A Pakistani man who left Islam to become a humanist has been denied asylum in the UK after failing to correctly answer questions about ancient Greek philosophers.

Hamza bin Walayat's failure to identify Plato and Aristotle as humanist philosophers indicated his knowledge of humanism was 'rudimentary at best', the Home Office said according to the Guardian.

The Home Office also denied Walayat's claim he faced persecution in Pakistan for converting away from Islam and that his family could kill him.

The rejection letter, seen by the Guardian, said Walayat's claims were unfounded and he had 'been unable to provide a consistent or credible account with regards the main aspect of your claim, namely that you are a humanist'.

He gave a 'basic definition' when tested on his knowledge of humanism but could not identify 'any famous Greek philosophers who were humanistic'.

According to the Guardian, the letter said: 'When you were informed by the interviewing officer that he was referring to Plato and Aristotle, you replied: "Yeah, the thing is because of my medication that is strong I just forget stuff sometimes."'

The Home Office ruled: 'Your knowledge of humanism is rudimentary at best and not of a level that would be expected of a genuine follower of humanism.'

Walayat has lived in the UK since 2011 and said he had received death threats from his family in Pakistan because of his decision to leave Islam and start a relationship with a non-Muslim.

In Pakistan blasphemy is punishable by death and mob violence can lead to extra-judicial killings if someone is perceived to have left or insulted Islam.

Andrew Copson, of Humanists UK, said the move 'set a dangerous precedent for non-religious people fleeing persecution. The Home Office is simply incorrect to claim that non-religious people seeking asylum don't get the same protection in law as religious people do.'

Home Office officials 'reveal a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of humanism', he added.

It comes after the Home Office was found to be rejecting Christian asylum seekers who could not name all Ten Commandments. One asylum seeker even said he was asked what colour a Bible was in his interview for asylum in the UK

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and each claim is carefully considered on its individual merits.'