Saira Khan ‘utterly saddened’ after death threats following revelation she’s no longer practising Muslim
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She recently announced that she no longer practises Islam, and now mum-of-two Saira Khan has been left "utterly saddened" after receiving death threats following her decision.
The former Loose Women star, who shared a cryptic post about 'tolerating' people, took to her Instagram stories to share her feelings about the terrible messages she's been sent.
The 50 year old wrote: "Due to the abuse and threats I have received, I have reported this matter to the police as it is regarded as hate crime.
"I am utterly saddened that my decision to live my life how I choose should resort to other's wanting to cause me harm.
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"How does my life choice impact theirs?" Saira passionately concluded.
The television personality shared her column in the Mirror on 6 February about why she has decided to stop practising the faith.
She began: "This week I received a disgusting message from a troll, which made me think it's high time I came out of the closet to proclaim that I am not a practising muslim.
"It has taken me till the age of 50 to find the courage to say it. I'm doing it now for my own wellbeing.
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"I want to be honest and feel free to live life by my own rules," Saira explained.
"I feel that by saying this as a public figure, I will no longer inadvertently confuse or unintentionally hurt others of the Muslim faith.
"I must be clear that I do not represent any Muslim communities – especially women."
The Apprentice star went on to say that people make assumptions about her, because of her name and background.
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"The problem for women like me, who have a Muslim name and are of Asian heritage, is that others make assumptions about us before we even open our mouths.
"People assume that because we have Muslim parents we are practising Muslims, that we have read the Quran, that we fast every Ramadan, that we don't drink, that we don't have sex before marriage."
Saira, who unfollowed some of her former Loose Women co-stars, continued: "I respect people who have Islam in their lives – some are the most humble people I know.
"However, I don't share their conviction. I've tried hard for many years, not for myself, but for my parents and the wider family."
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