How do I get religion out of my mind?

[Sam Arcot]

Hello! I became an atheist nearly two years ago. But I can't get Islam out of my mind. I am always bothered with the apostasy law upon Ex-Muslims which punishes them to death for leaving Islam. I keep thinking about why people would want to kill me when I have done no harm to them. Even though I remain a closet Atheist and have not received any life threats recently (just one time last year), I can't let go of the thought that people would want to kill me if they find out my reality. I want to get away from Islam and religions all together and live a life away from them. But since I still live in the religious family my mind always starts debating the notions that are being proposed by the Muslims. I keep thinking about the possible ways of making place for Ex Muslims in Muslim countries. Though, I know it is useless as I can hardly make a difference. But in my free time, I can barely put my mind away from Islam and think about how insane the believers are. How do I get rid of this and divert myself? Is it because I have been deeply into religion once or is it because I am still surrounded by Muslims? Any tips on how to find an exit from Islam? I also come across the practice of Muslims having more children than non-Muslims with the intention to out power them someday. I fear that in the future (after 100-200 years) the Muslims will grow more powerful and will start exterminating Ex-Muslims and implement Sharia law in India and some European countries. It urges me to fight against them, though I know I can make no difference. How do I remove these thoughts and provocations and keep my mind away from Islam?

[BleuNoir]

First of all, congratulations on rejecting a religion that makes so many threats against those who dare to merely question its tenets. That takes a lot of independence of thought, as well as courage.

It sounds as though you live in a very Islamic country and among very religious people. If there is a real risk that someone might kill you for apostasy, it is probably best to pretend you're a believer. Don't talk about God or religion unless someone accuses you of being an atheist, in which case you can act all offended and say that God is above all, etc. You might, nonetheless, discreetly look for groups or societies you might join that defend freedom of thought in your country.

As for your worry that Islamists will take over the world, I don't think this will happen. Fundamentalists may be having more children than atheists, but children aren't always as religious as their parents. Religion is often a way for people who are struggling in this world to reassure themselves that there is another world in which they will be happy and in which this world's wrongs will be righted. It's therefore not surprising that many Islamist countries have corrupt governments. As the economy of a country improves, as its people become more educated, and as its government becomes less corrupt, its people also tend to become less religious. Keep this in mind, and work to improve the conditions in your country. You could become a teacher and work to educate the next generation in critical-thinking skills. You could become a lawyer and defend the weak. You could get into government and work to end corruption. Leaving would only make things more difficult for others who have no way to leave.

In summary, I think it's better to focus on what you can do than worry about how bad things are and how much worse they might get. Good luck!