I’m pretty staunchly anti-Islam–I’m not a fan of monotheistic religion in general, I believe that Muhammad was not a good, wise or virtuous person in any capacity, and I think that Islam has been a great source of toxic ideology, extremism, oppression, violence, conquest, and bigotry for hundreds of years. Needless to say, I’m very skeptical of the idea that Islam is at all compatible with progressive or democratic ideals.

However, I’m not saying this to upset you or make you feel bad.

Regardless of how I personally feel about Islam, I support your fundamental right to believe it, and I actually want to seriously applaud and encourage you for trying to build a community of progress, understanding, tolerance, and peace within the framework of your beliefs. The world truly needs people like you to succeed in reenvisioning spirituality and religion (not just Islam, but all of them) in order for us to move towards peace and coexistence.

Good luck.