Al Azhar Issues Death Fatwa for Apostates

So what is new?
Since the dawn of Islam apostasy (from Islam) = death.
All four schools of Fiqh agree on this.

The only thing that should be surprising is that "The Non-Muslims in the conference were absolutely shocked about these reactions."
Actually, no, it isn't surprising.
Most Westerners STILL know nothing about Islam -except that which is peddled by the taqqiyya spouting apologists.

jonc:

Most Westerners STILL know nothing about Islam -except that which is peddled by the taqqiyya spouting apologists.

I say:

You think that's bad. I attend a forum on the paranormal where one of the posters is an ex-muslim who converted to Christianity. He has no idea what his former religion teaches and he does not know about apostasy in Islam. Recently a Muslim just joined the forum and started a thread about how Islam has the answer in regards to Jinns and the ex-muslim stated the topic has ignited interest into his Muslim roots. Unfortunately I am in no position to warn this person because he believes Islam is the religion of peace and will most likely call me an Islamophobe. I hope he will act on his interest and do some research on Islam.

Marie and the rest of this fake organisation surely its time to quit its getting boring now we pretend to be ex muslims but are realy extreme hindus and use typical muslim names i dont think our fake org built on hate can survive much longer this evil cult where one pretends to be a muslim appostate its getting confusing how about we move on to pretending to be ex jews might be a bit more exciting

No this can't be right Izlam is supposed to be the religion of peace.

Oh, I am going to remember this Fatwa.

About an Egyptian Muslim who married a German Christian Woman, then decided to join Christianity. A Muslims asks Al Azhar what a good Islamic Reaction would be and they proclaim, he and his Children must be Islamic or else killed! Indeed the average Westerner does not know about this and reacts shocked or in disbelief, with the same old: "Yes, but other religions, other humans also do bad things". You are just being "Islamophobic".

But it is commonplace when Muslims marry Christian women that THE woman converts and no Westerners complain about that, let alone ask a Christian priest what the Christian reaction would be and of course the Christian reaction would be that she must be reconverted or die. That their children must be Christian or die (after puberty of course). (How about when the pope would say this?)

This sort of extreme arrogance of these Islamic religious leaders is justification enough for FFI and like websites, of trying to wean Muslims away from Islam with peaceful means, but with insults inside the criticisms. But its relevance gets even bigger if Muslims around the world do not even acknowledge that they are aware of a fatwa like this, of anti-apostate-behavior by so many Muslims, let alone protest against this flagrantly unfair unbalanced state of affairs between Islam and the other religions, first and foremost Christianity. So I hope FFI & allies carry on with their great mission.

Malaysia is slowly turning into this kind of state too. Recently they caught a model drinking beer and the males of this stupid religion has decided that she need public caning according to Mohamutt's law ( Alla Even)

Whereas the malay artistes in this country are having a field trip with drugs, orgies and sex scandals, the Mohammedan officials just close one eye because they are alot more scared of the Politicians than god.

There was some wise guy in this forum who held a very big (and many times boring too) claiming that there is no death penalty for leaving Islam , maybe we could find that in the archives, now what does this guy have to say ?

people who are most well versed in Islam themselves issue fatwas like this, and some guy who studies his religion nominally claim not so, who should we believe ?

rickishi

"There was some wise guy in this forum who held a very big (and many times boring too) claiming that there is no death penalty for leaving Islam , maybe we could find that in the archives, now what does this guy have to say ?"

You call that wise? Are you absolutely sure? This guy is suddenly not appearing anymore for quite some time, let alone this article.

"people who are most well versed in Islam themselves issue fatwas like this, and some guy who studies his religion nominally claim not so, who should we believe ?"

You should believe the one that consistent with history, reality, and lives in muslim world full of sharia law. Which one will you believe? a doctor who lives among doctors and obey doctoral rules and ethics or a student doctor who lives among ordinary people which doesn't have doctoral rules and ethics.

It should be noted (not that content will vary today) that the fatwa is from 1978.

Death for apostacy is documented and clear in the hadiths (authentic ones). The Quran I am in doubt about so can't say. I know 4:88-90 is cited but I can't say for sure if it actually applies to apostacy as I have not had the opportunity to study it in detail yet.

My attention was brought to an imam in europe who engaged in an online debate with a non-believer. The non-believer asked for the islamic verdict on apostacy.

The imam replied that a group of imams/scholars would approach the apostate, tell him about islam (dawah) and then a period of 3 days or so would be given for the apostate to repent. After the time was up, the apostate would be approach once again to see if he or she repents. The failure to repent would bring the a death sentence.

The european born and bread imam is still around. There appears to be a consensus that apostacy is a sin thus must be punished. The punishment may vary from death penalty to other physical punishment. I find it strange that people who convert to Islam are welcomed (paying little attention to the fact that many of these may be apostates to their original faith christianity, judaism or other) but when somebody leaves islam, they are treated with hate. This shouts double standards. Would one really prefer to have a muslim hypocrit believer who believes out of fear for his/her life as compared to a genuine believer who believes with their heart?

Makes no sense.

The most common explanation used is: "considering apostasy as an infraction and a potential threat to the stability and integrity of an Islamic state"

but if the same analogi is used in the non-muslim countries where islam may be viewed as threat against stability and basic human rights in society, racism will be shouted from the roof tops. So maybe a muslim society needs to be able to handle apostasy without punishment or else it is hypocritical and it proves that the general faith is so weak that it does not stand any opposition or abandon.

I include a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostasy_in_Islam

But beaware as always that wikipedia is edited by everybody so check up the sources yourself. Nevertheless you get a general idea of apostacy in Islam.

http://www.answering-islam.org/Silas/apostasy.htm

This article is informative as it also lists the various references. One can compare and study both for a full picture.

Here is a more conspiracy and uncritical explanation:

http://www.islamicperspectives.com/Apostasy1.htm

Notice the usual blame on jews and christians for everything that goes wrong for muslims.

A completely different approach:

http://apostasyandislam.blogspot.com/

Apostates however remain at threat and FFI proves that judging from the constant attacks and desire to have the site banned.

I feel both should be allowed to speak. The believing muslim and the apostate ex-muslim.

Apostasy and Islam: A commentary by a "former" apostate

1

The following was sent to us by a "revert" to Islam. It offers a logical insight to dealing with apostasy in light of the Holy Quran. Please note we are fully aware of the rulings of various states regarding apostasy and are also aware that treason which is a form of apostasy is punishable by death in the states of Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, and Louisiana. We also know this law existed in England only up until 1999.

Independent: Bush wants death for 'spy who offered secrets to Iraq'

A couple of weeks ago during question-answer session in our center, a member inquired about the punishment for apostasy in Islam. It is the prevalent belief among some Muslims (especially the isolated ones) that according to Shari'a, the apostate must be put to death.

I was once an apostate and openly declared I did not believe in Islam and rejected even the existence of God. Thank God! I was then living in a country where people did not execute apostates. I thank God for giving me a chance to repent and return to the fold of Islam. I, being an apostate once, became free from the cultural and ethnic Islam to study true Islam with an open mind. "Islamic scholars" and Imams do not anymore control my mind and beliefs unless their decrees (fatwas) are (1) in conformity with the Quran, (2) the hadith that they quote do not contradict the Quran.

I believe that many Muslims are reluctant to speak up because many "Islamic" cultures today encourage docility and teach to unquestioningly accept the decisions of "qualified" scholars. This is a new phenomenon; in the time of Muhammad (pbuh), ideas were only supported after they had been proven to be in harmony with the Quran. Scholars could not just pull rank, as they were expected to be able to argue their cases. In fact, in a famous incident of Islamic history, a humble woman of Medina publicly corrected the Caliph. One day, Hazrat Umar was announcing a change in the rule mahr, when the woman in the crowd suddenly stopped him in his track by loudly quoting a verse of the Quran which contradicted his proposal. He had to relent, saying, "The women of Medina know the Quran better than Umar." So, it is time for Muslims to question the imams and scholars if they deviate from the Quran and hadith that do not contradict the Quran. We must not only be satisfied by the answer of the scholars, but we must verify the source of their references. Remember, if Hazrath Umar can make a mistake, ordinary scholars and ordinary people like us also can make greater mistakes.

The Quran and the sayings of the Prophet require Muslims to think critically. Pagans are repeatedly berated for not questioning, for not using reason, even being compared to dumb animals on several occasions!

"When it is said unto them: 'Follow that which Allah has revealed:' they say: 'Nay! We shall follow the ways of our fathers.' What! Even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance?....Deaf, dumb, blind, therefore they have no sense." (2:170-171)

"He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book....." (3:7)

"Will they not then ponder on the Quran? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found herein much incongruity." (4:83)

So, the principle established here is that (1) Muslims are required to think critically and not blindly accept the authority of their scholars, and (2) that the clear message of the Quran is to be preferred to any isolated law interpretation which contradicts the Quran's clear spirit.

The Quran teaches that human beings are individually responsible. So, I believe that Allah would not forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment even if my sins were the result of following the advice of a certain Imam. I would not be able to hide behind any Imam or behind his fatwa even if coming from the most respected and revered Imam of any time. Therefore, views expressed here are my opinions based on the references given. I do not claim to be a scholar, but there are sometimes cases where the violation of the Quran is so self-evident that all Muslims can see them.

I believe that inhuman law of apostasy has nothing to do with Islam of the Prophet (s) and it is an interpolation into Islam by fanatics among us and the selfish rulers. There are many reasons for me to believe that execution for apostasy is a manufactured law rather than divine law.

The Prophet spent his entire life fighting in defence of fundamental human rights that everybody should be free to choose his religion; no one must be physically forced to change religion. The Prophet struggled with the Meccan establishment to have the freedom to invite non-believers to Islam. This was consistent with the practices of all other Prophets.

The Quran states:

"...There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is here forth distinct from error..." (2:256)

In the light of the above verse, a person has to be insane to belief that Islam prescribes execution for apostasy.

The Quran further states:

"Say (Muhammad it is) truth from Lord of all. Whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, Let him disbelieve." (18:29)

In no uncertain terms, Allah commands Prophet to allow people to believe and disbelieve. If the Shari'a recommends to kill an apostate, this law cannot be Islamic because it contradicts the above two verses.

The Quran further states:

"And so, O Prophet, exhort them, thy task is ONLY to exhort; thou canst NOT compel them to believe." (88:21-22)

"Thy duty is to make the message reach them; it is OUR PART to call them to account." (13:40)

"Call thou (all mankind) unto thy Sustainer's path with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in MOST KINDLY MANNER..." (16:125)

While the Quran commands the Prophet not to compel people to believe in Islam and invite people with the most kind manner and words, fanatics among us threaten people with death mercilessly to keep them in the Muslim Ummah as hypocrites as if the dishonest hypocrites are better than honest apostates. It is a most heinous crime against Islam and the Prophet (s) to manufacture an inhuman law of execution of apostate. If the Quranic verses tell the Prophet not to compel people to believe in Islam (88:22) and the responsibility to call disbelievers to account rests with God only (1:40), the law of execution of apostates is of human origin.

Initial reluctance of the people of Arabia to accept Islam disturbed Prophet. Then the following verse was revealed:

"And had your Lord willed, whoever in the earth would have believed all together, will you then coerce people to become believers? (10:99)

According to the above verse, even God will not coerce people to become Muslims or remain as Muslim once a person accepts Islam. So, Muslims must condemn the law of apostasy and save innocent Muslims becoming intolerant and violent by the heinous indoctrination by fanatics among us because Allah says:

"Who can be more wicked than the one who invent a lie against God,..." (6:93)

So, religious belief is a personal matter. It is God alone --not the state or religious authorities--who know what is in the heart of the people. If the highest human authority, Prophet (s), cannot call anyone to account for belief or disbelief, no sane person can believe that religious scholars and the state have the authority to execute people for their personal belief.

The Quran states:

"A section of the People of the Book say: 'Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers, Bur reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) turn back." (3:72)

The People of the Book mentioned in the verse are Jews of the Medina. These Jews used a tactic to create doubt among the Muslims in the hope that some of them might thereby be beguiled into repudiating Islam. How could it be possible for Jews to have enacted this plan to entice Muslims to believe one day and reject next, if death was the penalty for apostasy? The tactic of the People of the Book mentioned in this verse also exposes the un-Islamic apostasy law of the fanatics among us.

Abdullah b.Ubayy b.Salul was the leader of the munafiqun (hypocrites). But The Prophet took no action against him. Prophet prayed for him and stayed at the grave until he was buried. Those fanatics among us must explain the reason for Prophet not executing the known hypocrites like Abdullah b.Ubayy. Ubbay lived until death plotting to destroy Islam and Prophet knew it. He was not executed for apostasy. This suggests that apostasy law is not a divine law but interpolation by fanatics among us.

Another verse states:

"Those who believe, then reject Faith, then believe (again) and again reject Faith, go on increasing in Unbelief--God will not forgive them nor guide them on the Way." (4:137)

An apostate cannot enjoy the repeated luxury of believing and disbelieving if punishment is death. A dead man has no further chance of again believing and disbelieving. Furthermore, if taken at face value, this verse indicates that God will only withdraw His guidance after repeated rejections. It does not tell The Prophet to kill these apostate. So, what right do these religious authorities and Imams have to deprive a person of access to that divine guidance after the first?

The Quran states:

"How shall God guide those who reject faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the apostle was true and that clear signs had come unto them? But God guides not a people unjust. Of such the reward is that on them (rests) the curse of the God, of His Angels, and of all mankind;--In that will they dwell; nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be their lot;--except for those that repent (even) after that, make amends; For verily God is oft-forgiving, most merciful." (3:86-89)

It is obvious from the these verses that no punishment is to be inflicted by one man or another for apostasy. By no stretch of the imagination can the phrase, "curse of Allah," be interpreted to be a license to murder anyone who he considers to be an apostate. If any such commandment was prescribed it would have been clearly defined as all other punishments are in the Holy Quran.

The fact is that the Quran even mentions that apostates can be forgiven if they amend and repent. How could they repent if apostates are killed? By forced repentance? Then, does not Quran state that there is no compulsion in religion? The one verse that states that there is no compulsion in religion should be enough for a fair minded person to realize that Islam does not teach death to apostates.

Finally, can any one hadith suggesting to kill the apostate invalidate all the Qur'anic verses quoted earlier? We, Muslims, blame the West for anti-Muslim reporting. What do you expect from the West if we provide the sticks to beat us up? So, Muslim brothers and sisters, stand up for justice and against injustice. Will you object the persecution of the new Muslim convert for his apostasy by his erstwhile co-religionists? If we believe that it is injustice to kill a new Muslim by non-Muslims for his apostasy from his former faith, you must give the same just treatment to Muslims who become Christians, Jews and Atheists. Let Allah call to account those people who left Islam.

I, like many Muslims, am still bitter over smear jobs done on my religion by Western media over the Gulf war, and the Rushdie affair. So, the last thing that I want is to see Islam slandered all over again because of the barbaric and un-Islamic apostasy law. Ask yourselves: what kind of religion kills people for simple choice of faith, a change of heart? Not a religion of love and peace, not a religion worthy of respect! Perpetuation of the law to kill apostates can only increase or create doubts in the heart of the Muslims and potential Muslims, as people everywhere are already bombarded by negative images of Islam.

My message to those Muslims who, like me, yearn to see Islam grow in the West: Dawa will never be successful in the West as long as crazy nonsense of law of apostasy is unchallenged by Muslims. If Muhammed Ali, Cat Stevens, and Murad Hoffman were harassed by a reactionary Christian group, the Muslims will be up in arms! We must be consistent.

In closing, Islam is only vulnerable when Muslims abandon its clear teaching of reason, tolerance, and peace.

How about we leave the judgment of man up to God himself.

Man is a poor judge of others as walks in own hypocrisy as demonstrated in his utter evil upon fellow mankind using religion in his imposition over others through forced faith....Bad Fruit.

Who is man to be a judge of personality survival.

Any man that judges will be judged himself most severely.

Sevens

Re: akhter

You are neither a revert, nor a person who knows Islam properly. You are challenging the biggest Islamic Institution in the world. Apostasy is punishable in Islam. By virtue of your islamo-fascism, we, the non-muslims, have started reading Qu'ran and have found out why the muslims are pervert.

Qur'an (4:89) - "They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them"

Qur'an (9:11-12) - "But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then are they your brethren in religion. We detail Our revelations for a people who have knowledge. And if they break their pledges after their treaty (hath been made with you) and assail your religion, then fight the heads of disbelief - Lo! they have no binding oaths - in order that they may desist."

Bukhari (52:260) - "...The Prophet said, 'If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.' "

Bukhari (83:37) - "Allah's Apostle never killed anyone except in one of the following three situations: (1) A person who killed somebody unjustly, was killed (in Qisas,) (2) a married person who committed illegal sexual intercourse and (3) a man who fought against Allah and His Apostle and deserted Islam and became an apostate."

Bukhari (84:57) - "[In the words of] Allah's Apostle, 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"

Bukhari (89:271) - A man who embraces Islam, then reverts to Judaism is to be killed according to "the verdict of Allah and his apostle."

Bukhari (84:58) - "There was a fettered man beside Abu Muisa. Mu'adh asked, 'Who is this (man)?' Abu Muisa said, 'He was a Jew and became a Muslim and then reverted back to Judaism.' Then Abu Muisa requested Mu'adh to sit down but Mu'adh said, 'I will not sit down till he has been killed. This is the judgment of Allah and His Apostle (for such cases) and repeated it thrice.' Then Abu Musa ordered that the man be killed, and he was killed. Abu Musa added, 'Then we discussed the night prayers'"

Bukhari (84:64-65) - "Allah's Apostle: 'During the last days there will appear some young foolish people who will say the best words but their faith will not go beyond their throats (i.e. they will have no faith) and will go out from (leave) their religion as an arrow goes out of the game. So, wherever you find them, kill them, for whoever kills them shall have reward on the Day of Resurrection.'"

You are a dumbass and so is your religion.

RAJ - questions other's background and integrity. Raj is a hindu name, are you hindu? If so, what is
your current religion?

To various other Islamist appologists - Why do you lie about the Koran and what's written in it. Time after time people point out to you verses from the koran, where it states to kill the apostates and infidels. It is in your BLOODY book, haven't you read it? Maybe it's about time other religions start proclaiming that anyone who threatens to kill their followers, should destroy these heathens first! I am sure you cowards will go crying to the UN then.