I have been married for 18 years and my husband was never that religious. He attended Jummah prayers and he would fast.

We have four children and he makes sure they go to mosque. But now he wants to recant his faith. He says he no longer believes in Islam as a way of life.

He says he will continue to be seen as a Muslim to others but he does not want to follow the religion any more.

At first I thought he was joking but he has sat me down and had a conversation saying this is best for him. He does not want to pray or fast in the future nor does he want to have to follow Islam.

He is very serious about this and says it won’t change him as a person but he does not want to be weighed down by the huge burden of religion.

He says I should respect his decision. I cannot say he is a bad person or husband as he takes care of me and my children but this is very important to me and he should respect my belief.

I was deeply shocked when he told me this. I have spoken to some close friends and they have told me I am not permitted to stay married to him. I will need to speak to someone.

I am so upset. How could he do this to me? Why did he not tell me this when we got married. I want a husband who is Muslim. It is very important to me and my family.

I know he said he will recant privately but he does not want to be bothered with religion or me to expect him to carry out his religious duties. But word will soon get out and the shame this will bring on our family will be so great. I won’t be able to show my face anywhere.

I want to say I am open minded but this has totally changed my view of him and life. I wanted to go on Hajj and he says he won’t be going.

This is such a horrible place to be in.

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