Misconception: Apostasy in al-Islaam

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Dr. Saaleh Sindee [May Allaah Preserve him]

Teacher in the Islaamic University, al-Madeenah an-Nabawiyyah

Lecture given at Jaami’ Imaam Turkee, ar-Riyaadh

29/10/1434

Main points from the lecture:

-Al-Islaam promotes entering into it and not disbelieving in it. Regardless of our 

level acceptance or rejection, whether we believe in al-Islaam or reject the truth, regardless of the decision people make; Allaah will never be harmed or benefitted by the choice of His creation.

-The texts of al-Islaam and its scholars are all agreed that the apostate is commanded to repent and if they don’t, they are subject to capital punishment.

-Al-Islaam never tolerates apostasy and doesn’t allow for its followers to leave and practice what they please, as they please. It is has legislated the death penalty for a great reason and cause. It has been legislated to protect the rights of people, as a deterrence, to promote obedience and organization and to uphold community cohesion between the Muslims.

-The apostate is someone who has chosen to be a renegade and belied the spread of the truth in its totality. Either the apostate leaves al-Islaam because of the corrupt judgments he has within himself or doubts that may arise due to his lack of knowledge. Whatever the case, if he rejects a cure for such illnesses, he then becomes a thorn, harming the rest of the community on the path that they are treading on. As a result, he must be lifted and distanced from causing harm.

-If some of the world’s superpowers have laws obligating the death penalty for treason, then a religion that promotes holiness and truth is much more deserved to have such a legislation for the apostate. However, if we were to remove the death penalty for treason, this would indicate that being a traitor to the country is something to be taken lightly and that the value of the honour of the country isn’t worth preserving any more. Therefore, transgressing the honour and value of al-Islaam is from the greatest and most despicable crimes a person can ever commit.

-Some may be taken back by such a law, however al-Islaam in its overall message is more merciful than legislated laws governed by man. Al-Islaam seeks to protect the greater good for the whole community, so if there existed just one apostate in a given community, a renegade from the religion, it would be cause of harm for them all. However, before any penalty is placed on the apostate, he is encouraged to repent and his doubts are sought to be eradicated (so killing isn’t the goal or intent but is only a final resort, once all avenues are stressed in order to repel greater harm).

[Adapted Hudood al-Huriyyah al-‘Aamah wa al-Khaasah fee ash-Sharee’ah 49-50 mins]

Also see:
If God is So Merciful Why is There So Much Pain?

http://ahledhikr.blogspot.com/2014/03/if-god-is-so-merciful-why-is-there-so.html 

The Idea of 'Freedom of Religion or Belief' in Islaam (Part 1)

http://ahledhikr.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-idea-of-freedom-of-religion-or.html

'Freedom of Religion or Belief' in Islaam: A False Sense of Freedom (Part 2)

http://ahledhikr.blogspot.com/2014/10/freedom-of-religion-or-belief-in-islaam.html

The Idea of Freedom in ‘Aqeedah (Part 3)

http://ahledhikr.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-idea-of-freedom-in-aqeedah-part-3.html