I met an 'annoying' Muslim

A short story about the time I met a Muslim man who wouldn't stop talking to me.

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[AJansenNL]

I may have been that "waiter" too. I now try to make muslims aware, by innocuous chats with delivery men for example, that ex-muslims and non-muslim Arabs etc exist. Just to make them a bit aware of their unconscious biases.

[studybistro]

I am not Muslim, ex-Muslim, or religious, for that matter. Watching your videos, I have learned how to react in a calm way which is a very important life skill in my opinion.

I never comment on videos, but I really appreciate the work you do.

[bunjijumper]

It's great that although you ate pork, that he wasnt rude to you. He still treated you with respect. I am sure after you left he was very confused.

[greenmedic]

He was probably a bit lonely as an Arab Muslim in a place where that was a rarity. It's natural for someone to want to find a shared connection with another they assume is from the same group in such an environment by being friendly and trying to be helpful, even if that is based upon assumptions.

[franceshalladay]

I've always avoided praying or fasting or any other religious practices in social gatherings by pretending I'm on period, never wondered what men do 🤔 saying I'm not a Muslim is not an option for me unfortunately,
I think your story is sweet though, I wish all ex-Muslims interactions with Muslims were that friendly and lighthearted.

[MoodyHD-]

The way you speak is so soft and soothing; it’s perfect for storytelling, even when it’s about more serious topics.

And in these types of videos, your sense of humor is always on point. :3

[wordscapes]

When they discover I am a Buddhist, I am constantly accosted by Muslim apologists on religious channels. The rudeness, the crudity, and even foul language really shocks me. Strengthens me in my path.

[generalali]

I respect that you left Islam not because you hated Muslims but because you felt you could be a better person without it. Treat people how you want to be treated. And when you see people mean good even though they may do something wrong, have a little grace. Character means a lot and it sometimes comes with a sacrifice. I hope you remain true to yourself and who you want to become.

[howmanybeansmakefive]

Mini-story time. I'm from a secular european country, have an uncommon muslim name, and I am gay. During Ramadan, I went to meet up with a guy explicitly to hookup (instead of taraweeh) lol. As I arrived he offered me a drink and went to go get a sprite, as he was walking back to me he got really flustered and apologetic, he was sorry for offering me a drink if I was fasting/for drinking in front of me. I chuckled and responded that given what we were about to do, having a sprite would be the least of my worries lol, then explained I wasn't a believer (and it was night anyways). I could have been annoyed that he assumed I was muslim/fasting, but it was quite thoughtful in a way, if I were still muslim I would have been very appreciative if a non-muslim even knew what ramadan/fasting even was, let alone be respectful of it. Even as an ex-muslim, I can appreciate that. (Although looking back on it, I know there are many closet/confused muslims that would hookup with guys, but god forbid they break their fast/east some pork lol)

[LateNightKaiju]

Thanks for keeping ex-Muslim voices heard

[mustaphajav]

As an ex-Muslim I’ve had pork and broadly not a fan. The sausage sandwiches in McDonalds is an excellent acception 😋

[giulatesta]

It's quite refreshing even if i don't agree with some of your views on islam you're one of the few creators who wouldn't base their criticism on pure hatred and try to think the best of people seeing some of your videos thanks for not losing your humanity

[jhggcfdr]

I really enjoyed this video, I, yes I, needed to hear it. For me, I had started to realize that I was developing hatred not towards Islam, but even for regular Muslims ( I know very wrong). I thank you for the anecdote of your life; I needed to hear it to give me a harsh slap of reality!
I am currently a buddhist now, so I am hopefully trying to follow the Buddha's path, and hopefully in the future, apostates can actually live among muslims without the possibility of death or hatred being geared at them.

[shuuch]

Thank you Aladdin! It's nice to see someone on the other side. It's still a big struggle for me. Having to act. Even though I've moved out of the country far from my family..

And please make more videos about taking the positives from interactions, or just life? I'm afraid if my negativity is from realizing, being sceptical and leaving that religion, or if it's actually just me.. 😔

[grlife]

That was a good story man, I normally do actually say inshallah or Bismillah and greet them back with Wa'alyKumasalam and I personally don't think it's giving into pressure because I assume they mean well and they want to make me feel welcomed. It happens now in fact as it's Ramadan and I work with lots of practicing Muslims and they see me eating, drinking and interacting with the opposite sex as it wasn't different from any other day. Sometimes they do come up and compliment my nice Muslim names that are in the Quran and we have good laughs about it but mostly I just watch their bewilderment as I just get on with my day like I never heard of Islam and let them connect the dots.

[umestudies]

They always tryna convert me for some reason 😭😭😭
Funnily I'm already born a Muslim, I just don't follow it (and will leave it once my elders dont have a say anymore)

[Maahvulus]

It is videos like this that distinguish AA from the likes of AP. As a questioning Muslim, I appreciate this.

[elspethhughes]

Lol...and enjoyable to hear and how you dealt with it and stood free

[bensweiss]

Something similar happens to me all the time. Given the doctrine being Ex-Muslim is completely different with different consequences. You were profiled, it happens to me, and sometimes I do it.

I was adopted, my parents are White and I am Black (skin tone). People constantly react to me as if I am inherently culturally Black (which is manifold itself). That can include religious, cultural, and societal assumptions. When this occurs I make statements about myself that leave people confused or embarrassed ("I don't think that way." "I'm an atheist." "In my family we did not react like that." "When I was religious I never believed in that." "Why would you think that?" Experiencing Blackness can be disconcerting or very academic for me). People dealing in monolithic thinking and assuming is the problem.

I actually saw the waiter checking the food as him trying to be helpful and a Muslim behavior as people are instructed to do so. You were very patient and understanding with him I most likely would not have been and responded with short Yes's, No's or ignoring him if he kept bothering me. Or if he wanted company, a friend, or was trying to be friendly, I might tell him I was adopted and I'm quite different; or just tell him I'm different. After years of dealing with this most times I have little interest in explaining and more interest in just being, and letting the other person deal with their assumptions and feelings.

I think your original title would have been great.

[DomainofKnowlegdia]

Hello Aladdin keep up the good work that your doing.