Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by Naijacitizen(m): 11:02am On Dec 18, 2015 |
Ridda or Irtid Literally means, “turning back”. The act of apostasy—leaving Islam for another religion or for a secular lifestyle. Murtadd: Literally means “one who turns the back.” An apostate. Murtad Fitri: Literally means apostate - natural. A person born of a Muslim parent who later rejects Islam. Murtad Milli: Literally means apostate - from the community. A person who converted to Islam and later rejected the religion. Due lack of education and critical thinking several myths or misconceptions have taken root in the Muslim world over the ages. No efforts have been made to clear them. On the contrary, there has been a sort of effort to strengthen these myths and misconceptions. This has resulted in a misplaced perception that Islam is a symbol of obscurantism, a religion of intolerance and answers everything with the sword. One grave misunderstanding of Islamic beliefs over the years is that Islam doesn’t tolerate apostasy. The Christian missionaries and the Western world are cashing in on it. Ulama have tried to strengthen their point of view and several leading Muslim reformists have failed to tackle the issue. This misconception has also presented Islam as a medieval and killer religion. Islam bashers have time and again tried to paint the picture that Islam orders the killing of a person if he or she reverts to another religion from Islam. The Qur’an is completely silent on any worldly punishment for apostasy and the sole Tradition that forms the basis of rulings is open to many interpretations. Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: “Whosoever changes his religion, Kill Him (man baddala Dinahu faqtuluhu)”. It is this quote from the Prophet that forms the basis of the said ruling. But this is a weak foundation because this hadith was only transmitted from Muhammad (pbuh) by one individual. It was not confirmed by a second person. According to Islamic law, this is insufficient confirmation to impose the death penalty. The Shari`ah has not fixed any punishment for apostasy. The hadith is so generally worded that it would require the death penalty for a Christian or Jew who converted to Islam. This is obviously not the prophet’s intent. The hadith is in need of further specification, which has not been documented. Many scholars interpret this passage as referring only to instances of high treason. (e.g. declaring war on Islam, Muhammad (pbuh), God, etc.). There is no historical record, which indicates that Muhammad (pbuh) or any of his companions ever sentenced anyone to death for apostasy. There was a case at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) where a man came to him in three consecutive days and told him that he wanted to apostate. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never took any action against him, and when the man finally left Madina, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never sent anyone to arrest him, let alone kill him. This is why some scholars distinguished between individual apostasy and apostasy which is accompanied by high treason. So, it cannot be confused with the freedom of conscience for every individual, which has been guaranteed in the Qur’an through hundreds of verses. For example, one version of a hadith narrated by `A’isha (RA) concerning apostasy relates to one who left his religion and fought against Muslims. Scholars argue that the death sentence is not for “simple apostasy” (mujarrad al-ridda), but for apostasy accompanied by treason and sedition, or by the abuse and slander (sabb) of the Noble Prophet. Freedom to convert to or from Islam Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” The Glorious Qur’an says, “Let there be no compulsion in the religion: Surely the Right Path is clearly distinct from the crooked path.” Al Baqarah, 2:256. “Those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe again, then disbelieve, and then increase in their disbelief - Allah will never forgive them nor guide them to the path.” Surah An-Nisa’, 4:137. For example, the Qur’an says: “Let him who wishes to believe, do so; and let him who wishes to disbelieve, do so.” (Al-Kahf: 29) The quotation from Surah An-Nisa’, 4:137, shown above, seems to imply that multiple, sequential apostasies are possible. That would not be possible if the person were executed after the first apostasy. From the above verses it can be argued that religious freedom and the absence of compulsion in religion requires that individuals be allowed adopt a religion or to convert to another religion without legal penalty. Hence the death penalty is not an appropriate response to apostasy. The former Chief Justice of Pakistan, SA Rahman, has written that there is no reference to the death penalty in any of the 20 instances of apostasy mentioned in the Qur’an. QUR’ANIC VIEWS The Qur’an has referred to the issue of apostasy at more than one place (for example see Al-Baqarah 2: 217, Al- Baqarah 2: 108, A?l Imra?n 3: 90, Al-Nisa? 4: 137 and Al-Nahl 16: 106). But at none of these places does the Qur’an mention the punishment of death for such people who change their religion. The Qur’an does mention that such people shall face a terrible punishment in the hereafter but no worldly punishment is mentioned at any of these instances in the Qur’an. This situation obviously raises a question mark in the mind of the reader that if Allah had wanted to give the punishment of an apostate a permanent position in the Shari`ah, the punishment should have been mentioned, at least at one of the above mentioned places. Furthermore, the Qur’an has strictly disallowed the imposition of the death penalty except in two specific cases. One of them is where the person is guilty of murdering another person and the other is where a person is guilty of creating unrest in the country (fasa’d fil-ardh) like being involved in activities that create unrest in a society, for example activities like terrorism etc. The Qur’an says: Whoever kills a person without his being guilty of murder or of creating unrest in the land, is as though he kills the whole of mankind. (Al-Ma?idah, 5: 32) Obviously, apostasy can neither be termed as “murder” nor “creating unrest in the land”. Thus, in view of the above facts, we are left with one option only. We can only say that either the hadith has been wrongly ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh), as it is clearly contradictory to the Qur’an and the Prophet could not have said anything contradictory to the Qur?an, or that the saying ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) relates not to all apostates but to a particular and specific people. Shaykh Subhani Shaykh Inayatullah Subhani (author of the Book Apostasy doesn’t carry death penalty in Islam) says that neither Islam forces any person to embrace Islam nor forces him/her to remain within its fold. He writes, “Apostasy has been mentioned several times in Qur’an, but it never talks of punishment for the crime in this world.” The learned scholar mentions three Ayaat (verses) from Qur’an on apostasy (Al- Baqara 217, Muhammad 25-27 and Al-Maida 54) and then says that none of these Ayaat prescribes any punishment for that though these Ayaat pass strictures on the people who commit it. There are several other Ayaat on the same issue and none of them prescribes either death penalty or any other punishment for apostasy in this world. Apostasy is mentioned repeatedly in Qur’an but no punishment is prescribed. Misinterpretation of the hadith, Man baddala Dinahu faqtuluh (kill him who changes his religion) has caused the problem. This order has been made to look general and permanent, though it was said in a particular circumstance for a particular group. Shaykh Subhani writes that this order was made to counter a plan prepared by Jews of Madinah. They had premeditated that some of them embrace Islam for some time and then return to their old religion. Then some other people do the same. It was aimed to create restiveness among Muslims against their own leadership so that the strong Muslim unity should start collapsing. It was made clear in Qur’an in (Aal Imran, 3: 72-73). To oppose this scheme the Prophet (SAW) ordered his companions to act in such a manner. Despite this order extensive investigations were made to determine that the case was true and the person concerned was given sufficient time to make clear before the sentence was carried out. Shaykh Subhani says lack of clear grasp of Qur’an misguided even leading Ulama. Otherwise it was not difficult to understand the hadith. Qur’anic teachings on the issue were not kept in mind. Like other scholars the learned Shaykh concludes that people who were awarded death penalty for reverting to other religions from Islam during the time of the Prophet (SAW) or during the reign of his caliphs were not given the punishment for the crime of apostasy but for the fact that they were at war with Muslims and the Islamic government. A number of Islamic scholars from past centuries, Ibrahim al-Naka’I, Sufyan al-Thawri, Shams al-Din al-Sarakhsi, Abul Walid al-Baji and Ibn Taymiyyah, have all held that apostasy is a serious sin, but not one that requires the death penalty. In modern times, Mahmud Shaltut, Sheikh of al-Azhar, and Dr Mohammed Sayed Tantawi have concurred. Dr. Syed is President of The Islamic Research Foundation International This article originally published in TAM in April of 2005 and republished now because of the current controversy in Afghanistan.
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Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by Nobody: 12:14pm On Dec 18, 2015 |
According to their Hadiths it's allowed only during Justice. But research proves, that even during compulsion, they use it as a strategy. Only that in most nations like nigeria, they haven't made it and won as a complete success. |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by Annunaki(m): 12:29pm On Dec 18, 2015 |
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Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by Naijacitizen(m): 9:41pm On Dec 18, 2015 |
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Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by true2god: 8:10am On Dec 19, 2015 |
Naijacitizen:
Sorry Mr. Annunaki, the verses were quoted in thelink you provide doesn't say or support the killing apostasy and the Hadith there were weak. Try harder before I quote your nemesis to come and annihilated you. You only claim an hadith is weak when\if it exposes the evil and dangers in islam, however this hadiths are what the saudi govt referenced when beheading islamic apostates. Are you more islamic than the saudis who brought islam to you? How can you muslims criminally classify hadith as strong and weak and at the same time refuse to burn\discard\destroy the supposedly weak hadith? Who are you muslims deceiving in this information age? 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by Naijacitizen(m): 11:45am On Dec 19, 2015 |
true2god: You only claim an hadith is weak when\if it exposes the evil and dangers in islam, however this hadiths are what the saudi govt referenced when beheading islamic apostates. Are you more islamic than the saudis who brought islam to you?
How can you muslims criminally classify hadith as strong and weak and at the same time refuse to burn\discard\destroy the supposedly weak hadith? Who are you muslims deceiving in this information age? Forget Muslim and concentrated on Islam. |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by true2god: 11:57am On Dec 19, 2015 |
Naijacitizen:
Forget Muslim and concentrated on Islam. Islam = quran + hadith + sunnah of the islamic prophet (notably by ibn ishaq and al-tabari). Is hadith no longer revelevant in islam? The hadith promotes and support the killing of apostates hence apostates are killed in both saudi arabia (the sunni leaders) and Iran (the shia leaders). Only the ahmadis (who muslims regard as fake) are against death for apostates and all the five schools of islamic theology are in agreement with killing of apostates. Go to saudi arabia and tell them that you have left islam for christianity and see how your head will be separated from your shoulder. 1 Like |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by tartar9(m): 1:39pm On Dec 19, 2015 |
Naijacitizen:
Sorry Mr. Annunaki, the verses were quoted in thelink you provide doesn't say or support the killing apostasy and the Hadith there were weak. Try harder before I quote your nemesis to come and annihilated you. no need quoting any hadith it has already been established in Shariah,the punishment for apostasy is death! |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by tartar9(m): 1:43pm On Dec 19, 2015 |
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Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by CoolUsername: 1:52pm On Dec 19, 2015 |
tartar9: no need quoting any hadith it has already been established in Shariah,the punishment for apostasy is death! Unexpected Jihad. |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by true2god: 2:01pm On Dec 19, 2015 |
tartar9: no need quoting any hadith it has already been established in Shariah,the punishment for apostasy is death! You are a good muslim for supporting the death of whoever leaves islam, just as ogboni people kill a renegade among them. You are one of the few islamists who tell the truth, occasionally, about some evil laws in islam. |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by Annunaki(m): 3:38pm On Dec 19, 2015 |
Naijacitizen:
Sorry Mr. Annunaki, the verses were quoted in thelink you provide doesn't say or support the killing apostasy and the Hadith there were weak. Try harder before I quote your nemesis to come and annihilated you. tartar9: no need quoting any hadith it has already been established in Shariah,the punishment for apostasy is death! @naijacitizen I hope you see what your more sincere muslim brother wrote here. There is no point in lying here to make islam look good. The evidence is overwhelming that death is the punishment for apotasy in islam except you want to prove to us that you know islam more than the top muslim arabic scholars in saudi arabia who included it as part of the sharia law. |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by tartar9(m): 9:21pm On Dec 19, 2015 |
Annunaki:
@naijacitizen I hope you see what your more sincere muslim brother wrote here. There is no point in lying here to make islam look good. The evidence is overwhelming that death is punishment for apotasy in islam except you want to prove to us that you know islam than the top muslim arabic scholars in saudi arabia who included it as part of the sharia law. however wrong he was,he was sincere unlike you. |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by Annunaki(m): 9:51pm On Dec 19, 2015 |
tartar9: however wrong he was,he was sincere unlike you. But you know that I am very sincere about exposing islam for the fraud that it is. |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by true2god: 5:34am On Dec 20, 2015 |
tartar9: however wrong he was,he was sincere unlike you. naijacitizen was not sincere, he was covering up for islam. Why do you remain a muslim knowing fully well that apostates are killed in muslim majority countries? |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by business4all: 7:37am On Dec 20, 2015 |
Naijacitizen:
Sorry Mr. Annunaki, the verses were quoted in thelink you provide doesn't say or support the killing apostasy and the Hadith there were weak. Try harder before I quote your nemesis to come and annihilated you. Who is an INFIDEL? This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry. "The man who walks with God always gets to his destination". If you still have a pulse, you have a divine purpose to accomplish. As it stands today, the Islamic religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States, especially amongst the minority races!! Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session, there was presentations by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim who each explained their beliefs. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic had to say. So, the Muslim gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Muslim and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?' There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!' I then responded. So, let me make sure I have this straight ie. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?' The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 'He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.' I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine the Pope can command all Catholics to kill those of your faith or in addition, Dr Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!' The Muslim was speechless! I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me too?' You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the naked truth about the evil in Muslims' beliefs. 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Is Killing An Apostate In Islam Law? by true2god: 8:45am On Dec 20, 2015 |
business4all:
Who is an INFIDEL? This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry. "The man who walks with God always gets to his destination". If you still have a pulse, you have a divine purpose to accomplish. As it stands today, the Islamic religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States, especially amongst the minority races!! Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session, there was presentations by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim who each explained their beliefs. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic had to say. So, the Muslim gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Muslim and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?' There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!' I then responded. So, let me make sure I have this straight ie. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?' The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 'He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.' I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine the Pope can command all Catholics to kill those of your faith or in addition, Dr Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!' The Muslim was speechless! I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me too?' You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the naked truth about the evil in Muslims' beliefs.
The imam must be a sincere imam. Most imams, especially the imams in europe and america, will lie about killing non-muslims or muslims apostates. The problem is not islam, the problem is the liberal western powers who give islam a religious status instead of calling it a death cult that should be declared illegal in any civilized world. 1 Like |