Murtad in Islam: Impact on Beliefs and Society

Introduction

In Islam, Murtad (apostasy) refers to someone who willingly leaves Islam after becoming a Muslim. This can occur through direct declaration or by engaging in actions or beliefs that are disobedient to the core principles of Islam.

The topic of Murtad is significant in Islamic teachings as it impacts the loyalty and sincerity of our faith. Islam emphasizes the importance of maintaining belief and following its principles. Understanding apostasy helps us recognize the seriousness of our faith and the consequences of leaving it. It underscores the importance of education and dialogue to strengthen and clarify our beliefs.

Murtad in the Quran

The Quran addresses the concept of apostasy (Murtad) in several verses, highlighting the seriousness of leaving the faith and the ensuing consequences. Here are a few key verses:

The Quran teaches that having true faith (iman) is very important. It warns against turning away from faith after believing in it. Those who do this may face divine judgment.

Types of Apostasy

The topic of apostasy is highly sensitive and controversial within Islam. There is a wide range of interpretations and applications of Islamic law (Sharia) regarding this issue. The following information is based on scholarly research and aims to provide an overview of different perspectives. Here are three types of Murtad in Islam;

• Verbal Apostasy: This occurs when a person clearly declares their rejection of Islam through spoken or written words. It can involve making statements that contradict the fundamental beliefs of Islam, such as the oneness of Allah (SWT) or the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUM).
• Behavioral Apostasy: Behavioral apostasy refers to the rejection of Islam’s core practices and prohibitions (Haram), indicating a rejection of the faith. This can include practicing other religions or openly committing acts that Islam clearly forbids.
• Ideological Apostasy: This involves adopting beliefs or philosophies that are inconsistent with Islamic teachings. It occurs when an individual starts promoting views that contradict or damage the fundamental principles of Islam.

Impact on the Faith of a Person and Community

The act of ideological apostasy can significantly impact an individual’s faith by challenging their beliefs and convictions. It may lead to questioning a person’s identity within the Muslim community and create social tensions or conflicts with family.

Causes and Manifestations of Murtad

It’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and understanding, here are some causes and manifestations of Murtad in Islam:

Causes of Murtad

1. Intellectual Dissatisfaction: Individuals may experience doubts or intellectual disagreements with the teachings or practices of their religion.
2. Social Pressures: Pressure from family, community, or society to conform to religious norms and beliefs can lead some individuals to proclaim faith while secretly rejecting it outwardly.
3. Personal Trauma: Negative experiences within religious communities or with religious figures can lead to a rejection of faith.
4. Search for Identity: Especially among young people, there might be a desire to explore different identities and belief systems, leading to a rejection of the religion they were born into.
5. Changes in Beliefs: Over time, individuals may evolve in their beliefs or adopt different philosophical or spiritual perspectives that are separate from their religious upbringing.

Manifestations of Apostasy

• Public Declaration: Public declaration of apostasy involves openly telling someone to leave Islam. This can take the form of written or spoken statements, often shared through traditional media, public speeches, or social media platforms.
• Private Rejection: Private rejection refers to the silent or hidden rejection of someone’s religious beliefs without making any public announcement. Individuals who privately reject their faith often do so to avoid conflict, maintain family relationships, or protect themselves from social and legal consequences.
• Acts Contradictory to Islam: Acts contradictory to Islam contain behaviors or practices that go against the core teachings and principles of the Islamic faith. This can include actions such as consuming alcohol, engaging in premarital or extramarital sexual relationships, abandoning religious duties like prayer and fasting, or publicly supporting ideas and values that Islam clearly forbids.

Punishment for Murtad According to the Different Schools of Thought

The punishment for apostasy has been a subject of significant debate and disagreement among Islamic scholars and jurists. While there is a general consensus on the seriousness of apostasy as a crime, the specific punishments vary across different Islamic schools of thought.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) said:

“The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: ‘Whoever changes his religion, kill him.'”

[Sunan an-Nasa’i 4059]

Hanafi School

Ruling: The Hanafi school distinguishes between male and female apostates;

• For a male apostate (Murtad) should be given a chance to repent and return to Islam. If he refuses to repent, the punishment is death.
• They do not execute a female apostate but imprison her until she returns to Islam or dies.

Repentance: The emphasis is on giving the apostate an opportunity to repent and revert to the faith before taking any corrective measures.

Maliki School

The Maliki school also prescribes the death penalty for apostasy but differs slightly in its procedural approach.

Ruling: Both male and female apostates must be given a chance to repent. If they continue in their apostasy, the death penalty will be applied.

The Maliki jurists stress the importance of judicial procedures and the need for proper evidence and witnesses before any punishment is carried out. The goal is to ensure that the decision is just and that the individual is fully aware of the gravity of their actions.

Shafi’i School

Ruling: The Shafi’i school maintains a strict stance on Murtad, defining the death penalty for both male and female apostates.

Repentence: Similar to other schools, the apostate is given an opportunity to repent and return to Islam. If repentance is not sincere, the punishment is undertaken.

Hanbali School

Ruling: The Hanbali school of thought, like the Shafi’i school, defines the death penalty for apostasy as applicable to individuals.

Repentance: They offer the Murtad the chance to repent and re-embrace Islam. If the Murtad refuses, they undertake the punishment.

The Hanbali jurists are known for their strict interpretation of Islamic law. They emphasize the importance of safeguarding the faith and community, viewing apostasy as a grave threat to the social and religious order.

Tawbah (repentance) is important in Islam as it allows individuals to seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness. It promotes self-reflection and personal growth. For more information, click here: Understanding the Concept of Tawbah.

Apostasy Rates in Islam

Quantitative data on apostasy rates among Muslims is light and often untrustworthy due to the sensitive nature of the topic and the potential consequences for those who leave Islam. Many countries where Islam is the dominant religion either do not collect or do not publish data on religious conversion, particularly apostasy. However, some studies and surveys in Western countries provide a peek into this phenomenon:

• United States: A study by Pew Research found that approximately 23% of individuals who were raised as Muslims no longer identify with the faith.
• Europe: Similar studies in Europe suggest small percentages, typically in single digits, of Muslims leaving the faith, with take across different countries based on the specific cultural and social dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Understanding apostasy (Murtad) in Islam is important because it helps us grasp how beliefs and religious laws have grown over time. Different periods and places within the Muslim world have seen apostasy differently.

Talking about this topic also promotes respectful conversations and deeper understanding. It’s essential to approach it with care, acknowledging that faith is a personal matter. Encouraging more study and discussion can help build respect and understanding among people of different faiths.

In short, studying apostasy in Islam helps us create a more understanding society. By exploring this issue, we can support a more understanding and informed dialogue about faith, belief, and human rights.