Caution: If you want to know the whole truth, you have to study different opinions on the subject, for finding the truth is your own responsibility – Personally, I am in sync with Dr. Farooq. As time permits, we will present at least 3 different points of view, a liberal, conservative and and General view, which most people subscribe to.
Full article at: Apostasy. Freedom and Dawah: Full Disclosure in a Business-like Manner
Conclusion
Indeed the Qur’an specifies no punishment for apostasy. Hadith refers to only those cases that involved political treason, not apostasy. Also, these hadiths are not mutawatir and thus do not yield certainty of knowledge. In addition, there is no ijma or consensus on this. On the contrary, even some Classical jurists have rejected such punishment.
Of greater importance is the fact that the Qur’an is explicit and insistent about the freedom of faith for all. If Islam upholds the freedom of choice in faith and if “Let there be no compulsion in deen” means anything, then orthodox position on apostasy is unacceptable and unislamic. There is no ambiguity about it. In this world we make precious choices. Muslims should propagate their faith to the best of their ability: Islam in its essence represents the ultimate truth. Nonetheless we are also to respect each other’s right to choose in this world. Muslims’ responsibility is sincere and capable propagation. And most assuredly there is no provision for compulsion of faith in Islam – before embracing the faith or after.[1]
[1] Mohammad Omar Farooq. “Freedom and Choice: The First Order Condition of Islam,” Message International [July 2004].
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