This sheikh embraces ex-Muslims ... puts 'humanity before religion'

"I welcome people from all backgrounds and from all religions because I believe in humanity before religion."

When people think of the Middle East, they think Muslims. 

While it's true that Islam is a dominant religion in the region, with about 20 percent of all Muslims residing in the Middle East and North Africa, there are many who have renounced their beliefs altogether. 

Many ex-Muslims choose not to share their views publicly - for fear of oppression, torture, and possibly even the death sentence in some countries. 

But, Mohammad Tawhidi, an Australian-Iraqi Muslim preacher, recently shared a screenshot of a conversation with an ex-Muslim ... and it's the definition of acceptance. 

Tawhidi embraces ex-Muslims because "he believes in humanity before religion," he told StepFeed. 

Here's how it all went down:

Tawhidi made sure to sneak in a joke about the "72 virgins" myth in Islam, which he has denounced previously.

When it comes to ex-Muslims, Tawhidi believes we should "never hate people for the way they think," he wrote in a tweet.

Acceptance and peace is Tawhidi's motto - after all, his Twitter handle is dubbed @imamofpeace.

His acceptance has been manifested in the many ways he has helped ex-Muslims who are in danger.

"I hear them out and I give them advice on how to handle pressure within conservative and extremist families. I also help them out financially when I can to remove themselves from dangerous areas. I have even traveled to the Middle East to help a few ex Muslims from their harsh families," Tawhidi told StepFeed.

Tawhidi does not discriminate between a believer in Islam and a non-believer in Islam.

"I welcome people from all backgrounds and from all religions because I believe in humanity before religion," he added. 

On apostasy laws

A number of Muslim-majority countries still outlaw apostasy. 

In 2017, a report published by the International Humanist and Ethical Union revealed that 13 countries impose the death penalty on non-believers including Afghanistan, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Tawhidi does not believe apostasy laws are valid.

"I do not believe in apostasy laws that preach killing and beheading of ex-Muslims. I believe in everybody's right to life and I respect their opinions. Just because someone differs with me ... it does not mean that we hate or kill them," Tawhidi said.

Saudi dealerships showcase 'feminine' colored cars, women aren’t impressed

Saudi Arabia's King Salman issued a royal decree granting women the right to drive in September last year.

Ever since the longstanding driving ban for women was lifted by Saudi Arabia's King Salman last September, women have been getting ready to take over the kingdom's roads with their cars. 

Though many women already took to the streets and were seen behind the wheel - while some were harassed for their "rebellious" actions - they are more than ready for the upcoming change.

As the implementation of the ban lift is near - in June, which is barely a few days away - it seems not only Saudis are preparing for this big moment. 

Car expositions in Saudi Arabia have also geared up with their special "girly" colored cars, mainly pink and purple, in order to attract female customers.

Whether it's out of good intentions or just a marketing strategy to sell more cars, Saudi Tweeps weren't impressed with these colors.

To no one's surprise, Saudi women took to the microblogging platform to let people know what they think.

Saudi women were blunt ...

"We don't like these colors. Most of us like the car to be black or white... stop with your marketing schemes." 

...men too

"Retailers' schemes and taking advantage of women."

A few made this point

"Not just the colors, but the exploitation and increase in prices too."

"The status of German cars is gone"

Some were selfless with their choices though

"I would like a black Datsun as a gift for someone dear."

Black seems like a popular color

"I prefer a black car and for it to be a gift before the month of 10."

"I would buy a black car"

Yellow made an appearance

"I would like a yellow car if you please."

Some don't even care about the color

"I would take the Audi even if its color is rusty."

Though a few women didn't mind the pink

"I reserved the pink one from now."

"I booked the purple one"

Some tweeps still made sure to let people know about their sexism

"So we'll be able to recognize women drivers on the street and avoid them."

Saudi women to officially hit the road in June

Saudi Arabia's King Salman issued a royal decree granting women the right to drive in September last year. 

The order ended a longstanding policy that banned women from driving in the country. The ban had been heavily criticized by international campaigners and women's groups. 

In recent months, Saudi women have been getting ready to get behind the wheel, attending driving lessons and prepping up to officially own the kingdom's roads.