| Sahil | |
| Birth Name: | Nisar Ahmed Shaikh |
| Birth Place: | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation: | YouTube personality, Activist |
| Pseudonym: | Ex-Muslim Sahil |
| Channel Display Name: | Ex Muslim Sahil Official |
| Channel Display Name2: | Ex Muslim Uncensored |
| Channel Direct Url: | @exmuslimsahil |
| Channel Direct Url2: | @exmuslimsahiluncensored |
| Genre: | Critique of Islam, Activism, Dark humor |
| Years Active: | 2020–present |
| Silver Button: | yes |
| Gold Button: | no |
| Diamond Button: | no |
Ex-Muslim Sahil is an Indian YouTuber, activist, and critic of Islam who gained prominence for his critiques of Islamic doctrines and his journey of leaving the faith.[1] Raised in a devout Muslim family, Sahil was actively involved in Islamic proselytization through the Tablighi Jamaat. However, during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, he began questioning religious texts and teachings, ultimately renouncing Islam.[2] [3] [4] Sahil, identifies with the movement of ex-Muslims in India.[5]
Sahil grew up in an orthodox Muslim household and was deeply committed to Islamic practices. He engaged in preaching (Da'wah) with Tablighi Jamat and closely followed religious obligations. However, as he delved deeper into Islamic texts during the pandemic, doubts began to surface about certain teachings, leading him to leave the faith.[2]
Sahil launched his YouTube channel, Ex-Muslim Sahil, to share his experiences and engage in discussions about religion. The channel quickly gained popularity, amassing over 500,000 subscribers at its peak. His content included debates with Islamic scholars, critiques of religious texts, and discussions on freedom of belief.[3] [6] [7]
Despite his popularity, Sahil's main YouTube channel was banned in India due to its controversial nature. He continued to create content through a backup channel and other platforms, maintaining dedication.[2] [3] [8] [7]
Ex-Muslim Sahil has participated in various television debates and discussions on Indian media platforms, often engaging with religious scholars and representatives on topics related to Islam and religious practices. In one such debate aired on the news channel News Nation, Sahil questioned a fellow panelist, Hafeez Ghulam Sarwar, who was introduced as a "Muslim Scholar." During the debate, Sahil highlighted Sarwar's limited knowledge of Islamic texts, particularly the Hadith, after Sarwar admitted to not having studied them and described himself as a "TV wallah Maulana." The incident gained attention online for exposing the perceived lack of expertise among some religious representatives featured in televised debates.[9]
Sahil faced significant challenges as an ex-Muslim, including opposition from religious groups and personal estrangement from his family. His story sheds light on the experiences of individuals leaving Islam in India, sparking wider debates about apostasy and freedom of expression.[3]
His activism has been highlighted in Indian media, including India Today, which documented his journey and the struggles of ex-Muslims in the country. Sahil's contributions to public discourse extend beyond his YouTube content, as he engages in debates and discussions aimed at fostering critical thought about religion.[2] [3]