s06e131 | Escaping Extremist Islam, with Yasmine Mohammed
Aug 21, 2024
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Yasmine Mohammed, an author and activist, shares her harrowing journey from growing up in fundamentalist Islam to achieving liberation. She discusses how extreme misogyny persists, even as Western elites often ignore it. Yasmine reflects on the psychological impacts of patriarchy on both women and men, revealing the struggle for autonomy in restrictive environments. She calls for a balance between liberal values and cultural practices, shedding light on the critical intersections of activism, particularly concerning women's rights and radical ideologies.
Yasmin Mohammed reveals her traumatic experiences growing up in a fundamentalist Islamic environment that enforced extreme misogyny and restrictive practices.
She emphasizes the emotional and psychological challenges women face when traditional Islamic teachings clash with modern aspirations for education and autonomy.
Yasmin's advocacy work through Free Hearts, Free Minds highlights the importance of support networks for individuals escaping oppressive societies and seeking liberation.
Deep dives
Yasmin's Early Life and Religious Upbringing
Yasmin Muhammad shares her experiences growing up in a religious Muslim home in Canada, where her mother was the second wife of an Egyptian man. This arrangement brought significant changes to their lives, including strict religious practices and the enforcement of hijab. As a child, Yasmin found herself increasingly alienated from normal childhood activities and fun, which were deemed 'haram' or forbidden. The deeper impact of her mother's newfound religious zeal led to a household governed by rigid Islamic law, creating an environment filled with resentment and unhappiness for Yasmin and her sister.
The Struggles of Women in Islamic Societies
Yasmin discusses the misogynistic aspects of Islam, emphasizing the teachings that position women as subordinate to men. She explains how religious texts perpetuate the notion that women are less intelligent and should not hold positions of leadership, thus reinforcing gender inequality. Additionally, she highlights the contradictory behavior towards women, where they are expected to embody virtues within domestic roles while simultaneously being treated as property. Yasmin expresses the emotional turmoil this creates, especially for women seeking education or careers, as traditional values clash with modern aspirations.
Breaking Free from an Abusive Marriage
Yasmin recounts her harrowing experience of being forced into a marriage with an Al-Qaeda member, which involved extreme control and abuse. The pivotal moment for her escape came when she realized her daughter might be subjected to female genital mutilation, prompting her to act on her instincts to protect her child. Despite the constant fear of violence from her husband and threats from her mother, Yasmin's resolve to escape became stronger when faced with the reality of her daughter’s future. This desperate need for freedom, coupled with her existing spirit of questioning, ultimately led her to break away from her oppressive circumstances.
Life After Escape and Building a New Identity
After her escape, Yasmin faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life from scratch, grappling with fundamental questions about her identity and purpose outside of Islam. The absence of a support system made her transition difficult, as she learned to navigate day-to-day life, make choices, and develop her own beliefs. Every decision felt overwhelming since she had lived her life under strict guidelines without the freedom to choose. Nevertheless, through persistence and determination, Yasmin gradually found her footing and began to redefine herself amid the chaos of newfound autonomy.
Advocacy Work and Supporting Others
Yasmin channels her experiences into activism through her organization, Free Hearts, Free Minds, aimed at helping individuals escape oppressive Islamic societies. She emphasizes the critical need for support networks for those who have faced similar struggles, particularly in areas of mental health and legal assistance. Yasmin's mission combines her personal journey with an altruistic desire to guide others towards their own freedom and self-acceptance. By creating communities that empower individuals to share their stories, she fosters resilience and hope for a better future.
Author and activist @YasmineMohammedxx speaks about growing up in fundamentalist Islam, her physical and psychological liberation, and why western elites are deaf to concerns about radical Islamism, even as it perpetuates the "extreme misogyny" they publicly decry.
Follow her and her work:
https://www.freeheartsfreeminds.com/
http://www.youtube.com/@YasmineMohammedxx
"Unveiled" https://a.co/d/2MyTb27
https://x.com/yasmohammedxx?s=11
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