A spokesman for moderate Muslims has resigned from the Muslim Canadian Congress, citing death threats and safety concerns.

Tarek Fatah said his wife and daughters encouraged him to step down as communications director for the organization following an alarming number of threats and harassing phone calls.

"I'm just exhausted, it's too much," he told CBC.

"I'm physically drained and fatigued and disappointed by how much leverage these extremists have," he said.

Fatah said he has been assaulted both verbally and physically, including an incident in which he was attacked at an Islamic conference in Toronto by dozens of young Muslim men.

He also said that an associate informed him of a discussion she overheard in which young men were discussing how Fatah should be killed.

Fatah said he's reported the threats he's received since 2003 to Toronto police, who are investigating the allegations.

Plans on writing book

Fatah said he'll stay on with the congress until they can find a replacement. He says he plans on writing a book about his experiences.

Fatah, who also hosts the Crossroads Television System current-affairs program Muslim Chronicle, is well-known for his liberal interpretations of Islam.

Aside from advocating for gay and women's rights, Fatah has also vigorously opposed the adoption of Shariah law,  the legal code of Islam based on the Qur'an.

Last July, Fatah also fought against granting a visa to controversial British Muslim cleric Sheik Riyadh ul Haq. The cleric, who vehemently denied accusations that he had promoted hatred in his speeches, ultimately ended up making his address to a youth conference in Toronto by video link.