ( Publishers Weekly)

Beautifully written and read.

This book is deeply engaging, balanced, brave, honest and informative. I learned a great deal and will refer back to it often. Dr. Rizvi has a gift for narrative. Mr. Shah reads with emotive clarity. I highly recommend!

Great book

Engaging and made me think differently about my religion. Excellent narration. Embolden my belief in my faith reformation

A book you can definitely relate to as an ex Muslim

Mostly liked the objective review of the Quran and contradictions between the ayat.
Would love to hear the author's psychoanalysis of Muhammad throughout his 20 years of reign, as he studied medicine and understands psychiatric illnesses.

A New Perspective

I learned so much about what it means to be Muslim. I am hopeful that theist hear this book. You will some insightful perspectives.

A very courageous book

It took a lot of courage for a former Muslim to write such a book. The clarity of thought and fairness of presentation really stand out. It is a very moving account of Dr. Rizvi's personal spiritual journey.