Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian freethinker who was imprisoned for blasphemy after renouncing his religion, recently opened up about the challenges he faced following his decision. His journey began in 2008 when he privately left his faith, but it wasn’t until 2013 that he made his departure public. This announcement shocked his family and community, who struggled to come to terms with his choice.
In a report by The Punch, the backlash Bala faced from his loved ones was severe. In 2014, his family sent him to a psychiatric hospital, convinced that his decision to leave the religion was a sign of mental illness. This reaction stemmed from a deeply rooted belief in his community that leaving the faith was not only unthinkable but also a sign of severe personal distress or instability.
Bala explained the serious implications of apostasy in his culture, especially under Sharia law. According to the law, individuals who renounce their religion are often given three days to reconsider their decision. During this time, they are expected to return to the faith. However, Bala made it clear that he stood firm in his decision and did not waver.
He highlighted how leaving the religion is viewed as an unforgivable offense in many conservative communities, often warranting extreme measures, including death. This societal perception placed him in significant danger, both from his community and under the legal system. The pressure to conform was immense, but Bala remained resolute in his beliefs.
In his remarks, “I was taken to a psychiatric hospital in 2014 by my family because I announced to them that I had left their religion. That was five years after I actually did. I left the religion in 2008, but I made it public in 2013. My family, friends, and associates didn’t take it lightly. They couldn’t accept it. They thought I was mentally ill. They said the religion was so beautiful that no one should leave it.”
Peoplesmind
