The Lila Rose Show E254: The Truth About Islam — And Why I Had To Leave w/Ismail Youssef | Lila Rose Show
Oct 6, 2025
Ismail Youssef, a former Muslim raised in Egypt and Canada, shares his compelling journey from Islam to Christianity, offering an insider's perspective on the faith's teachings and conflicts. He discusses the cultural contrasts between the West and Egypt, addressing issues like extremism, the moral implications of violence justified by religious texts, and the political nature of Islam. Ismail opens up about the struggles he faced in leaving Islam and his transformative encounter with Christianity, aiming to highlight the potential threats to Western freedom.
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Raised Between Two Worlds
- Ismail described his childhood split between Canada and Egypt, raised Muslim with Quranic tutoring and an American school in Egypt.
- He recalled feeling divided between Western freedom and religious constraint throughout his youth.
Identity Crisis Of Dual Worlds
- Ismail contrasted freedoms in Canada with repression he saw in Egypt, especially around speech and LGBT rights.
- He said living between both cultures produced an identity crisis for Western-descended Muslims.
Predestination Shapes Muslim Outlook
- Ismail explained Muslim doctrine of predestination that God elects who is saved regardless of deeds.
- He noted this view makes moral responsibility and afterlife outcomes feel predetermined for many Muslims.