‘Murtad “is an Islamic term derived from the Arabic language. It means a person who is a Muslim by birth and he leaves Islam or who leaves Islam after accepting Islam. In Islamic scriptures, it is called “irtidaad,” which denotes the process of turning away from religion. According to Islamic law (Sharia), the condition of being dead is considered serious, and different punishments or consequences have been prescribed for it in different Islamic schools of thought. However, the ways in which it is interpreted and applied in modern times may vary across countries and communities. Let us know about the punishment for “murtad” (person who leaves Islam) according to the Quran and Hadees.
The Punishment of Murtad in the Quran
The Quran does not explicitly mention any punishment (such as capital punishment) for Murtada. However, some verses are believed to be related to this subject. For example:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:217): This verse states that whoever abandons Islam, destroys his good deeds and will suffer loss in the Hereafter.
Surah An-Nisa (4:89): This verse refers to those who return to disbelief after faith. The Qur’an mainly focuses on the consequences after the doom, such as punishment in the Hereafter, not capital punishment in the world.
The Punishment of Murtad in the Hadith
More explicit references to the punishment for Murtad are found in the Hadith. Some of the famous Hadiths are:
Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 6922):
Narrated `Ikrima:
Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to Ali, and he burnt them. The news of this event reached Ibn Abbas, who said, “If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah’s Messenger forbade it, saying, ‘Do not punish anybody with Allah’s punishment (fire).’ I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah’s Messenger, ‘Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'”
. This hadith is considered by many Islamic scholars to be the basis for the death penalty for Murtada.
2. Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 6878):
Narrated `Abdullah:
Allah’s Messenger 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 for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims.”
Based on these hadiths, some scholars in traditional Islamic law (Sharia) considered the death penalty for Murtada to be appropriate, but certain conditions apply:
– Apostasy of a person must be voluntary and with full awareness.
– He should be given an opportunity to repent.
– This punishment is applied only under the Islamic regime, and not at the individual level.
In the modern context.
In today’s time, the implementation of Murtad’s sentence depends on Islamic countries and their laws. For example:
– In some countries (such as Saudi Arabia, Iran) the death penalty is possible under Sharia law.
– In other countries (such as Turkey, Indonesia) apostasy is considered a matter of personal freedom, and no legal punishment is imposed.
“Countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have seen a different kind of approach. For example, in Pakistan, being dead is considered very bad socially. A person who is declared dead may face social ostracism, separation from family, violence and sometimes even murder. In Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, the punishment for insulting the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is death or life imprisonment. Although this section does not explicitly address apostasy, in some cases apostasy can be seen as an insult against Islam. Apostasy (being mortified) can be construed as rebellion or insult against Islam in some fundamentalist interpretations, based on which it can be brought under Section 295-C.
There is no clear and specific law in the law of Bangladesh for “Murtad” (one who leaves Islam) which directly punishes apostasy. Bangladesh is a secular republic, whose constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but about 90% of its population is Muslim, and Islamic sentiments can influence social and legal affairs. In Bangladesh, Section 295-A of the Penal Code prescribes punishment for hurting or insulting religious sentiments. It can be a maximum of two years imprisonment, fine, or both. Apostasy can sometimes be interpreted as an insult against Islam, especially if a person publicly declares to leave Islam and presents it in a derogatory manner. Such cases can be prosecuted under Section 295-A. In some cases, apostasy can be combined with accusations of Tohin-e-Risalat, especially if the person makes derogatory statements against Islam. For example, bloggers or writers have been arrested for hurting religious sentiments, and some have even been killed and some expelled from the country, but these cases are more about freedom of expression than apostasy.
There is no specific law regarding the punishment of Murtad (those who leave Islam) in India, as India is a secular country and its constitution guarantees religious freedom. Under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, all citizens have the right to profess, practice and propagate the religion of their choice. Therefore, conversion (whether to leave Islam or any other religion) in India is not a criminal act, and there is no legal punishment prescribed for it. But even in a country like India, no one openly admits to being dead because it threatens them and their families with many kinds of harm. Such as fear of being ostracised from family and Muslim society, fear of children being prevented from getting married, death threats and attacks. This is why most people become socially obese.