APOSTASY IN ISLAM
The rules and regulations on apostasy in Islam is based on Al Quran, Al Hadeeth, AL Qiyas and Al Ijma (consensus of scholars).
Those who argue that apostasy is not illegal in Islam says that punishment for apostasy is not mentioned in the Quran. The QM/AH or Quran-Only sect goes a step further by misquoting and misinterpreting the Quran to support their argument.
For instance, in an article written by Farouk Peru, found at
http://peru.name/?p=51 , quotes, among others, the verse 10:100 from the Quran as the basis for allowing apostasy. In truth, the verse 10:100 has got nothing to do with apostasy as shown below:
010.100
YUSUFALI: No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand.
Anyone reading the verse can tell that the verse has nothing to do with allowing or disallowing apostasy.
Furthermore, if it is true that the Quran allows apostasy, why then does the Quran quotes the story of Jews being executed because of committing apostasy in 02:54?
002.054
YUSUFALI: And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
It’s weird for the Quran to allow apostasy, yet quotes incidences of execution for those whom had committed apostasy. But, somehow and someway the Anti Hadeeth managed to do it. Maybe they are a bunch of magicians.
For further explanation on the laws of apostasy in Islam, feel free to refer to, among others,
www.zaharudin.net , where explanation on the ruling is clear. He also addresses all the current understanding of the “nas” and what’s the best understanding for it. In short, when we refer to explanations from qualified people in Islam, we are not subjected to inconsistencies, confusions and contradictions. We save ourselves from being a (oxy)moron.
ONG KA TING STATEMENT
I do believe that Ong Ka Ting was justified in making the suggestion (
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/82201). It is a weakness on the Muslim part not to be able to guide new Muslims who converted to Islam via marriage. They simply made their spouse convert to Islam just for sake of marriage and then do not provide them with proper guidance and education on Islam.
However, I think compromising the laws itself is not the solution. There are numerous other steps that can be considered. Such as:
a. Religious authorities will have to ensure that all of the converts are aware of the apostasy laws. This is to ensure no one converting into Islam for the sake of marriage per say
b. Those intending to convert will have to be determined of their true intention of converting and not just for the sake of marriage alone
c. New converts will be tested and made to sign a declaration stating that they are fully aware of the apostasy laws in Islam
d. Families of the converts must be opened enough to accept their family member’s faith. They should not discriminate them just because they changed their religion.
There are other steps that we can think off. The above are just my suggestion. However, to flout with an existing system which is beyond doubt is not a solution and will result in more problems in the future.