Wafa Sultan

Wafa Sultan

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Wafa Sultan speaking at the Center for Inquiry Women in Secularism conference, May 19, 2012.

Wafa Sultan is a Syrian-American psychiatrist and author known for her outspoken criticism of Islam and advocacy for secularism. Born in 1958 in Baniyas, Syria, Sultan was raised in a conservative Muslim family. She pursued a career in medicine, graduating from the University of Aleppo with a degree in psychiatry.

Early Life and Education

Wafa Sultan was born and raised in Baniyas, a coastal city in Syria. She grew up in a traditional Muslim household, which greatly influenced her early views and beliefs. Sultan attended the University of Aleppo, where she studied medicine and specialized in psychiatry. Her experiences in Syria, particularly witnessing the violence and oppression in the name of religion, played a significant role in shaping her later views.

Career

After completing her education, Sultan practiced psychiatry in Syria before emigrating to the United States in 1989. In the U.S., she continued her work in the medical field while also becoming increasingly involved in writing and public speaking.

Writing and Public Speaking

Wafa Sultan gained international attention following her appearance on Al Jazeera in 2006, where she criticized Islamic extremism and called for reform within the Muslim world. Her bold statements sparked widespread debate and brought her both support and criticism.

Sultan has written extensively on the subject of Islam and its impact on society. Her book, "A God Who Hates," published in 2009, delves into her personal experiences and critiques of Islamic culture. She argues for the separation of religion and state and advocates for women's rights and freedom of expression.

Views and Controversies

Wafa Sultan is known for her controversial views on Islam. She argues that Islam, as practiced in many parts of the world, is incompatible with modern values such as democracy and human rights. Her outspoken criticism has led to significant backlash from various Muslim communities, with some accusing her of promoting Islamophobia.

Despite the controversies, Sultan remains a prominent voice in the discourse on Islam and secularism. She continues to speak at conferences and events, advocating for reform and the protection of individual freedoms.

Related Pages

• Islamic reform
• Secularism
• Women's rights in Islam
• Criticism of Islam