Misconception:
Muslims Must Kill Apostates
The Truth
The Quran does not mandate a worldly punishment for apostasy (i.e. abandoning one’s religion); it leaves accountability to Allah
Explanation:
The Quran emphasizes freedom of belief:
- “There is no compulsion in religion...” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256)
- “Whoever wills – let him believe; and whoever wills – let him disbelieve.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:29)
Early Islamic rulings addressing apostasy were linked to acts of treason or rebellion, not personal belief. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized persuasion:
- “Whoever changes his religion, invite him back to the truth.” (Abu Dawood, Hadith 4359)
Explanation:
- In the Old Testament, apostasy was met with severe consequences, such as in Deuteronomy 13:6-10.
- Apostasy laws in Christian Europe during the medieval period often resulted in capital punishment for heresy or leaving the faith.
