What happens to Muslims who leave Islam?

[August]

I've heard stories of bad things happening to Muslims who change religions, like the man in Afganistan who converted to Christianity being put on trial. So, what happens to Muslims who leave Islam, and what would you do if someone in your family stopped being a Muslim? I am not trying to promote criticizm of Islam, as Christianity has in the past persecuted many for their religious beliefs, and I know former Christians who's families no longer speak to them. What I'm trying to do is learn more about the Muslim attitude towards religious choices. Thanks.

 

[Woodrow]

In an Islamic Country, such as Afghanistan it must be remembered that Islam is part of every aspect of life. It is not just your religion it is your citizenship. To convert from Islam is treason to your country and can/will be treated as treason. It goes beyond the simple leaving a religion. Those laws do not apply to non-Muslims living in those countries.

In most of those countries where the penalties seem to be so harsh to a non-Muslim, it needs to be remembered that every citizen plays a very active role in the country. Treason is very dangerous to the country and can not be tolerated. Every country has severe punishments for those who commit treason.

In countries that are not Sharia, the law of the country will be followed. Such as here in America, converting may be seen as a bad thing, but it is not treason against America, so there is no criminal crime committed.

 

[August]

In an Islamic Country, such as Afghanistan it must be remembered that Islam is part of every aspect of life. It is not just your religion it is your citizenship. To convert from Islam is treason to your country and can/will be treated as treason. It goes beyond the simple leaving a religion. Those laws do not apply to non-Muslims living in those countries.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Quran say that there is no compulsion in religion?

 

[Woodrow]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Quran say that there is no compulsion in religion?

True there is no compulsion in Religion. however to live in a country you are required to uphold the laws of the country. Nobody would ever be forced to convert to Islam in an Islamic country. However, a Muslim is part of the government to some degree and to leave Islam is not just leaving the religion it is treason to the country. the man in Afghanistan would never had been tried if he had kept quiet or if he had left the country. It is not so much he could not convert, he could not keep his citizenship. So, he was in the country illegaly and was committing treason.

the final result of the trial was very lenient. He was acquitted and permitted to leave Afghanistan as a Non-Muslim.

 

[Nσσя'υℓ Jαииαн]

Perscution of a person is not allowed in Islam I think unless you become a threat to the people or the country as a whole.
About the man in Afghanistan, if I'm correct. He was a Christian for more than 16 years even before the Taliba. I'm pretty sure the Taliban knew he was Christian, so they woulda done this before hand. So you got to wonder what actually happened there that made them come to the decision. Also during the time of the Prophet(saw), people came to Islam and left and came back to it or left it again, but no one was persecuted.

Allahu Alam(Allah knows best).

 

[August]

It is not so much he could not convert, he could not keep his citizenship. So, he was in the country illegaly and was committing treason.

Firstly, couldn't that be seen as a form of compulsion? Might someone who doesn't really believe in Islam remain a Muslim so that they don't have to leave their family? And you said he couldn't keep his citizenship, are non-Muslims allowed to be citizens of majority Muslim countries? I had thought that they were.

 

[islamirama]

Leaving Islam is not only treason to the country but Islam and God. We know christianity came to replace Judaism and Islam came to replace christianity as the next message to the people. A Muslim knows and believes and tesitify that there is only One God with no partners and Muhammad is the last Messenger. Based on this testimony, he is a muslim. So when he goes against his own testimony and turns away from what is the truth then he has error. We humans have treasons laws that are punishable by death, be it the west or the east. So what about the Creator of this world? It is His earth you are living on and when you do treason against Him, what right do you have to live on His land?

Anyways, the punishment is administered by the Islamic state. And before it is done, the person is given 3 days to return to Islam. In that time frame he has access to Muslim scholars or people of knowledge to clear any misunderstandings he may have developed. After 3 days, if he is still defiant then the proper punishment is administered for his treason.

There is no compulsion in Islam, and this is true. No one is forced to convert to islam, if one is forced then their acceptance is not valid and they are free to go. So it applies to converting others to islam not muslims leaving Islam. And it is becuase of this (no compulsion) that a non-Muslim can live under Islamic rule and state without worry off bein forced to convert or be afraid of his life.

As for the Afghanistan guy, the converting to christianity was just a gig. He was just smart enough to figure out how to get out of that place where a war was being raged. Rather then being labeled a "terrorists suspect" or bombed as one of the civilians indiscriminately by the westerners, he played this card and had those very westerners give him free pass, all expeneses paid, relocation to one of their lands. Heck i could've played the same card to get out if I was in that situation and didn't want to be there.

As for those who leave islam in the absense of Islamic rule, like in the west, well the community does what they can to give him information to help clear any misconceptions he developed. If he is adamant abou this way then not much is done but to leave him. Some families still talk and keep ties while others disown and break all ties. I'm sure there's some christians and other faiths that do the same.

 

[Woodrow]

Firstly, couldn't that be seen as a form of compulsion? Might someone who doesn't really believe in Islam remain a Muslim so that they don't have to leave their family? And you said he couldn't keep his citizenship, are non-Muslims allowed to be citizens of majority Muslim countries? I had thought that they were.

I will go backwards. Yes non-Muslims can be and are citizens in Islamic Countries. The problem is when a Muslim converts to another religion. Being Muslim is not just a religion it is an entire way of life. It is our deen it is all that we do think or say.

To leave Islam in an Islamic country is the same thing as an American citizen denouncing his citizenship and embracing communism. that would not be seen and being very favorable, the punishments and or condemnation would depend on the severity of what a persons actions are.

Many things are permitted to be done to a Muslim who leaves Islam, but they are not required to be done, except when a persons own actions show the person to be a threat to national security.

I should add that to be in a Muslim country is the equivalent of being in a church or synagogue. the entire country is a Mosque. Would the pastor of a Baptist Church be allowed to remain living in the parsonage if he chose to leave Christianity and become a Wiccan? That is what is happening when a Muslim in an Islamic country chooses to leave Islam.

It is very difficult for a non-Muslim to understand the concept of Deen. It is very similar to being the baptized member of a church, except the church extends to the whole country.

If the Pope converted to Islam, do you think it would be right for him to continue living in Vatican City? In Islam each Muslim has the same authority as a Pope has in Catholicism. An Islamic Country is no different then being a large Vatican, except there is no separation of authority and each Muslim is equal to the rest. I hope my analogy makes sense. Astragfirullah

 

[Uthman]

There was a thread about apostasy in Islam here

 

[Nσσя'υℓ Jαииαн]

^^ I think that's a good analogy I've never thought of it that:thumbs_up
Anyway, what happened to my post? I made one before..:X

 

[August]

To leave Islam in an Islamic country is the same thing as an American citizen denouncing his citizenship and embracing communism. that would not be seen and being very favorable, the punishments and or condemnation would depend on the severity of what a persons actions are.

I see where you're coming from with this, but it doesn't quite work the way you said in regards to American citizens denouncing their country. I have had professors at my University who are American citizens and say that this country is evil. My English professor, born and raised in Alabama, said that America was the most evil country in the world. Nothing bad happened to any of those people, because they are granted the freedom of self-expression. They weren't asked to leave the country is what I'm saying. What I'm getting at is this, what happens in the future, if Muslims become a majority in a country where they are currently a minority, would that country keep its traditions of religious freedom?

 

[Woodrow]

I see where you're coming from with this, but it doesn't quite work the way you said in regards to American citizens denouncing their country. I have had professors at my University who are American citizens and say that this country is evil. My English professor, born and raised in Alabama, said that America was the most evil country in the world. Nothing bad happened to any of those people, because they are granted the freedom of self-expression. They weren't asked to leave the country is what I'm saying. What I'm getting at is this, what happens in the future, if Muslims become a majority in a country where they are currently a minority, would that country keep its traditions of religious freedom?

I'm an American Also. I do agree with your statement about freedom of speech. I was recalling back to the McCarthy era of the 50s. remember those where my high school years and the most impressionable on me. In my statement I should have said in most countries instead of America.
Freedom o self expression is a necessity when a society is diverse. However, under a homogeneous society, freedom of speech is a moot point as there is very little dissension.



One thing to remember Sharia Law only applies to Muslims. It can not be enforced on non-Muslims. For a country to have Sharia law and be a true Sharia country would be for 100% of the citizens to be Muslim. If that were to happen the people would demand Sharia law.

I see more of a possibility in America for Islamic communities to pass local Sharia ordinances. Very similar to the way some housing divisions today have a community board that enforces the standards upon the resident land owners. It would be acceptable to all Muslim residents, but I doubt many Non-Muslims would choose to move in.

 

[north_malaysian]

In Malaysia, Sharia Court could not impose death punishment.

Thus, when a person (who is a born Muslim) decides to leave Islam he/she has to apply to the Sharia Court in order to cease practicing Islam.

Usually these apostates have to undergo years of rehab in the Pusat Pemulihan Akidah (Faith Rehabilititation Centre)... before he/she could officially be a non-Muslim. Until today, i never heard of anyone became Non-Muslims after the rehab.

Because it's hard to be declared as Non Muslims, many go to Civil Court to obtain an order to be a Non Muslim, some just go to National Registration Department and change their religious status stated on their ID Card.

I think only 10% of the apostates managed to be declared leaving Islam officially (mostly converts who converting Islam because of marriage and decide to leave Islam after the failure of the marriage).

It's a very sensitive issue in Malaysia. But in the last 15 years more than 80,000 people converted Islam and the number leaving Islam is smaller...

 

[- Qatada -]

Hey.


I think its a part of christianity also:

Deuteronomy
Chapter 13
KJV

1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; 7 Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; 8 Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: 9 But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. 10 And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 11 And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.


​

I know you dont have the intention of attacking Islaam, but i just want to clarify that it's not only Islaam.


PS: You might also find this beneficial: Apostasy and the Freedom of Religion

 

[Nσσя'υℓ Jαииαн]

^^People seem to really overlook that and give some other pointless reasons. Doesn't matter what reason one gives, its still there.

 

[Muslim Woman]

I seek refuge in Allah (The One God) from the Satan (devil) the cursed, the rejected

With the name of ALLAH (swt) -The Bestower Of Unlimited Mercy, The Continously Merciful


Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh (May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you)


&&&

I've heard stories of bad things happening to Muslims who change religions, like the man in Afganistan who converted to Christianity being put on trial. ....

why bother aboout temporary reward/punishment ? the most imp matter is the life hereafter. So, it does not matter if bad or good things happened to those who left Islam or not .

As a Muslim , i believe , permanent hot seats are waiting for them if they don't repent & don't come back to the path of God.

To my knowledge , there is no death penalty if ex-Muslim does not do anything openly to harm other Muslims or bash Islam openly. As long as s/he is not harful for the society , there is no punishment .

I don't know what the Afghan man did openly & why after so many years ( as a sis pointed out that he left Islam long long ago ) , Taliban wanted to punish him .

In my country , Chrisitian missionaries are very active mainly in rural & hill districts . Surely many Muslims became Christians here. I read that many young men did that to get US , UK visa , many did that to get a good job , free med service etc , etc. I have not heard of any single punishment .

When people are poor & Govt can't help them , i guess , they must not punish them also as they are not doing any harmful things publicly.

we may pray for them that they will give much importance on the life hereafter & will come back to us

 

[Hemoo]

in Sahih Bukhary (also mentioned in Sahih Muslim):
Volumn 009, Book 083, Hadith Number 017.
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Narated By 'Abdullah : Allah's Apostle said, "The blood of a Muslim who confesses that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In Qisas (punishment) for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims."
-----------------------------------------

it is also important to say that this verdict only applies on the one who was a muslim before being an apostate.

but the non-muslim who never was a muslim and he is peacefull and do not attack the muslims, then it is prohibited to kill him as it is mentioned in this hadith in Sahih Bukhary:

Volumn 009, Book 083, Hadith Number 049.
-----------------------------------------
Narated By 'Abdullah bin 'Amr : The Prophet said, "Whoever killed a Mu'ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling)."

and i read a Fatwa for one scholar say the following :

"The kaafirs who are protected by sharee’ah (laws of islam) are of three types:
1 – Al-dhimmi. This is one with whom we have a contract or treaty of al-dhimmah (i.e., one who lives in a Muslim state)
2 – Al-mu’aahad. This is one with whose people we have a peace treaty.
2 – Al-musta’man. This is one who has entered the Muslim land and has been guaranteed safety, such as those who come to do business, to work, to visit relatives, and so on."

and here is a Fatwa from islamqa.com:

Why is the apostate to be executed in Islam?
http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=20327&ln=eng​

and for some details about apostacy rulings in islam​

Some of the rulings on apostasy and apostates
http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=14231&ln=eng



​

 

[Sunnih]

I've heard stories of bad things happening to Muslims who change religions, like the man in Afganistan who converted to Christianity being put on trial. So, what happens to Muslims who leave Islam, and what would you do if someone in your family stopped being a Muslim? I am not trying to promote criticizm of Islam, as Christianity has in the past persecuted many for their religious beliefs, and I know former Christians who's families no longer speak to them. What I'm trying to do is learn more about the Muslim attitude towards religious choices. Thanks.

Perhaps the reason is specified in Leviticus 24:16

16 anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death. The entire assembly must stone him. Whether an alien or native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.

 

[August]

Perhaps the reason is specified in Leviticus 24:16

16 anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death. The entire assembly must stone him. Whether an alien or native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.

This has been pointed out. However, it has been centuries since someone was forcibly evicted from a majority Christian country just for leaving Christianity.

 

[Woodrow]

This has been pointed out. However, it has been centuries since someone was forcibly evicted from a majority Christian country just for leaving Christianity.

Does that mean they have altered the teachings of Christianity?