In 2013, Sarah Haider emerged from relative obscurity when she co-founded Ex-Muslims of North America, which is described by some as a support group or an oasis of comfort and refuge for ex-Muslims. The EXMNA website itself states that Haider “advocates for the acceptance of religious dissent and works to create local support communities for those who have left Islam [1].” In spite of her affiliation, Haider’s warmth and appreciation also extends to Muslims:
“One thing we can do, which I don’t think we’re doing adequately enough, is to protect the civil liberties of Muslims whenever it calls for it [2].”
While her motives for EXMNA are natural and springs from a place of well-meaning and empathy, Haider has consistently shown a blatant disregard of what she passionately stands for, primarily through her associations and the individuals she promotes. For example, Haider proudly stands behind a slew of well-known anti-Muslim bigots — Ayaan Hirsi Ali being one of many. In 2007, Ali was asked to clarify if Islam would need to be defeated “militarily”, to which she responded in no uncertain terms that it needs to be crushed…
“in all its forms and if you don’t do that, then you have to live with the consequence of being crushed [3].”
Of course, one may argue that there are good reasons to suspect that Ali was simply referring to “Radical Islam”. However, when she was pressed on whether her views only applied to extremists she went on to state emphatically:
“No. Islam, period. Once it’s defeated, it can mutate into something peaceful. It’s very difficult to even talk about peace now. They’re not interested in peace [3].”
It’s quite possible that over the last few years Haider may have distanced herself from Ali — a benefit of a doubt that we’re willing to give her — except there is growing evidence that she remains committed to this particular individual in her fervent activism. A quick Google search found that Haider was interviewed by the the Ayaan Hirsi Ali (AHA) Foundation in 2016 [4]. Furthermore, Haider’s fascination with this individual continues to be brought up at lectures as she tours the US [5].
What remains to be seen is whether Haider and the EXMNA will immediately relinquish associations with this obvious anti-Muslim bigot, or will they continue to stand behind her despite her horrid views of all Muslims?
References
1. Sarah Haider. (2015, October 04). Retrieved August 02, 2017, from https://www.exmna.org/team/sarah-haider/
2. B. (2017, July 27). Blasphemy, Islamophobia, Free Expression Panel. Retrieved August 02, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seJkIGV8urc
3. R. (2007, October 10). ‘The Trouble Is the West’. Retrieved August 02, 2017, from http://reason.com/archives/2007/10/10/the-trouble-is-the-west/1
4. Sarah Haider, Co-Founder of Ex-Muslims in North America, Shares Her Transition to Atheism and the Need to Look Up to Fathers who Champion Women’s Rights. (2017, February 07). Retrieved August 02, 2017, from https://www.theahafoundation.org/sarah-haider-co-founder-of-ex-muslims-in-north-america-shares-her-transition-to-atheism-and-the-need-to-look-up-to-fathers-who-champion-womens-rights/
New Atheists, Progressive Muslims, and The Like 
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