Help in Un-converting a muslim

[Syntax]

There is this girl I've been talking to who is a very devout muslim.  I'd like to "show her the light" of atheism but, unlike Christianity, I am unfamiliar with the dogma.  What can I learn about her religion that will help me be able to speak to her in terms she will understand?  Any help is appreciated!  Thanks!

[curiosityandthecat]

Converting someone to atheism is difficult. We offer no prizes, no father-figure, no eternal comfort and happiness, and, most of all, if there's even a shred of devoutness still left in someone after a conversion, the threat of damnation from a vengeful god is enough to snap them back into the religion.

I suggest asking her about her religion, rather than looking for tools with which to dismantle it. Use the Socratic method. Telling her there are contradictions in her worldview is not going to make things better; in fact, it will reinforce her belief. Let her come to those contradictions herself. Once you notice that cognitive dissonance, the seed has been planted.

Then again, I'd probably just leave her along and let her believe what she wants to. Some of my best friends are Muslims, and I've never thought about converting any of them (if it were even possible).

[gwyn428]

As a person who has deeply studied the Qur'an and Sunnah and even talked with Muslims in real life, I can be a help.

What are some things about Islam that she always says?

I'd say don't try to get her into Atheism so fast; leaving Islam is the most important thing. She may, on her own, become Agnostic, Atheist, or even Deist. From the reports that I've read, many ex-Muslims become Atheists.

I wish you success in trying to get her to seeing the light of Reason. Islam, like other religions, is so anti-human.

[Will]

There is this girl I've been talking to who is a very devout muslim.  I'd like to "show her the light" of atheism but, unlike Christianity, I am unfamiliar with the dogma.  What can I learn about her religion that will help me be able to speak to her in terms she will understand?  Any help is appreciated!  Thanks!

I strongly suggest against actively trying to de-convert people. Allow them to start the conversation, and answer questions simply and respectfully. If it's more them being active and you being passive, it stands a chance.

That said, even in passive conversation you need at least a rudimentary understanding of what you're up against, so here's a primer:
Just like Christianity grew out of Judaism, Islam came out of Christianity. A little before 600 AD supposedly there lived a man named Muhammad. He lived a very simple life as a shepherd and merchant until he was about 40. At age 40, during what's now called Ramadan, the angel Gabriel started to communicate with him through his meditations and fed him verses of the Qur'an, the Muslim holy book. The religion spread quite quickly, partially through voluntary conversion and partially through military force. After Muhammad died, there was a splinter in the religion over who was the rightful successor. The Sunnis (the largest denomination) believe that the first 4 caliphs (leaders) after Muhammad were left in charge. The Shi'a believe that the Imams (the Muslim version of pastor), via Muhammad's son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Tabib, are the rightful successors.

The belief structure is similar to Christianity in a few ways: it's monotheistic, and the one god chooses prophets to communicate his message. The final and most important prophet was Muhammad, but an important tenant of Islam is that while Muhammad is basically the genesis of their religion he is unimportant. Seems confusing, I know. The thought is that lauding Muhammad would take attention away from god (or in Arabic "Allah"). That's why people get all offended when there are depictions of Muhammad, though I'm sure you'd agree with me that their reaction was altogether an overreaction. They have a similar moral code to Christianity, getting a ton of mixed messages about everything from war to family to government. So they pick and choose. And then there's the Hadith. The Hadith are like supplimental reading to the Qur'an, with many different laws and such. And there are a ton of Hadith, some considered reputable, others not so much. The 72 virgins thing was from one of the less popular Hadith, for example.

That ought to get you started. Here's further reading:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/islam.htm

[Wechtlein Uns]

As long as she's not pissing on your worldview and trying to convert YOU, leave her be and let her believe. If there's one thing I can't stand it's doing something to someone that you wouldn't want them to do to you.

hmm...

[Miss Anthrope]

I strongly suggest against actively trying to de-convert people. Allow them to start the conversation, and answer questions simply and respectfully.

I agree for quite a few reasons. For one, I've known people who probably do "need" their religion. Not that you'd have an easy time de-converting those types of people anyway, but I don't understand the need to tear apart a person's belief system unless they're "asking for it" (like Messenger or other theists who want
to debate).

Live and let live...or don't, I don't care  

[Will]

I agree for quite a few reasons. For one, I've known people who probably do "need" their religion. Not that you'd have an easy time de-converting those types of people anyway, but I don't understand the need to tear apart a person's belief system unless they're "asking for it" (like Messenger or other theists who want
to debate).

Stooping down to them is disappointing. Hey, that was in iambic pentameter.  

But seriously, we don't need to evangelize because what we understand will find it's way to people that are seeking truth. If you make yourself available to simply answer questions honestly, it can naturally take it's course.

[Whitney]

I also agree that there is no need to actively try to make someone into an atheist.  Imo, there is no one right way to live; just because I think there is no reason to believe in a god doesn't mean I think everyone else has to agree with me.  However, history has taught us that blindly following a religion is a wrong way to live because it often leads to dangerous actions.  

If I am talking to someone about their religious views; I take it as an opportunity to offer a different perspective.  I don't flat out tell them they are wrong, that won't get you anywhere and they'll probably not want to talk to you.  I'll say something like, "Hmm, well have you thought of..."

Since you don't know anything about Islam...just start asking her questions.  Then if something doesn't make sense, ask her to explain it to you.  Your questions might help open her eyes to what her religion sounds like to anyone who wasn't raised to believe it.  Essentially, you'd be teaching her how to think for herself and that it is okay to ask questions.  

Of course, as others have pointed out...some people may need their religion.  For instance, it would be very inappropriate to cause someone who is grieving or otherwise not mentally well to question their religious beliefs; that's just too much for a person to handle at one time.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.