An emerging but largely invisible Ex-Muslim movement, with silent supporters and followers from within Islamic society, came into focus after Ex-Muslim leader Dr Arif Hussein Theruvath shared details of a recent event in Kozhikode. He said Islamic scholar Jalaludheen Ustad inaugurated the anniversary programme of his “Koya Calling” initiative on July 19, 2026, but requested that his identity be kept off camera out of fear of radical Islamists. Dr Arif also claimed that Ex-Muslims have quietly played an active role in providing information that has led to the arrest of extremists.
The programme marked the anniversary of Dr Hussein’s “Koya Calling”, a phone-in programme where he questions the principles of Islam and its scriptures, which he believes are illogical.
Reportedly, Jalaludheen came to inaugurate the programme along with a Masjid representative. Dr Arif said that Jalaludheen Ustad did not want to disclose his name as he was afraid of extremists from his own society.
Dr Arif continued that he does not criticise Muslims as people. His opposition is towards the ideologies of jihadism, religious extremism, religious extremists, jihadis and religious politics, which, according to him, weaken the democratic system, as well as Islamic politics, which, he said, raises victimhood to create divisions among societies.
Dr Arif Hussein added that he opposes the ideals of religious politics propagated by forces like Salafi and Jamaat-e-Islami, among others, hammer and tongs.
At the same time, he believes that there should be dialogue and a warm rapport with ordinary Muslims. He said that was why he invited Jalaludheen to inaugurate his programme.
In another post, Dr Arif said that his Ex-Muslim friends participate in counter-terrorism programmes taking place in different parts of the country. He said great changes are being created in that sector.
According to him, Ex-Muslims have their own humble role in nabbing terrorists. He further said that his Ex-Muslim group could extend legal assistance to Ex-Muslims in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Kashmir.
Dr Arif Hussein Theruvath leads a large band of Ex-Muslims who abandoned Islam, lead irreligious lives and continue attacking Islamic ideologies and scriptures, which they believe are illogical.
His phone-in programme “Koya Calling” is a popular YouTube programme in which he questions Islam, its founder and its propagandists. Since it is packed with humour, it reportedly has lakhs of viewers.
