The Lived Experiences of Ex-Muslim Women Leaving Islam: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

In counseling-related fields, there has been some exploration into the Muslim community in regards to culturally competent treatment informed by religious and cultural considerations. Within this population, ex-Muslims (i.e., those that choose to leave Islam and who may either convert to another religion or identify as apostates [those who leave a religion], “secular-Muslims,” atheists or agnostics) represent an understudied group despite the additional stressors they may face through persecution and alienation from their former communities. Although reasons for religious exit among ex-Muslims have been documented, little is known regarding the experiences of ex-Muslim women who choose to leave Islam. Specifically, it is not well understood how ex-Muslim women experience and understand Islam including their journey away from the religion despite the prominence that gender and women’s rights have in discourse regarding Islam and the Muslim community.

This dissertation presented the findings from an interpretative phenomenological analysis in which the researcher explored the lived experiences of ex-Muslim women who have left Islam. To work towards these findings, the researcher conducted eight semi-structured one-on-one interviews with ex-Muslim women regarding their experiences and understanding of apostasy from Islam. Follow-up interviews were conducted with the participants who chose to do so. After data collection, the researcher analyzed the data for experiential themes and conducted cross-case analyses as well as created a composite vignette to capture the essence of the lived experience The results of this study contributed to a more nuanced understanding of ex-Muslim women’s experiences particularly in regards to religious exit. As ex-Muslim women’s voices have largely not seen inclusion in academic inquiry across several disciplines including counselor education, this study aims to support counselors and counselor educators in developing a greater understanding of ex-Muslim women’s experiences, which may inform treatment, education, and supervision.